78 Activities for Kids Aged 8
At eight, children are growing more independent and curious about the world around them. They enjoy activities that challenge their creativity, encourage problem-solving, and let their personalities shine.
These screen-free ideas are designed to be simple, engaging, and flexible — perfect for weekends, school holidays, or just switching off for a while. However you choose to join in, it’s all about playful connection and time well spent together.
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Fly a Kite
Flying a kite is a joyful, low-cost way to enjoy the outdoors together. It encourages movement, coordination, and a sense of calm focus while watching the kite dance across the sky. Materials Tools Steps Why It’s Great Safety Tips
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Visit a Library
Take a trip to your local library for stories, quiet time, and new adventures. It’s a brilliant, budget-friendly way to build a love of books and learning.
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Ride a Bike
Head outside for a cycle! Whether on a balance bike, stabilisers, or full-sized wheels, bike riding boosts confidence, coordination, and independence.
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Play House
Whether it’s pretending to be parents, pets, or superheroes doing the washing up, playing house encourages role-play, empathy, and storytelling.
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Hopscotch
All you need is some chalk and a bit of pavement for this throwback favourite. Hopscotch builds balance, number recognition and plenty of giggles.
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LEGO Challenge
Set up creative build challenges for kids of all ages using LEGO or building blocks. Great for sparking imagination, problem-solving and fine motor skills.
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Start a Jigsaw Puzzle
Settle in for some quiet concentration with a jigsaw puzzle. Great for rainy days, teamwork, and developing patience and problem-solving skills.
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Draw a map
Encourage creativity and spatial thinking by helping your child draw a map—of a real place, a fantasy land, or even your own house.
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Yellow Car! No returns!
A classic car-spotting game for kids of all ages. Great for car journeys, walks, or just adding fun to the school run.
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Hangman
A quick pen-and-paper word-guessing game that supports spelling, phonics and turn-taking with almost no set-up.
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Dance party
Turn up the tunes and let loose with a living room dance party — fun, active and totally silly!
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Make a Bird Feeder
Help local birds thrive by crafting your own feeder from natural or recycled materials. A simple way to support wildlife and spark curiosity.
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Beach Clean
Turn your next seaside trip into a planet-friendly mission by collecting litter and helping protect marine life. A simple and rewarding way to teach eco-awareness.
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Pavement Chalk
Use chunky chalk to turn your driveway or pavement into a masterpiece. A bright, creative outdoor activity that washes away with the next rain!
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Create Your Family Tree
Help children learn about their heritage by building a simple family tree. A meaningful project that blends art, storytelling, and family connection.
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Building Blocks
Whether it’s wooden blocks, LEGO, or DUPLO, building activities spark creativity and problem-solving in kids of all ages.
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Visit a Pet Shop
Visit your local pet shop or aquarium to see rabbits, reptiles, tropical fish and more. A brilliant low-cost alternative to the zoo!
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Play a Card Game
Rediscover the joy of simple card games! From Go Fish to Top Trumps, these games are perfect for rainy days, holidays, or winding down at home.
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Elderflower Fritters
Pick fresh elderflowers and turn them into a tasty treat! These light, crispy fritters are a hands-on way to explore seasonal cooking with kids.
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Water Bucket Relay
A fun and splashy beach race where kids scoop water from the sea and run it back in buckets or cups — first to fill their target wins!