Best Free Things to Do with Kids in America
Proof that the best things in life really are free. These top-rated family activities across America cost nothing to enjoy — from world-class parks to free museum days to nature trails. Every listing includes real parent tips and age ratings.
- 1
Von Colln Playground
Philadelphia, PA · ★ 5 (20 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
Free playground near Philadelphia Museum of Art with adjacent athletic field. Great for ages 2-12. Combine with Kelly Drive trail for a full family day out.
- 2
Dr Philips Playground
Orlando, FL · ★ 5 (34 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Free 5-star rated playground near Restaurant Row in Dr. Phillips, Orlando. Quiet neighborhood setting, great for toddlers through age 10. No fees.
- 3
Lakeline Park Playground
Austin, TX · ★ 5 (92 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Lakeline Park Playground in Cedar Park TX has a perfect 5-star rating. Free outdoor playground for ages 2-10 near Lakeline Mall. Open 24 hours.
- 4
Visitacion Valley Greenway Children's Play Garden
San Francisco, CA · ★ 5 (13 reviews)
Best for ages 1-7
Visitacion Valley Greenway Children's Play Garden in southern San Francisco. Free nature-inspired play garden for ages 1-7 in a peaceful neighborhood.
- 5
Ladera Park Toddler Playstructure by Landscape Structures
Los Angeles, CA · ★ 4.9 (27 reviews)
Best for ages 1-5
Free toddler-specific playground in Windsor Hills, LA. Landscape Structures equipment designed for ages 1-5. 4.9 stars. Public park, no admission.
- 6
Lowcountry Celebration Park
Hilton Head, SC · ★ 4.9 (477 reviews)
Best for ages 1-12
4.9-star free public park on Hilton Head Island with playground, splash pad, and green space. Near Coligny Beach. One of the best parks on HHI.
- 7
Play for All Abilities Park
Austin, TX · ★ 4.9 (4,389 reviews)
All ages; fully accessible for children of all abilities
Play for All Abilities Park in Round Rock is a free fully-inclusive playground near Austin with wheelchair-accessible equipment for children of all abilities.
- 8
Liberty Station Playground
San Diego, CA · ★ 4.9 (15 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Free playground inside Liberty Station arts district, San Diego. Climbing structures, open lawns, and surrounded by family-friendly restaurants. All ages.
- 9
Beauvoir Playground
Washington DC, DC · ★ 4.9 (194 reviews)
1–10
Top-rated free playground in Woodley Park, Washington DC near the National Zoo. Great for kids ages 1–10. Easy Metro access on the Red Line.
- 10
Oro the Friendly Forest Giant
Portland, OR · ★ 4.9 (163 reviews)
2–14 (all ages love the art)
Discover Oro, a whimsical giant wood sculpture in Butternut Creek Park, Hillsboro OR. Free, magical, and perfect for kids' imagination and family photos.
- 11
Wellington Bike Park
Breckenridge, CO · ★ 4.9
5–17 years
Free 4.9-star mountain bike park in Breckenridge, CO. Pump track and flow trails for all skill levels — great free activity for families with bikes.
- 12
Shelter Cove Community Playground
Hilton Head, SC · ★ 4.9 (15 reviews)
Best for ages 1-10
Free playground at Shelter Cove marina on Hilton Head Island. Open 6AM-9PM daily. Adjacent to Shelter Cove Community Park and restaurants.
- 13
Vermont Canyon Play Area
Los Angeles, CA · ★ 4.9 (43 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Hidden 4.9-rated playground in Griffith Park's Vermont Canyon. Natural shade, canyon setting. Free. Ages 2-10. Less crowded than other Griffith Park spots.
- 14
Carter Park Sledding Hill
Breckenridge, CO · ★ 4.9
3–17 years (with supervision for toddlers)
Free sledding hill at Carter Park in Breckenridge, CO. Great hill for all ages — one of the best free winter activities in Summit County.
- 15
Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground
Scottsdale, AZ · ★ 4.9 (10 reviews)
1–10 years
Free public playground in Gainey Ranch Scottsdale at Rotary Park. Well-maintained equipment, open grassy areas. Great for toddlers through age 10.
- 16
Savannah's Playground
Myrtle Beach, SC · ★ 4.9 (2,597 reviews)
2-10 years
Myrtle Beach's highest-rated playground with 4.9 stars and 2,600+ reviews. Free outdoor play for ages 2-10. Outstanding equipment worth the trip.
- 17
Denver Museum of Nature and Science Park
Denver, CO · ★ 4.9 (11 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Free nature playground outside Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Bighorn sheep climbing structures, boulders, and tunnels. Best for ages 2-10. No admission required.
- 18
St Johns Swapnplay
Portland, OR · ★ 4.9
Best for ages 0-6
Free nonprofit indoor play space in St. Johns, North Portland. Baby/toddler swap program. 4.9 rating. Best for ages 0-6. Saturdays 8AM-2PM.
- 19
Ethridge Inclusive Playground
Atlanta, GA · ★ 4.9 (86 reviews)
Designed for all ages including children with disabilities
Free inclusive playground in Decatur near Atlanta. Wheelchair-accessible equipment designed for children of all abilities. 4.9 rating. Open 24 hours.
- 20
Leilani Farm Sanctuary
Maui, HI · ★ 4.9 (289 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
Free weekend animal sanctuary tours in Haiku, Maui. Kids meet rescued pigs, goats, and donkeys. Open Sat-Sun 10 AM-12 PM. Donations appreciated.
