20 Free or Low Cost Learning Activities Kids Will Love #STEM #kidsactivities #learning #funforkids #homeschooling #summercampathome #homeeducation #learningactivities

Looking for fun, educational, and budget-friendly ways to keep your kids engaged?

These 20 no or low cost learning activities for kids are perfect for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to promote hands-on learning without spending a fortune.

Read on for 20 free or low cost STEM learning activities kids will love.



From indoor educational games and DIY science experiments to nature-based activities and creative arts and crafts, each idea encourages critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity.

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What is STEM?

STEM is all about learning skills for the future in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Developing kids' STEM skills is crucial to help foster critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation, empowering individuals to understand and shape the world around them. 

Whether you're homeschooling, planning after-school enrichment, or just looking to reduce screen time, these free or inexpensive educational activities make learning fun and accessible for children of all ages.

If you are looking for summer break activities for kids, you may also like our summer camp at home planner:



20 Free or Low Cost Learning Activities Kids Will Love


A simple science experiment using just cups, paper towels, and food colouring to explore capillary action and color mixing in a visually engaging way.




Kids can investigate gravity and motion by building a LEGO structure that mimics a working elevator - perfect for hands-on physics with materials you already own.




Transform paper and straws into a fun flying STEM project that teaches basic aerodynamics and encourages trial-and-error experimentation.




This clever printable game introduces kids to binary coding in a hands-on way, turning abstract computer science concepts into a playful learning experience.




Recycle household items like cardboard tubes and rubber bands to build a mini conveyor belt and spark curiosity about engineering and simple machines.




Use LEGOs to explore design, stability, and problem-solving in this fun engineering challenge suitable for all ages.

You may also like: 30 Day LEGO Building Challenge




With just foam blocks and golf tees, kids can explore math patterns, symmetry, and spatial reasoning in a hands-on, tactile activity.

It's like the Mastermind game!




Challenge kids to build weight-bearing structures using only paper and tape, teaching principles of architecture and engineering through experimentation.




A colorful and tasty way to explore solubility and diffusion, this experiment only requires Skittles and water for instant science fun.




Celebrate Pi Day or learn about decimals by making a vibrant paper chain that visually represents the digits of Pi - no tech required!




Turn scrap paper or index cards into sculptural art while learning about balance, symmetry, and geometry through creative play.




With just a penny and water, this experiment introduces kids to surface tension, cohesion, and the scientific method in a budget-friendly format.




Teach principles of aerodynamics and experimentation by testing different paper airplane designs using materials you already have at home.




Kids gather natural materials like sticks and string to construct floating rafts, combining outdoor exploration with basic engineering skills.




These printable cards help kids apply their STEM skills to LEGO building with a series fo challenges that encourage discovery and experimentation along with fine motor skills in a fun, low-prep activity.




Explore buoyancy and design as kids use foil to create boats that hold as many pennies as possible—an engaging STEM activity with household materials.





Using cardstock and a penny, kids can create simple spinning toys while learning about balance, motion, and rotational force - all with materials you likely have at home already.




Just a bar of soap and a microwave create an exciting eruption that introduces kids to physical changes in matter through a safe, hands-on science activity.




With common supplies like cups, cereal, and pipe cleaners, this interactive activity helps kids visualize how bees pollinate flowers and reinforces key life science concepts.





Kids can explore light, reflection, and symmetry by building a homemade kaleidoscope from paper rolls and reflective surfaces - an artistic and scientific project in one.



More fun STEM learning activities:


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