24 Best Free Places to Take Your Grandkids for a Day Out
As a grandparent, you love spending time with your grandkids and doing fun things. Still, it seems like everything costs money. Kids love going to the movies, going out to eat, and going to the trampoline park…but it all costs money. And it can get very expensive. They say the best things in life are free and with kids, this is especially true. Are you looking for some fun outings that won’t break the bank? Or even better, ones that won’t cost you any money at all? Here are some ideas for a fun, free day out with your grandkids!
The Park
This is a great place to take your grandchildren. Kids can enjoy plenty of wide-open spaces and run their energy off. You can pack a lunch and participate in some fun activities, like flying a kite, throwing a football, or kicking a ball around.
The Library
The library is full of fun things for kids. Brimming with books, movies, and music, it’s the perfect place to feed their creativity. You can settle in and read a few books together in the children’s area. Of course, libraries also offer children’s story hours and sometimes have classes and movie nights for kids. For example, some libraries in my area hold classes for aspiring magicians and an Anime & Manga club meeting. Check your local library and plan to have a fun-filled, memorable day!
The Playground
This is another great place to take kids for a day out. Kids will love going down the slides, climbing the jungle gyms, swinging on the swings, and spinning on the merry-go-round. Your grandkids may even meet some new friends to play with, too!
Volunteering
If you volunteer somewhere, take your grandkids with you. This will teach them about having empathy, working hard, and serving others. Talk to them about why you volunteer, what it means to you, and how it makes you feel happy and fulfilled. If you volunteer at an animal shelter, they’ll love interacting with all the animals. If you volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry, they’ll probably enjoy talking to people.
Shopping
You don’t always have to spend money when you go shopping, and this is an excellent lesson to teach your grandkids. Sometimes, it’s just nice to browse and look. You can also teach them about the perils of instant gratification. Of course, you may find some surprises along the way. For example, when I lived in Illinois, my favorite used bookstore would sometimes have a cart or several tables full of FREE books. This made my day as an adult, so I know it made a young bookworm’s day, too!
The Beach
Gather your beach supplies and hit the waves! If you live in a state that isn’t landlocked, you already know what a great FREE outing this is! There are a lot of things at the beach. Things like building sandcastles, finding seashells, counting the biggest waves, and—if you’re experienced—surfing.
An Outdoor Concert
Take your grandkids to an outdoor concert. See if there are any free concerts at your local park or other venue. Local performers often play at outdoor venues, in restaurants, and sometimes indoor venues, too. Every once in a while, a well-known artist may put on a free concert as well, so keep an eye out. A friend of mine recently got to see country artist Jo Dee Messina for free at her local fairground.
Farmers Market
The farmer’s market is a great place to take the grandkids. They can learn about different vegetables and how they are grown, and they can see them in their natural form compared to in a frozen bag or a can. Have them choose a vegetable or two to take home and try.
Craft Show
Take your grandkids to a craft show and talk to them about how people have unique talents and can make different things. Some people can knit warm hats and gloves, some people can create beautiful jewelry, and other people can craft amazing items out of wood. Make sure to encourage your grandkids in their talents. Maybe they can use their gifts to create something special, even if it isn’t a craft.
Sports Court
If you’re athletic, take the grandkids to the local sports court and play a few games of tennis, basketball, pickleball, volleyball, etc. Even if you aren’t athletic, you can get in some good exercise and quality time with your grandkids. It will be worth the soreness you might feel the next day!
Free Day at the Zoo
Look and see if your local zoo is having a free day. They seem to do this at least once a year in most places. The zoo is a great place to take kids to learn about new animals and see species they have never seen before. It’s educational and fun—a fantastic combination!
Movie in the Amphitheater
Some park districts have an outdoor movie in the amphitheater. Attendance is often free, so all you’ll need is a blanket or some lawn chairs, some snacks, and a drink. Much cheaper than the movie theater!
Free Classes
Look at the park district and see what kinds of kid-friendly classes they offer. You may find something your grandkids are interested in, like a class about different plants, trees, or bugs that are in your state. They can enjoy themselves, learn a lot, and maybe even make a friend or two along the way.
Free Tours
Look and see if any local businesses in your area offer free tours, like a bakery, ice cream shop, or candy store. Kids can learn how these yummy treats are made and maybe even receive a little something to take home or enjoy on-site.
Sledding in the Park
Find out where the best places in your area are to go sledding in the winter. Then, bundle up the kids and hit the hills. When you’re done, go home and have hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows or your grandchild’s favorite comfort food meal, like macaroni and cheese. A perfect end to a perfect day!
Children’s Museum
See if your local children’s museum is offering a free day! This is a great place to take kids because there are fun activities for ALL ages. You’ll have fun watching your grandkids play, learn, and have fun. Plus, you might even learn a little something, too!
Nature Preserves and State Parks
Check online to see if your local nature preserve or state park offers any educational classes, free tours, or hikes led by a park ranger. They may even have a small nature center or visitor center featuring plants and animals local to the area. Of course, you can always hike the trails or explore caves for free, too!
Go Bowling
In the summer, a program called Kids Bowl Free allows kids to bowl 2 free games a day at participating bowling alleys. Check out the program at www.kidsbowlfree.com and see if any bowling alleys in your area have it!
Botanical Garden
Look and see if your local botanical garden offers any free family events or self-guided tours. Kids will enjoy exploring and learning about plants and flowers. It’s a calm, relaxing environment that both you can the grandkids can enjoy.
National Food Days
Did you know that there are tons of national food days every year? National Doughnut Day. National Ice Cream Day. Chances are, someone is giving away a free item on that day. Do some online research to see which restaurants are giving what food and take your grandkids for something savory or yummy to eat. If you’re lucky, you may find two national food days on the same day and can go to one or two places.
Local Historical Landmarks
If your grandchild is a history buff, do some research on historical places in your area and take them for a visit. They’ll love looking through historic homes, old cemeteries, or even war battlegrounds. Another great idea for October is to research places that are known as being haunted in your area and see if they are holding tours of the home or grounds. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, you can still learn some fascinating local history!
Church Events
Many churches hold all kinds of events like free concerts, festivals, children’s activities, free movies, and more. It’s usually free to attend, and this is a great way to spend time with your grandchildren while helping to deepen their faith.
Local Theater
See if your local theater is putting on any free performances for kids. If they are into plays, theater, or acting, they will love going to a show. Who knows? You might even instill a lifelong love of musical theater in your kids!
The Movies
Sometimes, movie theaters will offer free movie days where you can take your kids. This is usually a summer thing. Research your local movie theaters online to see if any of them offer this. If the big chains in your area like AMC and Reynolds don’t offer free days, look and see if you have any locally owned theaters in your area and see if they offer free movie days.
Can You Think of MORE Free Places to Take Your Grandkids?
Let’s face it—life is expensive. Fortunately, there are a lot of free activities you can do with your grandkids to spend a day out together. Take some time and think about each of your grandkids’ interests. Then choose a few things from this list that they would enjoy. You can make plans to take them alone for some one-on-one time with you or take them in a group if they have similar interests. Either way, you’re bound to have a great day together without touching your bank account. This is a win-win for everyone!
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Originally published September 20, 2024
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