Free or Cheap Family Activities for a Fun Weekend

Weekends can sometimes feel like the final stretch of a marathon—except the finish line is full of laundry, errands, and trying to keep the kids entertained without dropping a fortune. But guess what? You don’t need to spend your life savings to make family memories that’ll last. Here are some of our favorite low-cost (and sometimes FREE) weekend activities that keep everyone smiling—and laughing at our slight misadventures.

Free Family Activities

1. Canal Hangouts in Summer (Because Why Not Be Fancy for Free?)
When the sun's out, you’ll find us lounging by the canal, pretending we’re in a romantic French movie. Okay, maybe not quite that fancy, but it’s a nice spot to just chill, watch the boats float by, and breathe in the fresh air. Sometimes, we even bring snacks, which usually end up being eaten within the first five minutes—because when kids are involved, it’s always a race to see who can devour their food first. The best part? Totally free, unless you count the inevitable sticky fingers from spilled juice.

2. Splash Pads and Park Walks (A.k.a. Getting Wet for Free)
There’s something magical about a park with a splash pad. Maybe it’s the way the kids’ faces light up when they see water spray in every direction, or maybe it’s the fact that no one cares about how wet they get. I mean, the more soaked, the better, right? Walking or biking to a park like this means we get exercise, fresh air, and I get to sit back and pretend I’m not secretly trying to stay dry while they definitely splash me on purpose. (Yes, they’ve caught on to my weaknesses.)

3. Ice Skating with a Book (Because Multitasking is Key)
In winter, we head to the local ice rink. My daughter gets to skate around, pretending she’s an Olympic figure skater (and occasionally doing a graceful faceplant in the process), while I sit at the café sipping something warm and—let’s be honest—reading a book that I’ll probably never finish. There’s something incredibly peaceful about the whole vibe. I get my book time, she gets her ice-skating fix, and we both get a moment to breathe and escape from the madness. Oh, and we always leave with at least one “oops” moment where I’ve forgotten to tie her skates properly. Parenting at its finest!

4. Weekly Library Visits (No, It’s Not Just About the Books)
Our Saturday routine involves a trip to the library, which also doubles as a mini-adventure. Before heading to swimming lessons, we stop by to check out whatever family activities are happening that week. It's like a surprise party every time we go—will it be crafts? Storytime? A scavenger hunt? Either way, it’s always free and guaranteed to keep the kids entertained. Bonus: I get to pick up a book that I promise I’ll read, but let’s be real, it’s mostly about catching up on the latest magazines in the waiting area.

5. Family Game Night (Because What’s Better Than Competitive Fun?)
Game night is sacred in our house. It’s not just about the game, but the laughs (and sometimes frustrations) that come with it. There’s something deeply bonding about watching your kids try to cheat at Uno, or pretending to be shocked when they win yet again at Monopoly, despite only half understanding the rules. We’ve also been known to paint, draw, or even attempt “DIY family Olympics,” which, if you haven’t tried, is basically just running around the living room like crazy people. It's simple, it’s free, and it’s probably the most competitive thing we do as a family.

6. Free Festivals in Summer (The Ultimate People-Watching Opportunity)
In summer, our town comes alive with free festivals, and we make sure to hit at least one a week. There’s always something happening—live music, food trucks (that we’ll stare at but never buy from because we’re saving our money for ice cream later), arts and crafts, and sometimes even spontaneous dance parties. The best part is seeing all kinds of people and wondering if we’ll run into someone we know—or if we'll become part of the "everyone knows everyone" gossip circle of our neighborhood. Either way, it’s always a great time.

7. Family Day at the Park (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Fun?)
One of our most memorable days was a Family Day event at a local park. We weren’t expecting much, but it turned out to be an amazing day of free activities—think face painting, games, and a totally impromptu dance-off between my daughter and some other kids (I may or may not have been the only parent who didn’t join in). This experience was proof that some of the best days don’t cost a thing. And hey, at least we all went home tired and happy, which is basically the dream, right?

Final Thoughts (Because The Best Part is the Memories)
It turns out, family time doesn’t need to come with a price tag attached. Whether we’re strolling by the canal, getting soaked at the splash pad, or battling it out in board games, we’re making memories that are priceless. It’s so easy to get caught up in the idea that fun has to come with a hefty price tag, but the truth is, some of the best moments happen when we least expect them—when we're simply present, laughing together, and soaking in the joy of being a family.

There’s something incredibly special about having a weekend packed with laughter and light-hearted moments. It’s not about how much we spend, but the connection we share. Whether it’s a spontaneous family dance-off or a visit to the library, these simple experiences help us reconnect, unwind, and just enjoy the simple pleasures of life. So here’s to more weekends that are filled with giggles, minor mishaps, and endless memories we’ll cherish forever. And, of course, let’s not forget—lots and lots of snacks to keep everyone fueled for the next adventure!

What’s your go-to family activity that won’t break the bank? I’d love to hear your ideas and add them to our weekend rotation. After all, the more the merrier when it comes to fun on a budget!

Love, Fabi