What Do Kids Like To Do? The Real-World Guide for Every Mom

When you become a mom, one of your unofficial superpowers is figuring out what makes your kids light up. Sometimes, it’s obvious—like the squeals that erupt the second you bring out a bubble wand. Other times, it takes a little trial and error (raise your hand if you’ve ever painstakingly set up a craft project, only to watch them abandon it for cardboard boxes). If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What do kids like to do?” you’re in the right place.

I’ve been on this discovery journey with three kids (ranging from toddler tornado to almost-tween with major opinions). I’ve tested, failed, and found surprising wins—and I’m gathering the best ideas here to save you the guesswork, and make your family days fuller, happier, and a little less stressful.

what do kids like to do? the real world guide for every mom

Why Knowing What Kids Like to Do Matters (More Than You Think)

Let’s be real: filling the hours can feel like a Herculean task some days. But finding activities kids actually like isn’t just about entertainment. These moments have a purpose:

They build family connection (hello, kitchen dance parties after dinner!)
They sneak learning into play (counting rocks at the park, anyone?)
They give kids a sense of accomplishment and independence.
And for us? They buy ten blissful minutes to drink coffee while it’s still hot.

Knowing what “clicks” for your child also helps with challenging behaviors, boredom-fueled meltdowns, or sibling squabbles. When you tune into their real interests, you’re setting everyone up for more fun—and fewer “I’m bored!” complaints. (But let’s be honest, you’ll never fully escape that classic line.)

Classic Outdoor Fun: Still Number One

If I had to name the universal favorite, it would hands down be outdoor play. No fancy gadgets required. What lights up kids outside?

Running, jumping, racing, and climbing—parks, backyards, and open fields are their natural habitat.
Nature scavenger hunts: Whether it’s a bug jar, collecting pretty leaves, or a scavenger hunt challenge, being outside gives kids an endless world to explore.
Water play: Sprinklers, puddle-jumping, bucket pouring, homemade “car wash” stations for bikes and toys—if it splashes, they’ll love it.
Riding bikes, scooters, or balance bikes—if it has wheels, it’s instant excitement.
Organized games: I can’t overstate how much kids love relay races, tag, or playing kickball.

Insider Mom Tip: Even reluctant kids usually go all-in if you join them for the first few minutes. (“Race you to the fence!” works magic.)

Imaginary Worlds: The Power of Pretend

Imagination is where real childhood magic happens.

Role-play games: Playing house, school, store, or even pretending to be dinosaurs or superheroes.
Dress-up: Old costumes, hats, scarves, and cardboard swords. My daughter’s princess-meets-construction-worker outfit is legendary.
Puppet shows and storytelling: Stuffed animals suddenly have dramatic love lives and important meetings in our house!
Fort building: Whether it’s with blankets, couch cushions, or cardboard boxes, kids adore making their own hideouts.

Pretend play isn’t just fun—it’s building language, creativity, empathy, and independence. Want to help it along? Join their story for a bit or try new conversation starters for kids to spark their imagination.

Hands-On Activities: Arts, Crafts, and DIY Fun

There’s a reason teachers and therapists swear by arts and crafts, and it isn’t just the adorable fridge art.

What crafty kids love:

Drawing, painting, coloring, and sticking things together (glue sticks are always running out for a reason)
Playdough, slime, sensory bins, or even simple water play in the kitchen sink
Building with LEGO, blocks, or cardboard—the inventiveness is endless
Easy science experiments: Baking soda volcanoes, invisible ink, homemade slime

Don’t worry if “craft time” fills you with dread. Start slow: markers and printer paper will keep most kids happy for ages. And if you want inspiration, check Pinterest or your favorite parenting blog—creativity doesn’t mean perfection.

Fun Fact: Creativity also sneaks in a lot of learning! Counting, shapes, colors, cause and effect—it’s all happening while they play.

Adventures and Exploring: Outings Kids Beg For

Even homebody kids get stir-crazy. Mixing it up does wonders for the family mood.

Classic outings that never get old:

Library trips: Storytime, free crafts, and more books than you can carry.
Zoos, aquariums, and science museums: Even the smallest local versions spark huge curiosity. The hands-on exhibits (think giant bubbles or fossil digs) are a win every time.
Parks and botanical gardens: Besides epic playgrounds, most have ducks to feed, trails to explore, or discovery days.
Amusement and trampoline parks: For special treats, these are pure, bouncy, high-energy joy.
Farmer’s markets and street fairs: Tasting new foods, watching performers, and people watching.

We love planning themed outings around what our kiddos are learning in school or curious about—like a dinosaur dig when “dino week” lands in science.

Kids and Animals: A Magic Combination

Something magical happens when animals are part of the day.

Visiting a petting zoo or farm
Aquarium touch tanks
Helping with a pet at home (feeding, brushing, or walking)
Butterfly gardens and birdwatching

Caring for or simply observing animals teaches empathy, patience, and responsibility.

Tech Time: Navigating Screens Without Losing Your Mind

Let’s be honest—screens are part of modern childhood. The secret is making tech time meaningful and balanced.

What kids like:

Educational games: Word puzzles, math adventures, and science apps get big approval.
Silly YouTube videos, kid-friendly music, and dance-along shows.
Coding games and beginner robotics sets (for the slightly older crowd).
Video calls with friends or family.

Clear rules and family media plans are lifesavers here. The Mayo Clinic’s recommendations on screen time offer smart, realistic guidelines for every age group.

Sports and Movement: Energy Burners That Double as Skill Builders

Whether your kid is an athlete or just full of bouncy energy, movement is gold.

What’s always a hit:

Soccer, basketball, swimming, dance, martial arts—team sports or solo, kids love the feeling of learning new skills.
Skating, bike rides, or scooter races in the driveway.
Family dance parties (seriously, it always brightens our evenings).
Hiking, nature walks, or scavenger hunts. Even little legs can go further than you think with the right bribery (um, “snack stops”).

Sometimes the toughest part is getting everyone out the door, but I promise—five minutes in and they’re grinning (and you’re collecting tired kids for bedtime).

Game Time: Board Games, Puzzles, and Challenges

Not every moment can be spent running. Board games and puzzles have a magic way of bringing families together and building brains.

Classic board games: Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Connect 4, and Uno are perfect for younger kids. Older children love Ticket to Ride, Codenames, and cooperative games where the whole family wins or loses as a team.
Building puzzles together: It’s amazing for patience, teamwork, and concentration.
Time-based challenges: How fast can you find all the blue things in the living room? Who can build the tallest block tower? Kids adore anything with a challenge or playful competition.
Easy trivia questions for kids give your family’s game nights a fun, educational upgrade.

Games aren’t just fun—they sneak in math, reading, patience, and sportsmanship.

Something New: Seasonal and Special Activities

Part of the magic in “what kids like to do” is novelty. That first snowball of the season? Magic. Backyard camping in summer? Unforgettable.

Summer activities: Sprinkler runs, lemonade stands, and ice cream making.
Fall: Leaf piles, pumpkin carving, and apple picking.
Winter: Sledding, hot cocoa, snowy walks, or decorating cookies.
Spring: Flying kites, visiting gardens, and starting a mini herb garden.

Marking the seasons with little family rituals gives kids something to look forward to—and creates memories that last forever. If you want inspiration, we’ve rounded up the best fun snacks for kids for each season.

The Social Side: Playdates and Parties

Kids don’t just love what they do—the company makes it even better.

What makes social play so appealing?

Unstructured playdates: Running wild in the backyard, turning the playroom into a “restaurant,” or inventing secret handshakes.
Themed birthday parties: Whether it’s superheroes, crafts, or dance parties in the living room, kids revel in feeling celebrated and being part of a group.
School gala days, fairs, or after-school clubs: From art club to chess, these spaces let kids nurture interests and friendships.

Need ideas for easy, creative group activities? Our top picks for road trip games for kids double as fantastic party and playdate games.

Kids at Home: Comfort, Calm, and Alone Time

Sometimes, especially after busy school days, kids crave downtime. (Don’t we all?)

Reading books: A snuggly blanket, a stack of “just right” books, and a cozy nook—the ultimate recharge.
Building solo: Lego towers, train tracks, marble runs.
Listening to music or audiobooks while doodling or chilling.
Imaginative solo play: Action figures, dolls, magnetic tiles, and car tracks spark stories without any scripting.
Helping in the kitchen: Stirring, washing veggies, or “making” their own snack plates from a mix of fruit, cheese, and crackers. (Psst: Parents.com has great kid-friendly kitchen tips.)

Encouraging quiet play not only develops focus but helps kids learn to reset their own systems—a big step toward emotional self-regulation.

Building Life Skills: Letting Kids Be Helpers

Believe it or not, many kids actually want to help around the house.

Watering plants, feeding pets, sorting laundry (matching socks is a preschooler’s delight!)
Setting the table or washing dishes with you—especially if bubbly water or spray bottles are involved
Packing their backpacks or selecting their school snacks

Letting kids choose “jobs” that suit their age helps them feel valuable and confident.

For more on the life lessons kids pick up from daily routines, see our resource: House Rules for Kids.

Entertainment and Pop Culture: What’s Cool to Them

Kids love feeling “in the know,” and pop culture is no exception.

Watching favorite shows and movies—animated classics or whatever’s trending among their friends. Need ideas? Check our best movies for kids for every age.
Discovering catchy songs and silly viral videos (which, yes, will get stuck in your head)
Collecting and trading: From Pokémon cards to stickers, the thrill never fades.
“Show and tell” at home: Letting kids share their current obsessions and explain why they love them.

Travel and Little Adventures: Break the Routine

Kids are natural explorers. Even a new park feels like an adventure, but nothing beats a good road trip or a big family adventure.

Road trips: Mix challenges, sing-alongs, and classic see-who-spots-it games. Those five-hour stretches become memory-making marathons.
Trying new restaurants or foods—even just a new ice cream spot feels like a Field Trip.

Keep a “family bucket list” and let your kids help choose the next adventure. Even simple outings feel huge when kids have a say.

Celebrating Achievements: Recognizing What They’re Proud Of

Activities aren’t just pastimes—they’re how kids feel strong, smart, and noticed.

Sports tournaments, spelling bees, and school projects—all deserve big cheers.
Making a fuss over little wins (“You read three new words today!” or “That was your first time tying your shoes!”) keeps motivation high.
Display their art, photos, report cards—whatever they care about.

Pride and confidence go a long way in inspiring kids to try more new things, too.

Wrapping Up: The Real Secret to What Kids Like to Do

Here’s what I want every overthinking mom (myself included) to know: There’s no “perfect” list, just lots of opportunities to experiment, fail, and surprise yourself. What matters most is being present, tuning in, and sometimes just rolling with the ridiculous.

The activities that form their happiest memories are rarely the ones that look picture-perfect on Instagram. Often, it’s mud pies, kitchen dance parties, and giggles in a blanket fort.

So the next time you’re searching for what your kids actually want to do, just remember: It’s more about connection than entertainment. Following their interests, inviting them to lead, and being willing to join in—however silly—are what make every activity a hit.

Curious about what’s developmentally typical for your child’s age? The American Academy of Pediatrics has age-by-age guides that are both reassuring and practical.

So go on—build the fort, splash in that puddle, or throw a last-minute kitchen disco. Your kids will remember the feeling, not the mess.

And if all else fails, there’s always fun facts for kids to surprise them with during dinner—sometimes that’s all you need to spark that smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what activities my child actually enjoys?

Watch for their natural enthusiasm and engagement level. Kids will return to activities they truly love, ask to do them again, or talk about them later. Pay attention to what holds their attention longest without you having to constantly redirect them. Also, don’t be afraid to ask directly—even young kids can tell you what they find fun or boring.

My child seems bored with everything I suggest. What am I doing wrong?

You’re probably not doing anything wrong! Kids go through phases where familiar activities lose their appeal. Try introducing small variations to favorite activities, let them take the lead in choosing, or consider if they’re going through a developmental leap that’s shifting their interests. Sometimes “boredom” is actually overstimulation, and they need quieter activities.

How much screen time is okay when planning activities for kids?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screens (except video chatting) for children under 18 months, limited high-quality programming for 18-24 months, and no more than one hour daily of high-quality content for ages 2-5. For older kids, focus on balancing screen time with physical activity, sleep, and face-to-face interaction rather than strict time limits.

Should I be worried if my child prefers solitary activities over group play?

Not necessarily! Some children are naturally more introverted and recharge through solo play. As long as they can interact appropriately when needed and aren’t avoiding social situations due to anxiety, preferring alone time is perfectly normal. However, if you notice sudden changes in social behavior or signs of distress, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician.

How can I encourage my child to try new activities when they’re resistant to change?

Start small by adding tiny variations to activities they already enjoy. Let them have some control by offering choices between two options. Consider doing the new activity together initially, or finding ways to connect it to their existing interests. Most importantly, don’t force it—sometimes kids need to see something multiple times before they’re ready to try it.

At what age should kids start having input on family activity planning?

Even toddlers can make simple choices between two options (“Would you like to go to the park or the library?”). By age 4-5, kids can participate in basic planning discussions and suggest their own ideas. School-age children can take more ownership of activity choices and even help research options. The key is giving age-appropriate levels of input while maintaining parental guidance for safety and practicality.