5 (Okay, 6) Fun Things to Do with Your Kids this Weekend

by Alexander Tidd

The weekend is here, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you’ve already played “I Spy” one too many times. Whether it’s sunny and warm or gray and soggy, every parent knows that having a plan—or at least a loose one—can make or break your Saturday.

We’re not promising total peace and quiet (this isn’t a fairy tale), but we are here to give you a few creative, seasonal, and totally do-able ideas to help you make the most of your weekend. From outdoor adventures to rainy-day lifesavers, here are five (plus a bonus) activities that’ll keep everyone engaged, giggling, and maybe even a little tired out by bedtime.

1. Backyard (or Park) Olympics
Best for: Sunny, energetic afternoons when nobody wants to nap.

You don’t need gold medals or high-end gear—just a bit of space and some creativity. Set up a “course” in the backyard or local park: think spoon egg races, hula hoop challenges, water balloon tosses, or crabwalk sprints. Let the kids make their own team names or design medals from cardboard and string.

This is one of those magical activities where toddlers, big kids, and even slightly reluctant adults can all get involved. Don’t be surprised if your seven-year-old turns into a referee and starts demanding a whistle.

Pro tip: Add in a silly event like “Dad Sprints in Flip Flops” to guarantee laughs.

2. DIY Pizza Night (with a Twist)
Best for: Evenings when the weather says “nope” and delivery feels boring.

There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own pizza—especially when the toppings are questionable and the dough is vaguely shaped like Florida. Let each kid design their own mini pizza with toppings from what you’ve got in the fridge. Pineapple and pickles? Sure. Only cheese on one side? Go wild.

Add a twist by giving the pizzas themes—“Space Pizza” with olive moons and pepperoni planets, or “Jungle Pizza” with green pepper vines and tomato jaguars (okay, fine, blobs). Kids love the creativity, and you get dinner made in the process. Wins all around.

3. Seasonal Scavenger Hunt
Best for: Morning strolls or lazy nature walks.

Whatever the weather, there’s always something to discover. In spring and summer, you’re looking for blooming flowers, weird bugs, squirrels, or bright-colored leaves. In fall, collect acorns, twigs, and anything vaguely pumpkin-adjacent. Winter? Spot birds, find interesting ice patterns, or search for the world’s tiniest snowman.

Make a quick checklist or let your child come up with the items. Bring along a bag or box to collect “treasures” (read: twigs and pebbles you’ll forget to empty for a week). It turns an ordinary walk into an epic adventure.

4. Living Room Theater Time
Best for: Rainy days, sick days, or when you’re running on fumes.

You don’t need a Broadway budget to put on a show—just a few blankets, some dress-up clothes, and a whole lot of dramatic flair. Encourage the kids to act out a favorite book, invent their own fairy tale, or re-enact a day in the life of “mean ol’ Mom.” (Prepare yourself for some unflattering impressions.)

Set up a “stage” with a sheet and a couple of chairs, and let them perform after dinner. Bonus: invite grandparents to watch via video chat for built-in applause.

Pro tip: Give them 30 minutes of rehearsal while you enjoy some coffee alone. That’s called strategy.

5. Visit a Local Farm, Garden, or Outdoor Market
Best for: Weekends when everyone needs fresh air and fewer screens.

This time of year, many farms and community gardens are open for visitors—and often have kid-friendly events. Some offer fruit picking, petting zoos, or pony rides, while others just give kids space to run and explore while parents sip something seasonal.

If you’re more city-bound, hit up a weekend market. Let your kids help pick out ingredients for lunch or a flower for the table. It’s a small way to make errands feel like an outing.

Pro tip: Letting them choose one snack or item gives them some ownership—and maybe buys you five minutes of peace.

BONUS: Blanket Fort & Movie Marathon
Best for: When your energy level is 1 out of 10 but you still want to feel like a “fun” parent.

Sometimes the best activity is one that requires almost no effort. Build a giant fort with every blanket in the house, add some flashlights, and pop popcorn in a mixing bowl. Pick a couple of family-friendly movies and turn it into a “cinema experience”—ticket stubs and all.

Add hot cocoa or sparkling water for a fancy touch. It’s cozy, cheap, and lets you be horizontal for a bit while still technically engaging.

The Weekend Doesn’t Have to Be Pinterest-Perfect

Listen, your weekend doesn’t need to be some photo-worthy extravaganza. Kids don’t remember whether your craft project had the right kind of googly eyes or if your scavenger hunt had a theme. What they remember is the time you spent together, the silly games you made up, and the way you laughed when the pizza turned out looking like a shoe.

So pick one idea, maybe two, and roll with it. Keep expectations low, snacks nearby, and remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.

And naps. Naps are always the goal.