Over 30 Screen-Free & Budget-Friendly Ways to Beat Summer Boredom
If over screen free budget is on your radar, this short guide cuts through the noise. Here is what is worth knowing, and how to put it to work today.
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- Home > Tips > Crafts/DIY Over 30 Screen-Free & Budget-Friendly Ways to Beat Summer Boredom By Chelsey | Staff Writer Jun 15, 2026...
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Save your little ones from boredom with these fun activities for kids!
When the boredom hits, we know moms feel the pressure too 😩. That’s why we’ve put together a go-to list of low-effort, low-mess crafts and activities perfect for when you need to beat boredom or spend a little quality (or “mom”) time. These ideas are excellent for kids 10 & under, and numerous of them won’t cost you a thing! 🎉
Check out the best kids activities to try in 2026!
Shaving Cream Crafts:
1. Make simple 3-ingredient puffy paint.
You probably already have everything you need to create 3D puffy paint! Check out this video to see how!
2. Prefer to paint outside? This homemade puffy sidewalk paint is a cinch, too!
I don’t care how cool you think you are when there’s puffy paint, we’re ALL in. Get the DIY here on Hip2Save.
3. Create a sensory experience with pretend shaving cream ice cream.
Shaving cream and food coloring are all it takes to create this adorable toddler boredom buster. Use real ice cream accessories you already own or fun ice cream-themed sand toys like I used!
Target’s Bullseye’s Playground frequently has these fun food themed sets for $5 or LESS!
Outdoor Play:
4. A customizable obstacle course gets their bodies moving in a fun way!
Here’s just one obstacle course idea! Feel free to use any ‘theme’ you’d like!
5. Have you tried this with your magnetic tiles?
Now, why didn’t we think of this simple kids activity sooner? Mom can read a book, work outside, or simply relax while the kids play - no mess and minimal supervision!
6. Create a suncatcher.
We love affordable art activities for kids and this adorable craft is budget-friendly and so fun to do! Help your child create their own sun catcher using cardboard, cellophane, and Scotch tape. You can also attach your suncatcher to a dowel to create a wand!
7. Make these HUGE bubbles with just 3 ingredients.
Want Bubbles for DAYS?! Get the DIY here on Hip2Save. This affordable activity is always a hit!
8. Beat the heat with this TikTok-worthy hack.
Water fun doesn’t have to mean expensive slip n’ slides! This DIY pool noodle sprinkler went viral for a reason!
9. Plant a garden.
Grow your child’s gardening skills! Plant an indoor or outdoor garden together. This is a excellent way to teach your kiddo about science, nutrition, and agriculture! Try this DIY stacked herb garden for something fun and delicious!
10. Paint a shower curtain.
Looking for more fun art activities for kids? Purchase a affordable shower curtain at Dollar Tree and some paints. Hang the curtain outside on a fence or lay it flat on the ground. Then, let your kiddos have at it! They’ll create a one-of-a-kind piece or artwork that is functional too!
11. Turn rocks into works of art!
Take a walk outside and while you do, look for flat stones to create DIY kindness rocks or this adorable rock garden.
12. One of our top FREE outdoor activities for kids is to go geocaching.
Love the outdoors? Looking for a unique experience? Don’t want to spend money? If you’ve been searching for “outdoor activities near me,” then you should consider Geocaching! This real-world treasure hunt involves looking for hidden boxes (known as Geocaches) using your smartphone or GPS unit and then documenting your experience online.
Reinvent playtime:
13. Make a LEGO ‘projector’.
Got lots of LEGOs? This simple DIY requires no instructions; just build two sidebeams however you please and slide a piece of paper in between. Then, place a flashlight on one side, turn off the lights, and let the shadow puppet stories begin.
My kids & I have gotten creative and built theater ‘seats’ out of LEGOs for the minifigures to sit, made a theater entrance, popcorn, you name it, but all you really need is some imagination! This is a repeat activity for us and has been a HUGE hit for my kiddos from ages 3 years up to 9 years old. Can’t recommend this one enough! - Hip Sidekick, Chelsey
14. One of the timeless & fun indoor activities for kids is indoor bowling.
There’s no need for a bowling alley if you don’t have one nearby! A colorful bowling set like this one can be an affordable toy your child can play with again and again or you can try building one yourself with recycled bottles and cans!
Willing to leave the house? Register at Kids Bowl Free for up to two FREE games of bowling every day during the spring and summer!
15. Make table tents for indoor camping.
Grab a flashlight and let the kids build a cozy fort with blankets, books, and toys, perfect for hours of indoor fun while you enjoy a breather. A pop-up tent works too!
16. Build obstacle courses.
Time for a challenge! With little to no supervision, your kids will have a blast navigating their indoor or outdoor obstacle course. No string? Painter’s tape works excellent, too!
17. Make a DIY car track.
Ready, set, go! Making a race track is not only one of the fun indoor activities for kids, but it’s budget-friendly too! Consider using washi tape, magnetic tiles, or these FREE Picklebums printable roads.
18. Complete a scavenger hunt.
Print our free indoor scavenger hunt clue cards
This minimal supervision activity is quick and simple to set up. Simply hide the scavenger hunt clue cards. Your kids will solve the riddles to find out where to locate the next clue. They’ll be busy hunting down their next hint for as long as it takes! The more clues you have hidden, the longer they’ll stay occupied.
19. When it comes to fun activities for kids, you can’t go wrong with building toys!
Unlike a lot of one-and-done crafts, building toys are one of the indoor activities that can keep kids entertained for hours on end. These magnetic b
The bottom line: a little research on over screen free budget goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is one click away. Originally published at hip2save.com.Final Thoughts
Chelsey (Hip2Save Sidekick)
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