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Things To Do With Kids · UK Parents

Things to Do With Kids, without the faff

No expensive kits, no hour-long prep, no Pinterest-perfect results required. Just practical, tried-and-tested ideas for keeping children entertained, engaged, and enjoying everyday family life across the UK.

By age

Find ideas for your child’s age

0–12 months through to 5+ — jump straight to ideas that fit where they are right now.

Pick an age → Stuck inside?

The rainy day bank

Reliable go-tos for indoor days — dens, dough, and ten quiet minutes.

Browse ideas → Quiet time

Ace Storytime videos

Calm read-aloud stories for bedtime routines or five minutes of peace.

Watch now → Local hub

Events & days out near you

Playgroups, courses and family events shared by UK families.

See what’s on →
browse by age

Find ideas for your child’s age

Jump straight to activity ideas suited to where your child is right now.

0–12 months

Baby sensory play & tummy time

Textures, sounds and gentle movement for the youngest babies.

Explore baby activities →
1–3 years

Toddler activities & messy play

Sensory bins, water play and stacking for busy little ones.

Explore toddler activities →
3–5 years

Preschool & early years

Outdoor maths, early writing games and creative projects.

Explore preschool activities →
5+ years

Creative & independent play

Crafts and rainy-day ideas that hold their attention.

Explore activities for older kids →
start here

Not sure where to start?

These are the two areas UK parents ask us about most. Pick the one that matches your week.

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Explore Toddler Activities →

Toddler Activities

Simple, engaging ideas designed for younger children aged 1–3 — focusing on play, short attention spans, and everyday moments at home and outdoors.

  • Easy activities at home with no prep
  • Sensory and messy play ideas
  • Garden and outdoor play for toddlers
  • Low-prep creative activities
  • Outdoor maths and early years learning

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Explore Activities For Older Children →

Activities for Older Children

Creative and engaging ideas to keep children aged 5+ entertained, learning, and active — indoors, outdoors, and everything in between.

  • Creative and craft activity ideas
  • Learning through play
  • Independent activities for when you need five minutes
  • Outdoor and nature-based activities
  • Rainy day ideas that actually work
ace readers storytime

Read-aloud stories for kids

Something calm and easy to put on — for quiet time, bedtime routines, or five minutes of peace. Tap any video to watch on YouTube.

Watch on YouTube Submit your book
Learning

Mel the Snail’s Writing Trail

Watch On YouTube →
Identity

Some Brothers & Some Sisters

Watch On YouTube →
local hub

Family events & days out near you

Child-friendly events, classes and groups shared by UK families — from playgroups to parent wellbeing courses.

Sheffield

Mamas of Sheff

Every Two Weeks

We host brunch clubs every two weeks where mums can meet for a relaxed coffee and chat with other mums. We also host special monthly events!

Find Out More →
Across The Uk

The Baby Fayre

Multiple dates & locations

The BIG event with small, local businesses for new and expectant parents and those with young families

Find Out More →
Milton Keynes

Mum2Mum Market Milton Keynes

Multiple dates throughout the year

Preloved Baby, Children’s & Maternity Markets (0-6). Parents selling to parents ♻️

Find Out More →

Got an event, class or group?

List it in our local hub for free — it takes two minutes.

View the full local events hub →
most read

Popular things to do with kids

Simple, tried-and-tested ideas that parents come back to again and again.

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Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Questions UK parents ask us most often about keeping kids entertained — answered simply.

Sensory play with things you already have — dried pasta, water, sand, play dough — keeps toddlers engaged for surprisingly long stretches. Chunky-crayon mark-making, stacking and sorting household objects, or a tray of shaving foam are all low-effort, high-engagement options. See our toddler activities section for ideas broken down by what you have at home.

For toddlers and preschoolers: play dough, finger painting, cardboard box dens, or a treasure hunt around the house. For older children: crafting, baking together, a board game, or a mini obstacle course in the living room. Having two or three reliable go-tos beats searching for something new every time. See our indoor activities section

You don’t need to go far — a local park, a nature walk to collect leaves and sticks, or garden play like digging, chalking or water play all work brilliantly. Outdoor maths (counting steps, sorting leaves by size) is great for preschool age. For days out, free museums, nature reserves, beaches and country parks are reliable year-round options. Check our local events hub for what’s on near you.

Our local events hub lists family-friendly events, classes and groups shared by our community across the UK — from toddler playgroups to parent wellbeing courses. Local Facebook groups, your council’s website and Eventbrite (filtered by location) are good extra sources. Libraries often run free Rhyme Time and Storytime sessions for under-5s.

Need parenting advice too?

From toddler behaviour and sleep to everyday family challenges — all in one place.

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