As a mom of a seven, ten, and eleven year old, I am always looking for fun ways to connect without spending a ton of money. If you are looking for outings that are not the library or the park, here are a few stops that always keep my big kids entertained.

I recently learned about the Cost Plus World Market scavenger hunt and it had me thinking, there must be other fun things out there. At Cost Plus, you can grab their official scavenger hunt list and let the kids search for items from different countries, interesting snacks, or anything in their favorite colors. They stay busy, you get a few minutes to wander, and it turns a simple store visit into a tiny adventure. Right now they are also running the Find a Golden Nutcracker promotion. If your kids spot a Golden Nutcracker game piece in the store, you could receive a twenty, fifty, or even one hundred dollar reward.

My kids love IKEA. They pretend to be spies, sneaking around the showrooms, and it is so cute to watch. IKEA is another go to when you want a simple outing that still feels special. The kids can explore the showrooms, test out the mini rooms, and tell you exactly how they’d decorate their future homes. IKEA also has a bunch of free events, though registration is advised. Kids can participate in scavenger hunts, cooking clubs, new product launches, and more. You can stroll, chat, and end with a snack. It is warm, easy, and always good for at least a couple hours of entertainment.

Animal lovers have options too. A simple walk through PetSmart gives kids a chance to check out the fish, small pets, reptiles, and sometimes adoptable cats. It is free, easy, and always brings a few “look at this one” moments. For something more unique, the Wooly Yak Ranch is such a fun surprise. The yaks are adorable and the whole experience feels different from your typical outing. Not free, but my cat-loving daughter also loves the Carmel cat cafe PawsPetCafe. You can hang out with adoptable cats and grab a coffee. Registration in advance is required.

If your kids love to build, the LEGO Store is an easy win. They can check out the displays, look through new sets, and get inspired to create something totally different when they get home. Even a quick stop feels like a treat.

Buff City Soap is a short but super fun stop. The whole store smells amazing and kids love watching the soap makers work and checking out all the bright colors. If they have any half bath bombs available kids can paint one for free. Pro tip, call in advance as ask if they have any.

If you are looking for a philanthropic jewelry-making experience, check out HopeAnchor and Crew. Kids can choose the nonprofit they want to support with their purchase and then design a bracelet, combining creativity with giving back.

For horse lovers, kids ages six and up can sign up for a $60 first-time 45 minute horse experience at Koteewi Stables. During the session, they learn about horse behavior, grooming, and how to stay safe around horses, and they also get to enjoy a short ride.

We hope you and your kids enjoy these suggestions. If you have more fun ideas or hidden gems around Hamilton County, we would love to hear from you—send us a message and share your favorites!