The short version
- Free weekly storytimes run at libraries, many Barnes & Noble stores and Pottery Barn Kids.
- Home Depot (first Saturday of the month) and Lowe's run free build-it workshops for kids.
- Bank of America cardholders get into museums free the first full weekend of each month.
- Free seasonal fun: Bass Pro Shops' Santa's Wonderland (free photos through Christmas Eve) and Kids Bowl Free in summer.
You don't need to spend money to fill a weekend with toddlers or little kids. These are the best free things to do with kids that run nationwide, so there's likely one near you. We checked each program's current status for 2026.
Storytime: free, weekly and toddler-proof
- Your public library: baby and toddler storytimes, play groups and summer reading prizes. Many libraries also lend free museum passes.
- Barnes & Noble: many stores host a free weekly storytime, often on Saturday mornings. Times vary by store, so check your local events page.
- Pottery Barn Kids: stores host a free weekly storytime, typically Friday mornings, with an RSVP.
Free kids' workshops
Home Depot Kids Workshops run on the first Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. to noon. Kids ages 5 to 12 build a project and take home the kit, an apron, a pin and a certificate. Register online at least a day ahead (up to four kids).
Lowe's relaunched its free workshops in 2026 as the MyLowe's Rewards Kids Club, for ages about 4 to 11. Kids earn badges, and 12 badges earns a free tool bag. You'll need a free MyLowe's account and must pre-register.
LEGO Stores run free "Make & Take" mini builds, usually for ages 6 and up, while supplies last. Some are only for LEGO Insiders members, but joining is free.
Apple Camp offers free 90-minute creative sessions for kids 6 to 10 in Apple Stores each summer. The 2026 season is over, so sign up on Apple's site to hear about next year's dates.
Free museums and parks
If you have a Bank of America, Merrill or Private Bank card, Museums on Us gets you one free general admission at participating museums on the first full weekend of every month. Admission covers the cardholder only, but many museums let young kids in free anyway. The remaining 2026 weekends are November 7–8 and December 5–6.
National parks waive entrance fees on a few days each year for U.S. citizens and residents; the last one in 2026 is Veterans Day, November 11. If you have a 4th grader, the Every Kid Outdoors pass gets the whole family into national parks free for the school year. Military families can get free summer museum admission through Blue Star Museums.
Free seasonal fun
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Santa's Wonderland (November 7 to December 24, 2026): a free 4×6 photo with Santa, crafts and Tuesday storytimes. Reserve a free time slot up to a week ahead, or walk in.
- Kids Bowl Free (summer): register online and kids get two free games of bowling a day at participating bowling centers. Shoe rental usually costs extra.
Free admission for the littlest ones
Kids under 3 don't need a ticket at Disney World or Disneyland, and kids under 2 get into LEGOLAND free. Florida families can also get a free Preschool Card for kids 5 and under at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa; the 2027 card is coming soon.
Easy everyday free stuff
- Parks and splash pads. Many cities list them on their parks department website.
- Farmers markets. Free to wander, often with music on weekends.
- Little Free Libraries. Take a book, leave a book.
- Nature walks. Toddlers love a scavenger hunt for leaves, rocks and bugs.
Celebrating soon? See our roundup of kids' birthday freebies. Traveling? Here are the lap infant rules for every airline.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Home Depot Kids Workshop?
Home Depot Kids Workshops run on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon for kids 5 to 12. They're free, but you need to register online at least a day ahead.
How does Bank of America Museums on Us work?
On the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America, Merrill and Private Bank cardholders get one free general admission at participating museums. Show your card and a photo ID.
Where can I find free storytime for toddlers?
Public libraries run free baby and toddler storytimes, and many Barnes & Noble and Pottery Barn Kids stores host free weekly storytimes. Check your local store's events page for times.
How we research: we check every offer against the brand's or program's own website before publishing and when we update a guide. Programs change, so always confirm the details at the source before you sign up. Read our editorial standards, or tell us about a correction. Some links may be affiliate links; see our disclosure.