Teaching Expertise

We all wish we could spend more time with our families, but with the hustle and bustle of work, school, and other obligations, quality time often gets pushed aside or rescheduled. Whether it’s just you, or your whole family, there are loads of free and fun things you can do on the weekends to squeeze in some precious family time. We’ve put together a list of 30 free or affordable weekend activities to get you started!

1. Go on a Scavenger Hunt in the Park

Try going on a scavenger hunt in the park or your backyard. This little egg carton scavenger hunt is a fun way to get the kids outside and have some educational fun. We even found a cute little Scavenger Hunt grid for the kids!

Learn More: Instagram & Teach Starter

2. Have a Family Movie Night

Don’t let the rainy weather spoil your fun. Spend those bad weather weekends with your family watching a favorite movie! Make some popcorn and pile up on the couch for some downtime.

Learn More: Live at West Fifth

3. Cook Dinner with Your Family

One of the best ways to spend time together is by cooking dinner. Get everyone involved in making a meal and then sit down and enjoy it together!

Learn More: UCANR

4. Take a Family Bike Ride

Take the kids on a bike ride to the park or around the neighborhood. This is a great way to get some exercise and spend time together! Bring plenty of water and snacks!

Learn More: Mom Steam

5. Go Mini-Golfing

Spending an afternoon at the mini-golf course is a fun and affordable weekend activity. There’s nothing better than some family-friendly competition that makes everyone smile.

Learn More: Smugglers Golf

6. Start a Kindness Rock Garden

Start a kindness rock trend in your neighborhood. Paint smooth stones with fun designs and hide them around your neighborhood. Anyone who finds one will have something bright and cheerful to make them smile.

Learn More: Teach Starter

7. Volunteer in the Community

Volunteering together at a local animal shelter or soup kitchen is an excellent way to spend time with family. Not only will you be helping others, but it’s also a great opportunity to create lasting memories.

Learn More: AARP

8. Visit the Library

The public library is great for spending a rainy weekend with your family. Most libraries are open on Saturdays and offer books, movies, and games that you can check out to share with each other.

Learn More: ALSC

9. Visit the Farmer’s Market

Farmers’ markets are a great place to spend a Saturday and get everyone involved in cooking. You can pick up fresh produce, eggs, and meat from local farmers and delicious baked goods from your favorite vendors.

Learn More: Kids Activities Blog

10. Have a Dance Party

Turn on some music and get dancing! At-home activities like these are the best ways to have fun without breaking the bank. Compile a family-friendly dance party playlist to help you get your groove on.

Learn More: Wondermom Wannabe

11. Bake Cookies

Baking cookies with your kids is a great way to spend quality time together. There are tons of recipes out there that are kid-friendly and easy enough for the whole family to enjoy. Baking is also an excellent opportunity to build fine motor, listening, and life skills.

Learn More: OT Mom Learning Activities

12. Go Window Shopping

A trip to the mall is both a free and fun activity. You can window shop, eat at your favorite restaurant, or just walk around and people-watch.

Learn More: E-Shopy

13. Visit the Local Zoo

Spending a day with your kids at the local zoo is fun. Many zoos are quite affordable and some even offer free or reduced memberships to teachers and their families.

Learn More: Zoo Atlanta

14. Check out History Museums or Art Galleries

Do some research and find out if there are any museums or art galleries near you that you can go to and explore. Some of them might even be free! A rainy weekend is a perfect time to hit the museums.

Learn More: To and Fro Fam

15. Board Game Night

Board game night is always a blast. With the variety of card games and board games out there,  there’s something for everyone! Choose a favorite game from childhood to share with the kids!

Learn More: Happy You, Happy Family

16. Have a Picnic in the Park

Picnics are great weekend activities, especially if you’re going to be in the park. Pack snacks and drinks, find a nice spot in the shade, and enjoy! Make your picnic more fun by adding some fun games while you’re there!

