Spending time together as a family helps children feel supported, builds their confidence, and boosts mental health. Whether it’s a short outing or a full-day event, weekend activities are a great way to bond, have fun, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Moreover, weekends often give families the best chance to slow down and connect. If you are looking for fun and meaningful things to do with your kids, this list of 17 ideas can help you get started.
17 Fun Weekend Activities to Try With Your Kids
You don’t need expensive outings to have fun. Some of the best activities only require time, attention, and a little creativity. Here are 17 weekend activities your kids will love:
- Go to the zoo
- Watch a Live Sports Game
- A trip to the Science Museum
- Family Meal Night
- Attend a Kid-Friendly Concert
- Just Play
- Go to the amusement park
- Beach Day
- Go Camping in Nature
- Take a Hike
- Board Games
- Barbecue Time
- Bowling Madness
- Have a Family Picnic
- Go to a Local Fair
- Cook a Meal Together
- Go on a Local Treasure Hunt
The zoo is a classic favourite. Going to the zoo helps your kids learn fun facts about animals. Moreover, when they visit feeding areas, they get to experience animals in their natural habitat. These encounters help strengthen your little one’s relationship with nature and its habitats. Don’t forget sunscreen, snacks, water, and comfy shoes.
Cheer for your local team at a sports game. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy any pre-game fun. You can even bond over memories from your favourite sport
Science museums are full of fun experiments and cool exhibits. Kids can explore space, animals, machines, and more. Take your child to a Science Museum where they will learn something new and interesting about the world around them, at every exhibit they stop at. For a truly immersive learning experience, you should catch an IMAX show on an important subject!
A great way to spend the weekend with the family, with the added benefit of a wonderful family bonding experience! Let everyone be involved in the preparation of the meal, whether it entails going to the supermarket to get groceries or simply baby helping mama cut the veggies for the family meal. Keep it interesting. Experiment with international cuisine to make family meal night even more special.
Take your child to a local concert or musical event. It could be a show in the park, a live performance with favourite musician, or even a school play. Bring quiet toys or snacks to keep them entertained during slow parts.
What better way to spend a weekend with the family than indulging in good old sporting fun? Whether it’s a game of tennis or cricket, you can be sure the entire family will be excited to showcase their sporting skills to get their ‘team’ to win. You can make this even more fun by calling in other people from the neighbourhood; the more the merrier, right?
Okay, perhaps not Disneyland every time you think of this one. A trip to any amusement park makes for fun family activities. Whether it’s an adrenaline rush from a Roller Coaster or a trip into a House of Horrors, there is something exciting for every member of the family. You might even enjoy the good old Carousel or Ferris Wheel. Just do your own thing!
Have a beach near you? A day at the beach is a great way to spend the weekend with the family, as it helps you bond with them in a way like no other. Enjoy building sand castles and collecting shells with your children. Oh, and lest we forget, there’s water to dip your knees in, too (if you’re not the more adventurous, swimmer type).
Plan a camping trip and let your kids explore the outdoors. Campsites often have trails, open space, and fun features. Pack a tent, sleeping bags, flashlights, and easy-to-make meals like s’mores or hot dogs. Bring games, bikes, or chalk to keep everyone entertained.
Visit a nearby trail or nature park. Ask your kids questions about what they see, or turn the walk into a scavenger hunt. Look for flowers, insects, or leaves to help them learn as they explore.
If you’re looking to spend the weekend with the family at home, here’s perhaps one of the best ways to do it. Take out those board games that have been gathering dust in the closet – games like Monopoly and Scrabble – and watch time fly by as you indulge in some good old board game fun!
Host a barbecue party, one of the perfect Sunday family activities, and spend the weekend with your family. If you don’t have a barbecue stove, you might wish to invest in a small one. Nothing too fancy; just one that does the trick succinctly well. Get all your family members involved in that ‘barbecue prep’ and look forward to a day well spent!
Weekend with the family and bowling? Things that complement each other as perfectly as bread and butter! The perfect way to indulge in some healthy competitive fun. You can ask the bowling alley attendants to supply bumpers for the lanes, so the ball doesn’t roll into the gutters when your little ones bowl. Or, you might just wish to throw more gutter balls yourself on purpose, to show your kids that ‘they’re’ the true champions!
Picnics are simple and affordable. Pack sandwiches, fruits, and water. Lay out a blanket at the park and bring a ball, kite, or jump rope for extra fun. Hand wipes are handy for cleaning up before and after.
Fairs are packed with fun activities, from rides and games to snacks and shows. Craft fairs, farmers markets, or multicultural food events let your kids explore new things while learning about local culture and art.
Pick a kid-friendly recipe and cook together. Kids can help with mixing, measuring, or decorating. Cooking teaches useful skills and is a great way to share stories and laughter.
Create a simple map or list of clues and go on a treasure hunt around your house, backyard, or neighbourhood. Hide small toys or treats and let your kids enjoy the thrill of discovery.
Make Every Weekend Count
Whether it’s a trip to the park or a quiet craft night at home, the best weekend activities help you grow closer as a family. Use these ideas to create joyful moments, encourage learning, and build lasting memories with your kids. Moreover, spending time with their family helps with child development. Check out our blog, Why Is Family Important In Child Development, for more information. Visit EuroKids Blogs for more information on your child’s health, learning, and development. Don’t forget to visit EuroKids Preschool for the first step in your child’s learning journey.