A Guide to Affordable Ways to Bond with Your Children in Foster Care
Let’s be honest: being a foster parent is one of the most rewarding roles in the world, but it’s also one of the most exhausting. Between the appointments, the paperwork, and simply navigating the emotional needs of your household, your “creative battery” can run pretty low. We’ve all been there, staring at your kids on a Saturday morning, knowing everyone needs to get out of the house or find a distraction, but your brain is just blank.
Whether you’re in a season of “new placement” jitters, the long-haul “waiting” phase, or just a Tuesday that feels particularly long, it can be incredibly difficult to think of fresh ways to connect. At WinShape Homes, we want to make those “What should I do?” moments a little easier. We’ve pulled together 36 of our favorite free things to do and family activities to help you build trust, burn off some energy, and enjoy being a family.
12 Outdoor Activities for Foster Families
Fresh air is one of the best tools we have for sensory regulation, offering a much-needed reset for a foster child. These outdoor activities create space for movement, connection, and fun while giving your family a chance to experience the beauty and wonder of God’s creation together.
1. Go on a nature scavenger hunt
Turn your day into a treasure hunt using Geocaching. Kids love the adventure of finding hidden containers, and it builds teamwork along the way.
2. Explore a trail with AllTrails
Use AllTrails to find kid-friendly hikes nearby. Filter by distance and difficulty so everyone can enjoy the journey.
3. Check out a Georgia State Park with a library pass
Use your Georgia library card to get a free State Park Pass. It’s a simple way to enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities like waterfalls, trails, and scenic overlooks at no cost!
4. Plan a picnic at a local park
Pack your favorite foods, drinks, and a blanket, then head to a nearby green space. Even a short outing can feel like a mini getaway.
Check out a family picnic activity agenda with a planning sheet, Bible story, and prayer, along with a picnic checklist.
5. Host backyard Olympics
Create an obstacle course using cones, sticks, or household items to build a fun challenge. Let kids design parts of the course to give them ownership. Here are a few backyard game ideas to get you started.
6. Visit a nearby lake or river for the day
Explore some of Georgia’s top lakes and rivers for a fun day of swimming, games, or just relaxing by the water.
7. Go birdwatching with a simple guide
Bring binoculars and use a beginner-friendly guide to identify local species.
Here are some of the top birding spots in Georgia.
8. Have a backyard camping night
Set up a tent (or blankets), tell stories, and look at the stars. It’s all the fun of camping without having to travel further than your backyard. Bonus points if you have a firepit where you can roast s’mores.
9. Start a small backyard garden and care for it together.
Plant herbs or vegetables and care for them together. It’s a slow, rewarding way to teach responsibility and patience. New to gardening? This beginner’s guide to starting a garden is a great place to start.
10. Do sidewalk chalk art
Grab a set of washable sidewalk chalk and turn your sidewalk into a creative canvas.
11. Take a family prayer walk
Walk through your neighborhood or on a nature trail and pray for whatever God places on your heart. It’s a meaningful way to connect faith with movement.
12. Watch the sunset or go stargazing
Find an open spot and pause to reflect on the day. Simple rhythms like this can become lasting memories and can open the door for conversations about the wonder of God’s creation.
12 Indoor Activities for Foster Families
Rainy days or “stuck inside” days can feel like a pressure cooker when energy is high, and space feels small. It’s often in these quiet, four-walled moments that boredom leads to big emotions, but it’s also where some of the best core memories are made. These indoor activities are designed to bring the family together.
1. Host a family game night
Break out simple, screen-free games for a night of family fun. Whether it’s cards, board games, or silly group games, keep it lighthearted and let everyone pick a favorite.
Helpful resource:
20+ Game Night Ideas to Get You Started
2. Cook or bake something simple together
Choose an easy recipe and assign roles. Even something like homemade pizza can become a fun tradition.
3. Create a “questions jar”
Write fun or meaningful prompts and pull one each night. It’s a great way to build connection and conversation.
Helpful resource:
15 Dinner Table Conversation Starters for Christian Families
4. Plan a cozy movie night
Use a simple checklist (blankets, popcorn, dim lights) to make it feel special, even if it’s at home.
Helpful resource:
5. Put on a family talent show
Encourage singing, jokes, or silly performances. The goal is laughter, not perfection.
6. Read and reflect on a Bible story
Choose a passage, read it together, and ask what stood out. Keep it simple and conversational.
Starter prompts:
- What stood out to you?
- What did we learn about God?
- How can we live this out this week?
Suggested place to start:
- The Gospels (stories of Jesus)
- Psalms or Proverbs (prayers and wisdom)
- Genesis (creation, the fall, and the flood)
7. Memorize a short Scripture together
Pick one verse for the week and practice it daily. Celebrate when everyone learns it.
Helpful resource:
25 Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize
8. Make a gratitude list
Write down things you’re thankful for and share them out loud. This can shift the tone of the whole day.
9. Design bookmarks with meaningful verses
Use paper, markers, and stickers to create something personal and useful.
10. Illustrate your favorite Bible story
Let kids draw scenes or characters. This helps them engage with the story in a deeper way.
Suggested Bible stories:
- Genesis 6-9: Noah’s Ark
- 1 Samuel 17: David & Goliath
- Daniel 6: Daniel in the Lion’s Den
- Jonah 1-2: Jonah and the Big Fish
11. Try “rose, bud, and thorn” reflections
Share a highlight (rose), something you’re actively working to improve (bud), and a challenge (thorn). This can be a daily or weekly habit that allows families to reflect on their heart posture.
12. Have a themed dinner night
Pick a country or theme and build a meal around it. Even simple decorations can make it fun and turn it into one of your favorite family activities.
Theme ideas:
- Italian night
- Taco Tuesday
- Breakfast-for-dinner
- Around -the-world night (pick a country)
Fun Tip: Let kids help decorate or dress for the theme.
12 Community Engagement Activities for Foster Families
Stepping out into the community shows your kids they belong to something bigger and there’s a whole world of people ready to cheer them on. These family-friendly activities are positive ways to build roots and help your family feel connected to the community around you.
1. Visit your local library
Libraries like the Georgia Public Library Service often host free events, storytimes, and activity days.
2. Attend a Home Depot Kids Workshop
The Home Depot offers free Kids Workshops where children can build simple projects and take them home.
3. Use the Foster Friendly® app
The Foster Friendly app helps you find discounts and supportive organizations in your area.
4. Catch a free outdoor movie
Many cities host seasonal events. Check listings in places like Atlanta for family-friendly showings. Here is a list of upcoming 2026 Atlanta outdoor movies showings.
5. Join a church service project
Look for opportunities through local organizations and churches to serve together as a family.
6. Put together blessing bags
Fill bags with snacks, water, and essentials to give to someone in need. Let kids help choose what goes inside.
Helpful resource:
7. Pray for your community together
Pick a school, hospital, or neighborhood and intentionally pray for the people there.
8. Visit a pet store for a mini “safari”
Stores like PetSmart let kids see animals up close, creating an easy, free outing.
9. Join a local rec center or open gym
Check your county parks and rec department for free or low-cost play times and sports.
10. Attend a community festival or farmers market
Explore local events in areas like Marietta for live music, food, and kid-friendly activities.
11. Volunteer at a local food pantry
Organizations like Feeding America often have family-friendly ways to serve.
12. Explore a free museum day
Many museums offer free admission days, making it easy to enjoy educational family activities on a budget.
Helpful resource:
