Things for Kids to Do in Most Communities

I have cared for young children in a wide variety of places in different countries from their homes and out in the community for over 15 years. I have found hidden gems that can provide things for kids to do that are many communities around the world. You might not have access to these ideas, but they may remind you of similar opportunities local to you.

Things for Kids to Do in Nature

You may have to search for public forests/woodlands and nature reserves or trails in your area. I know that I’ve missed some for a while before finding them.

Things for kids to do in nature can include climbing on logs, stumps and trees with sturdy low branches. Young children often love to collect sticks, leaves, flowers and stones too. Some enjoy watching bugs, birds and any wildlife they haven’t scared away.

I’ve found that bringing sand toys or reused containers and scoops can turn (out of the way) puddles, mud patches and stoney/gravel areas into focused sensory play for little ones. All-in-one waterproof suits and boots can come in very handy (I pull the pant legs over boots). Remember a change of outfit, including shoes and an extra coat if it's cold.

Older children might prefer to cycle nature trails with you. However, check the suitability and assess their abilities first. I would recommend ensuring that their helmets are tight enough to cover their foreheads in a crash. If cycle helmets aren't cool enough for your child to wear, maybe a crash style helmet would?

Things for Kids to Do in Safe Concrete Areas

Try to think of a large, safe concrete or tarmac public place, where there is no traffic. A similar space that occasionally has slow-moving vehicles can work as long as you and your children rush together each time. 

Why it is there, is going to vary from place to place. The surrounding areas of a sports stadium are where the photos were taken. Stores surround other options that we have used in outdoor malls, shopping centers and pedestrian areas of towns and cities.

The youngest kids might be happy climbing any steps, benches and running up and down slopes there are. The key to making the most of these spaces is to bring things for kids to do. Use what you have: bikes, scooters, roller states/blades, skateboards, push type walkers, and/or doll prams. Bringing balls and sidewalk chalk might not be appropriate. I’ve only done this in backyards, but you could bring a sealed container of water and clean decorating paintbrushes for little ones use on the ground (bring a plastic bag to bring the brushes home too).

Things for Kids to Do at Garden Stores/Nurseries

Things for Kids to Do at the Library

I think libraries are little gems that are often forgotten about these days. I have regularly taken many little ones to the local library and we actually spend the least time with the books. I’ve found toddlers love to explore the whole library, especially stairs, lifts, DVDs, swival chairs, and computers. Coloring sheets, crafts and toys can sometimes be included in the children’s section too. Check with your local library for any rhyme times, story times and craft sessions they might offer. Of course, checking out books is a great idea too.

Things for Kids to Do at Parks and Rec Grounds

There are other things for kids to do in parks apart from playgrounds. Parks can vary in their safety and what they offer. 

Basic sports equipment is often part of parks and recreational grounds. Just bringing a ball and whatever else you need and finding a spot is all you need to do. Sometimes courts need booking for a fee.

Outdoor exercise equipment can keep children engaged. They are not designed for them so your children may need help. Closely supervise your children and use the equipment at your own risk. No children have been harmed on exercise equipment with me.

Bringing things for kids to do, such as bikes, scooters, doll prams and push type walkers, can add fun to the pathways. Some parks have skate parks, which may or may not be suitable for children. Young children have been happy to sit and watch busy, advanced skate parks with me. Other stake parks have easy, quiet sections where even tiny kids can successfully use scooters and balance bikes.

I’ve found that sand toys can also be used with gravel, puddles and soil (in out of the way scrub patches).

Things for Kids to Do at Pet Stores

Young children enjoy big pet stores. You would think the cute pets would be the highlight, right? The reality is we have spent much more time down the dog toy aisle. They find the squeaker in as many dog toys as possible, while I clean up after them. The perk is that all the pet store staff I’ve met have been kind, chill and don't seem to mind. 

Things for Kids to Do with Ground Fountains/Splash Pads 

This seasonal activity may seem common sense, but still worth a mention. Children can be happy to run through and squash fountains coming from the ground and splash pads.

I’ve found that young children can be engaged for much longer with watering cans, water/sand toys, washed used containers and scoops, or even their cup/bottle and an empty wiped out snack container. 

Things for Kids to Do at Galleries, Museums and Historical Places

I realise that many communities aren’t lucky enough to have these. Maybe you could see if any are nearby enough for a day out? 

Some museums, galleries and historical attractions either provide or sell activity packs about the location to engage children during the visit. 

Any version of the classic game of “I spy with my little eye”, with tips of colors for the little ones and first letters for the rest, is helpful to keep children interested. 

Try to help your children relate to what they are seeing. Rushing through it and spending more time in the store or running around the grounds might be needed. 

If you have to travel a fair bit to any of these options, then these Travel Activities for young children could be helpful. They are also handy at restaurants, waiting for the doctor, getting their hair cut or wherever, really.