Free family fun 

Need ideas for free activities for kids? We have plenty of inspiration for fun things that won't cost you a penny. Whether it's keeping them entertained indoors, or taking them on a cost-free day out locally, you're sure to find something to do without breaking the bank. 

Rainy day activities 35 brilliant boredom-busting activities for all the family (mums included!) to enjoy.

Easy card games for kidsSimple games for all the family to play together. All you need is a deck of cards...

 

Arts and crafts 

Whether you're an arts and craft pro or come out in a rash at the site of glitter and glue, we've got heaps of inspiration and how-tos for you here. From pictures to colour in to toy basket ideas for babies, we've got something for every age and stage. 

Simple playdough recipe Make playdough at home the easy way with this tried, trusted, no-fuss recipe.

DIY treasure baskets9 fun ideas for sensory treasure baskets you can easily put together for your baby.

Paper mache bowls how-toAn easy, messy play craft for when you want to while away longer than just five minutes.

 

Fun at home

Tired of hearing 'I'm bored'? We have plenty of inspiration for stimulating play for children at home. From messy play to dressing-up ideas, playing at home is definitely the new playing out! Tell them Netmums said so...

World Book Day costumes100s of mostly no-sew ideas for all your children's favourite book characters.

Dressing up ideasSimple solutions and ideas to help solve all your family's costume dramas.

Messy play ideasAll the inspiration you need for kids who like to get their hands (and everything else!) dirty.

NEW Playtime and discovery

Children learn their best through play. It enables them to discover the world around them and to be creative, all while having a lot of fun. Take a look at these ideas of how you can help nurture their playfulness so that they can learn new things without even realising it. 

Junk modelling ideasCardboard and cartons get a whole new life with these ideas to create any number of mini masterpieces.

Top painting ideasHelp your children to discover their inner Van Gogh with these painting ideas and techniques.

Fun at homeKeep your children busy and stimulated without even leaving the house (or turning on the TV!). 

 

Outdoor fun

Getting outside with the kids is the perfect way to keep them occupied (and, whisper it, save you from having to tidy up later!). Whether you have your own garden or are planning on taking advantage of your local park, here's all the inspo you need for some serious whatever-the-weather outdoor fun.

Gardening with childrenIdeas to help you and your kids get the most from your garden - from butterflies to beekeeping!.

Outdoor games for older kidsLots of inspiration to encourage older kids to run around outdoors here!

Garden gamesSimple solutions for keeping the kids occupied outside - whatever their age. 

More ideas for outdoor fun

Local activities

Find more child-friendly activities in your area with Netmums. Whether you're looking for parent and toddler groups, baby classes, after-school activities for school-age children or even somewhere to eat out close to home that's sure to be child-friendly - it's all here!

Parent & toddler groups Looking for something to do with your toddler? Look no further. Listings here!

Baby & preschool classesWould your little one enjoy an art class, or have fun in a music group? Find one here.

After-school activitiesFind local listings of evertying from Cubs or Brownies, to music lessons.

 

Netmums reviews

Shopping for kids parties, arts and crafts paraphernalia or even books can be overwhelming. Let Netmums Reviews point you in the right direction and help you make the best choice for your child - and your purse!

Classic children's booksSome stories are timeless. This selection of children's classics are winners every time.

Kids' party survival checklist Planning your child's first birthday party? Read these eight steps to success.

Party themes for your babyFrom dinosaurs to princesses, be inspired by these gorgeous picture-perfect party themes.

 

Chat about activities

The best source of inspiration when it comes to ideas for kids activities is... other parents. Find out what other mums and dads suggest when it comes to thinking up activities for children in our Coffeehouse forum. 

Age-appropriate toys Which toys and activities are suitable for babies of 18 months? 

Activities for one-year-olds? How to entertain one-year-olds - mums and childminders chat about fun activities.

Holiday activitiesNeed advice on how to keep your school-age kids occupied in the holidays? It's here!