Learn More: Mom Junction

17. Start a Blog

Start a blog if you’re looking forward to a quiet weekend and love to write. Choose something interesting and use a free online platform to start a blog. It’s an easy and fun way to decompress and grow your writing skills.

Learn More: Jenny in Neverland

18. Take a Road Trip

A road trip doesn’t have to be a week-long trip. Load up the car and go on a road trip to somewhere nearby. Maybe there’s a museum or attraction you’ve had your eye on, and a quick trip gives you a nice change in routine.

Learn More: Road Trippers

19. Visit a Coffee Shop for Tasty Treats

Find a new coffee shop. The atmosphere is inviting, the smells are incredible, and you can catch up on those lesson plans while enjoying tasty beverages. Some coffee shops even offer social gatherings, clubs, and open mic nights. Bring your favorite book and read the day away!

Learn More: Clear Trip

20. Put Together a Jigsaw Puzzle

Putting together a jigsaw puzzle is fun for all ages. There are so many different puzzles available, ranging from simple ones for children to complex ones for adults. Taking the time to assemble a jigsaw puzzle can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Learn More: Crafting Cheerfully

21. Visit Garage Sales for Hidden Treasures

Garage sales are a great way to find hidden treasures and save money. Visiting garage sales is a fun and exciting way to spend a weekend morning. The thrill of searching for unique items at bargain prices makes it so enjoyable. And teachers, yard sales are the BEST places to find fun books and quirky additions to your classroom!

Learn More: BobVila

22. Spend Some Solo Time Listening to Podcasts

Listen to a few podcasts. Your smartphone is perfect for listening on the go, and you can learn about new topics while walking through your neighborhood or around town.

Learn More: Evergreen Podcasts

23. Head for the High School Football Game

High school football games are unlike any other type of sporting event. The smell of freshly cut grass, the roar of the crowd, the snacks, and even just watching your team fight their way to victory—it’s an experience that everyone can enjoy. Grab your foam fingers and go cheer them on!

Learn More: Sweety High

24. Tour a Winery & Attend a Wine-Tasting 

This one is just for the grown-ups, but visiting a local winery and sampling the different types is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Very often, wine tastings are absolutely free! Check their website for upcoming events, and ensure you have someone to drive you home!

Learn More: Georgia Winery 

25. Learn a New Skill in an Online Class

We all know teachers are lifelong learners, so use some downtime to learn a new skill. Find something completely unrelated to the classroom and dive in! Knitting, sculpting, and digital art are just a few topics for which you can find free courses on the Internet, and some of them even offer certificates for completion (a good addition to your resume).

Learn More: Well and Good

26. Go Through Your Closet & Donate to Charity

You have to admit, that pair of heels you bought your first year teaching…they haven’t been touched in years. And that stuffy suit you wore to your first interview, well, that’s been swapped in for teacher tees and jeans. Spend a little time this weekend going through your closet. Gather what you don’t need anymore, and donate it to charity.

Learn More: Utica OD

27. Take a Hike

Get outside and take a hike in the woods with your family. You could try out a nature trail or a National park in your area. This is a great way to enjoy nature, and you might even see some wildlife!

Learn More: Georgia Family Magazine

28. Create a Time Capsule

Time capsules are a fun way to commemorate important events in your life. They can be used to remember significant days, people, or events you want to remember later. Have your family help you bury it and set a date in the future to dig it up and look through your cherished memories.

Learn More: Lovely Lucky Life

29. Finish that DIY Project (or start a new one)

You know that bedroom needed painting over a year ago; take some time this weekend to wrap up that project. It’ll give you a sense of accomplishment, and you can include the whole family. Even kids can run a paint roller!

Learn More: Home Digest

30. Do a Fun Kitchen Science Experiment

There are loads of kitchen science experiments on the web that are perfect for a bit of family fun on the weekend. Take them outside to cut down on the mess, and have at it! We love the idea of a pumpkin volcano!

Learn More: Teach Starter