Great Big List of Free Activities for when You’re Stuck Indoors

Mar 15 | Frugal Living, Easy DIY, Grocery Saving Tips, Money Saving Tips

Here is a great list of free indoor activities and ideas that you can enjoy as a family or even virtually with others!

Throughout these strange and uncertain world events as of late, I have been collecting links to activities and helpful articles. In my online world, I am always amazed to see amazing humans step out and share their knowledge to try to make these, perhaps uncomfortable, days a bit easier. Life is so much better when we can learn to come together, even in unconventional ways. (Separately, in our own homes. LOL)

In these coming weeks, I would highly encourage you to set yourself up to create positive memories to strengthen your relationships. In times of crisis or upheaval, fear and anxiety really don't serve us well. Take the necessary precautions, find the happy moments, dream together and tell your family and friends how much you love and appreciate them.

With all that said, here is my list of free indoor activities and ideas that you can enjoy as a family or even virtually with others. Make a list of things you want to accomplish as a family or even some projects on your own.

Activities for Kids:

Educational:

For Everyone:

Many churches offer a livestream of their service. Try a local church or perhaps something else from around the world for some encouragement.

I'm also noticing many local stores offering free delivery. Take advantage of this and support your local small businesses!

During this time, food may also be at the forefront of many of our thoughts. Here is another list with helpful articles relating to feeding our families:

And because many of you might be finding yourself a work at home parent now, here are some resources for you:

If you have come across some great free activities or helpful links, please let me know and I'll get them added to the list!

No Sew Snowman Shirt

Nov 12 | Easy DIY, Holiday Crafts, Holidays

I have got the cutest DIY project for you today. It's festive, ridiculously easy to put together and the kids are sure to love it. A No Sew Snowman shirt! Look how amazing it is:

How fun would this shirt be to pull out of the Christmas boxes every year? I've got a shirt for my oldest, now I've got to make one for my youngest!

Here's how you can put together the No Sew Snowman Shirt:

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

snowman-tshirt-supplies

DIRECTIONS:

1. Begin by ironing out your shirt as well as the felt sheets. This step is optional, but it may help you apply your snowman face. If you choose to iron, just use a low heat and no steam.

2. Cut out the shapes you will need to create the snowman face. I cut out a large triangle for a nose using the orange felt. Then, I cut out a few large circles from the black fabric to use as the eyes and buttons. For the mouth, I cut out smaller but uniform black circles.

3. Add a small dab of fabric glue (it will help the felt adhere better than hot glue, plus it will keep the pieces together in the washing machine) to the back of the felt pieces. Assemble the face of your snowman. Press the two large circles for eyes first, then the carrot nose, then the coal mouth. Finish by adding a few large buttons under the mouth.

4. Hold the felt pieces in place until secure. Try hanging your shirt on a hanger so it has plenty of space to dry and not be bothered.

5. Once dry, your shirt can be worn and enjoyed! Wash on a gentle cycle and never machine dry. Turn inside out before washing and your shirt should last for seasons to come!

A Homemade Christmas Gift: No Sew Dish Towel Apron

Nov 4 | Easy DIY, Holiday Crafts, Holidays, Homemade Christmas Gifts

Here's how to create a No Sew Dish Towel Apron that any chef would love to receive!

Today’s homemade gift idea can’t get much simpler. So, I happen to think it would make a perfect last-minute gift!  Simply head to your nearest dollar store, pick up a fancy dish towel and some ribbon and get started!

Here’s how to create a No Sew Dish Towel Apron that any chef would love to receive:

DIY No Sew Dish Towel Apron

Supplies needed:

Directions:

  1. Begin by folding your towel into the size of apron you want. You can fold it down to about 8 inches by 8 inches square for a child, or simply fold the towel in half for an adult. If you wish for a longer apron, manipulate the fabric to get the shape you wish. For the sample you see here, I folded the towel once in half, then folded each end in about 2 inches.
  2. Apply a strip of iron on fabric tape OR fabric adhesive to the inside of your folded seams. Press and iron the towel if needed. The idea is to use the tape or adhesive to secure the shape of the towel.
  3. Apply a length of adhesive tape or glue to the top of your towel. Press the length of ribbon into it. Press and iron if needed. The ribbon should now be adhered to the towel, leaving you two lengths on each side for tying.
  4. Once your adhesive is dry or ironed in place, your towel can be used. Simply use the excess ribbon as ties, tying them behind your back to hold the apron in place.no sew dish towel apron 2

50 Fun Activities for Kids this Summer

Jun 10 | Easy DIY, Frugal Living

activities for kids

Summer vacation doesn't have to equal boredom. Here are 50+ activities for kids this summer.

