5 Low-Cost Family Activities for Making Big Memories Outdoors

Spending time with my family is my top priority, but I’m always on the lookout for ways to do it that (a) don’t break the bank, and (b) keep us active and outdoors! This whole blog is dedicated to finding fun, free (or super cheap) adventures we can enjoy together as a family. Here are five of our current favourites that don’t cost the earth:

• 🥾 Family Hikes: We absolutely love heading out into the countryside and discovering new trails together. The best bit? It’s completely FREE! We started with local walks in our scruffy trainers, and bit by bit, we’ve added some gear and wandered further afield. But honestly, you don’t need anything fancy to get started – just comfy shoes, a snack, and a sense of adventure!
  • 👉 Check out my post Explore More, Spend Less for our top hiking tips.
• 🚲 Mountain Biking: Okay, we’re still beginners when it comes to mountain biking (our local roads aren’t the safest), but things are changing! We’re converting a van – complete with bike rack – so we can start heading out to trail centres and proper family-friendly bike routes. I’m buzzing to build our confidence together and let the boys take on something that gets them moving and muddy. Watch this space for our biking adventures!
• 🚐 Converting Our Camper Van: Our current big family project! We sold both cars and used the money to buy a van – then decided to turn it into a camper! It’s already opened up a whole world of outdoor adventures for us, even though we’re still knee-deep in insulation and soundproofing! The main reason? Our lads are really getting into biking, and this camper is the key to making those trips happen.
  • Follow our build journey here if you fancy seeing the chaos (and fun!) unfold.
• ✍️ Writing This Blog: I’ve always loved writing, and this blog is a way to document all the things we get up to. But it’s not just for us – it’s for any other parent who’s ever googled “free things to do with kids this weekend” in a moment of panic! The boys help me pick the photos, remember the best bits (and the tantrums), and reflect on what they loved most. I hope our stories inspire more families to step outside, even if it’s just for half an hour.
  • Need inspo? Take a look at our Family Walking Tips or browse the walks we’ve done so far.
• 🛝 Going to the Playground or Local Park: Not every family adventure needs to be a hike or a bike ride. Sometimes, the local playground or park becomes the highlight of our week – and it’s completely free! We’ll grab snacks, a flask of hot choc, maybe a scooter or football, and just go. The boys let off steam, we all get some fresh air, and no one’s begging for ice creams because we came prepared. It’s simple, it’s easy, and it reminds me that our children don’t need big-ticket days out to be happy – they just need us, some space to run around, and maybe a zip wire or two.

We’ve spent far too long comparing ourselves to the Insta-perfect lives full of theme parks and airport lounges. But over time, we’ve realised that our children don’t need all that. They don’t care where they are or how much it cost – they care that we’re with them.

So we stopped worrying about what we couldn’t afford and focused on what we could do. Walking more, biking more, playing more – and best of all, making memories that cost next to nothing but mean everything.

So grab your trainers, pack a picnic, and make the most of what’s right on your doorstep. Adventure doesn’t need to be far-flung – it just needs a little curiosity (and maybe a good weather app).

Let’s make some amazing memories 💚