Inexpensive Things for 5-Year-Old Kids to Do

Outdoor Improvisational Games

• Five-year-olds enjoy invention and motor skills, but, according to the National Network for Childcare (NNCC), your child isn't yet ready for competitive games. Outdoor improvisational games offer a free activity that allows your child a chance to make up the rules for play and time to explore motor skills like running. Kids at this age also enjoy making friends and playing with others, so bring along a few children from the neighborhood for the outdoor fun. Ask the children to sit down to create a game that uses the park resources, including slides, walking paths and monkey bars. The NNCC notes 5-year-olds can share and take turns, so make sure the children practice these techniques during the games.

Kitchen Fun

• The kitchen is an exciting place for most 5-year-olds, so use that foundation for some inexpensive kitchen fun with food. Combine meal preparation with letting your child have some entertainment learning how to measure and use some basic kitchen utensils. Kids this age typically can copy simple designs so use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes in cheese, dough or bread to add to the meal. Ask your child to help plan the dish, allowing room for some creativity. You may not understand the logic in selecting a cake pan for the casserole, but be open to the possibilities for the creative dish.

Museums and Galleries

• Historic societies, history and science museums and art galleries typically offer low-cost admission for 5-year-old visitors, or free admission as part of an annual family membership. Print a map or pick up a map brochure, and sit down together to make up a plan for the visit. Ask your child to anticipate what each room displays according to the room name, and develop a written pre-visit strategy that lists the chronology for the visit. The NNCC notes that children this age enjoy planning scenarios such as the museum or gallery trip and they understand basic time concepts such as yesterday and today when dealing with history exhibits.

Team Recycled Crafts

• Collect recyclables for inexpensive weekly craft sessions. Things like plastic and cardboard packaging offer free craft materials for projects. Ask your 5-year-old to invite a best friend for the craft experience, and take some photos to post on your home bulletin board or refrigerator of the project. Collect a container of colored pencils, watercolor pens, markers, round-tipped scissors, glue, tape, string, ribbon, glitter and stickers to add to the recycled goods. Add paint and clay after introducing the craft concept over the first few sessions. Sit down to help discuss a plan for the assemblage and then let the pair go to town on the creation without any adult interference. Focus on holidays and special events for theme-inspired craft projects.