Spending time with kids is one of the best ways to create happy memories and build strong family bonds. Whether it’s a weekend, school holiday, or just a free afternoon, there are many fun things to do with kids near you in the USA in 2025. From parks and museums to water parks and family-friendly events, every city and town offers something special for children of all ages.
Here is a helpful guide to the best activities you can enjoy with your kids, no matter where you live in the United States.
1. Visit a Local Park or Playground
One of the simplest and most enjoyable things to do with kids is to visit a nearby park or playground. Most towns and cities have free public parks with slides, swings, and open space to run and play. In 2025, many parks also have splash pads, climbing walls, and fitness areas for kids.
Bring snacks, water, and a picnic blanket for a fun day outdoors. Parks are great for bike rides, flying kites, or playing games like hide-and-seek or tag.
Popular options:
- Central Park – New York City, NY
- Millennium Park – Chicago, IL
- Balboa Park – San Diego, CA
2. Explore a Children’s Museum
Children’s museums are made just for kids! They have hands-on exhibits where children can learn by playing. These museums often have areas for building, painting, pretending, and exploring science and nature in fun ways.
In 2025, many children’s museums have added interactive screens, virtual reality games, and STEM labs to keep kids engaged.
Top Children’s Museums in the USA:
- Boston Children’s Museum – Boston, MA
- Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN
- Please Touch Museum – Philadelphia, PA
3. Go to the Zoo or Aquarium
Kids love animals, and zoos and aquariums are great places to learn about wildlife. Many zoos offer petting areas, feeding zones, and fun animal shows. Aquariums have colorful fish, sharks, sea turtles, and touch tanks where kids can feel starfish and stingrays.
In 2025, many zoos focus on protecting animals and teaching kids about the environment.
Popular choices:
- San Diego Zoo – San Diego, CA
- Bronx Zoo – New York City, NY
- Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, GA
4. Check Out a Local Library
Libraries are not just for books anymore! Many local libraries have kids’ areas with toys, games, puzzles, and storytelling hours. In 2025, libraries also host STEAM (science, tech, engineering, art, and math) activities and movie days for families.
Joining a reading challenge or attending a weekly storytime is a fun, free way to bond with your kids and build their love for reading.
5. Enjoy an Indoor Play Center
When the weather is bad, indoor play centers are perfect for fun. These centers offer ball pits, slides, trampolines, and obstacle courses. Many are designed for toddlers, preschoolers, and even older kids.
Some centers in 2025 even include ninja courses, laser tag, climbing walls, and VR arcades.
Fun chains to look for:
- Urban Air Adventure Park
- Chuck E. Cheese
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park
6. Take a Nature Walk or Hike
Nature trails are a great way to help kids discover the outdoors. Even young kids enjoy hiking, spotting birds, picking flowers, or collecting leaves and stones. Bring a nature guidebook or use an app to teach kids about animals and plants.
Many U.S. cities have local trails, nature centers, or state parks that are family-friendly and free to visit.
Top family hiking spots:
- Great Smoky Mountains – Tennessee
- Red Rock Canyon – Nevada
- Acadia National Park – Maine
7. Attend a Local Festival or Fair
Many towns and cities in the USA hold fun family festivals, fairs, and community events throughout the year. These often include rides, games, food trucks, face painting, and live shows. Some even have petting zoos and puppet theaters.
Check your city’s website or community calendar for events happening near you in 2025.
8. Have Fun at a Water Park
Water parks are perfect for summer fun! They offer water slides, lazy rivers, splash pads, and wave pools. In 2025, many water parks also include indoor water parks that are open all year.
Some hotels and resorts even offer free entry to their water parks if you stay overnight.
Famous water parks:
- Kalahari Resorts – Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Schlitterbahn – New Braunfels, TX
- Great Wolf Lodge – Multiple Locations
9. Try Mini Golf or Bowling
Mini golf is fun for all ages, and many places offer bright, themed courses with glow-in-the-dark lights, animals, or pirates. Bowling alleys are also great for kids, and many now offer lightweight balls and bumpers for young players.
Look for kids’ special offers or family nights with discounts in your area.
10. Make Your Own Fun at Home
If you want to stay home, there are still lots of fun things you can do together!
- Set up a movie night with popcorn and pillows.
- Bake cookies or cupcakes as a family.
- Have a backyard picnic or treasure hunt.
- Build a fort with blankets and cushions.
- Try arts and crafts or a simple science experiment.
Final Thoughts
There are endless fun things to do with kids near you in the USA in 2025. Whether you’re exploring your neighborhood park, learning something new at a museum, or just spending time together at home, the most important part is enjoying each other’s company.
Look around your town or city—you might be surprised at how many kid-friendly places and events are waiting for you to discover. Every moment spent with your children is a memory in the making. So, get out there and have fun!