50+ Fun Activities for Kids

Summer vacation is almost here, and if you’re searching for free summer activities for kids, cheap things to do in summer, or easy summer bucket list ideas, you’re in the right place. Keeping kids entertained all summer doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. There are so many fun, budget-friendly ways to fill your days with memories instead of stress. From outdoor summer activities for kids to creative at-home ideas and simple family-friendly adventures, this list is packed with inspiration to help you enjoy a fun, affordable, and memorable summer.

Fun Activities for Kids

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

Most of the ideas are free or nearly free!

Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids

  • Run through the sprinklers
  • Have a picnic in the park
  • Backyard camping
  • Outdoor movie nights (or create your own if there isn’t a free one nearby)
  • Go on a hike
  • Go for a bike ride
  • Go fly a kite
  • Have a slip and slide day
  • Stargaze
  • Collect bugs
  • Feed the ducks
  • Attend free concerts in the park
  • Wake up early to watch the sunrise
  • Try geocaching
  • Visit a local farm
  • Go fishing
  • Take a walking tour of your town
  • Learn to skip rocks
  • Make s’mores
  • Play tennis
  • Visit the swimming pool
  • Go on a nature walk
  • Visit the zoo
  • Wash the car(s)

Creative & Craft Activities for Kids

  • Make giant bubbles
  • Create your own treasure hunt
  • Have a sidewalk chalk contest
  • Create your own puppet show
  • Tie dye shirts
  • Paint rocks
  • Have a craft day
  • Start a journal
  • Do face painting with the neighbor kids
  • Bake and decorate cookies
  • Make and decorate paper mâché masks
  • Finger paint
  • Create a vegetable garden (I loved having my own corner of my Mom's garden to grow my own things!)
  • Write to a pen pal

Rainy Day & Indoor Activities for Kids

Free & Budget-Friendly Summer Ideas

  • Attend free concerts in the park
  • Feed the ducks
  • Go on a walking tour of your town
  • Visit local parks and trails
  • Stargazing nights
  • Sunrise watching
  • Backyard camping
  • Nature walks

Summer doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. With a little creativity and a mix of outdoor adventures, simple at-home fun, and community activities, you can fill the summer months with meaningful moments the whole family will enjoy. Whether you try a few ideas or work your way through the whole list, the goal is the same: less stress, more connection, and plenty of summer memories made right where you are.

What do your kids like to do?  What are your favourite boredom busting ideas?

activities for kids

Twizz The Season Treat Bags + Printable

Dec 21 | Holidays, Easy DIY, Holiday Crafts, Homemade Christmas Gifts

“Twizz the Season” Treat Bags

I have got the cutest, last minute gift idea for you! Kids young and old will love this under the tree or in their stockings! Since I supply the printable tags for free, this will be a really budget friendly and quick idea to put together. Especially if you pick up your supplies at the dollar store!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Using scissors or a knife, carefully cut the Twizzlers candy so that the pieces fit easily into your clear treat bags with some empty room at the top.
  2. Fill the treat bags with some of the Twizzler pieces.
  3. Fold the top of each treat bag over a bit, and staple it closed.
  4. Cut out the “Twizz the Season” printable gift tag.
  5. Line the tag up on the top of the front of each bag, and staple it on in each corner.
Here is the cutest, last minute gift idea for you! Kids young and old will love this under the tree or in their stockings!

Related holiday gift ideas:

Christmas Tree Bath Bombs

Nov 20 | Easy DIY, Holiday Crafts, Holidays, Homemade Christmas Gifts

Homemade Christmas Tree Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are easy to make and are always well received as gifts. They’re made of ingredients that will make your bath water fizz and smell delicious by releasing essential oils. These Christmas Tree bath bombs can be made in just a few minutes, even by beginners! They’re also the perfect size for putting into organza bags to give as gifts over the holidays.

Bath Bomb Ingredients:

Bath Bomb Directions:

  1. Combine the baking soda and citric acid.
  2. Add in the coconut oil and then the water a little bit at a time and combine to mix using your hands. You want it slightly dense but not soaked through.
  3. Add in several drops of green food coloring and use your hand to thoroughly mix.
  4. Spoon the mixture into the Christmas Tree mold filling each cavity about halfway. Use your fingers to press down.
  5. Spoon the remaining mixture evenly into the cavities and continue to press down.
  6. Set the Christmas Tree bath bombs in a cool/dry spot for 24 hours to allow them to set.

*Makes 6 Christmas Tree Bath Bombs

To use them, just drop a bath bomb into your warm bath water. Watch as it fizzes and dissolves before your eyes while releasing the essential oil.

These Christmas Tree bath bombs can be made in just a few minutes even by beginners and deliciously scented! #bathbombs #diybeauty

Other Easy DIY’s: