80 Best Activities for Kids 2024

Kids have a reputation for being over-scheduled, but even the ones with the busiest calendars still find themselves faced with stretches of downtime. When those empty hours strike, it can be tempting for them to run to the nearest adult and just whine, "I'm bored!" But you can head those complaints off at the pass by keeping some fun ideas in your back pocket — especially ones that only require some simple materials that can easily be kept around the house.

Here are the best fun activities for kids to try in 2023. Many of them are DIYs and crafts ideas for kids that'll let them set their creativity loose. (And if there's a holiday coming up, we have additional project ideas for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day.) Others are indoor or backyard games they can try at home when they're in the mood for some head-to-head competition. And there are plenty of learning activities that can support whatever topics they're exploring in school. No matter what they're into, they'll find something to amuse themselves.

Looking for more creative activities for kids? Check out these Good Housekeeping guides:

The Best Summer Crafts for Kids | The Best Fall Crafts for Kids | The Best Winter Crafts for Kids | The Best At-Home Science Experiments for Kids | The Best Learning Activities for Preschoolers | The Best Learning Activities for Toddlers | Fun Activities for Toddlers | The Best Activities for 1-Year-Olds