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Budget-Friendly Things To Do With Your Kids On Winter Break

Budget-Friendly Things To Do With Your Kids On Winter Break
Reviewed by Nima Vahdat
Updated November 30, 2023

Entertaining your children and making memorable holiday experiences doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Holidays for children can be a magical time full of wonder and joy.

But for parents, it can also be a time of stress and financial strain.

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Many parents make the mistake of believing that to provide a memorable holiday experience for their children, they have to spend a large amount of money.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Celebrate the holiday season with budget-friendly activities that can bring your family together.
  • Make sure your finances are in order before participating in holiday activities.
  • Take advantage of sales and rewards points when thrift shopping.
  • Teach your children that the holidays can be fun without breaking the bank.

Expenses Can Quickly Add Up Over The Holidays

With the added expenses of gifts, decorations, and holiday events, it’s easy to see how quickly the budget can become stretched thin. 

However, as shown in another blog post, hosting on a budget during the holidays can be done with great success. And with a little creativity and planning, you can still have an enjoyable winter break without breaking the bank! 

Here are six budget-friendly activities and crafts you can do with your kids during winter break.

1. Get Crafty

One of the best ways to keep your kids entertained during winter break is through crafting. Not only is it a fun and creative activity, but you can also use materials you already have on hand, making it budget-friendly. 

Create homemade decorations for your home or gifts for family and friends. You can even host a crafting day with your children’s friends or neighbors, making it a fun and social activity.

To save even more money, Mother Nature can be your crafting supply store. You and your kids can take a nature walk to collect pine cones, leaves, and other materials for holiday crafts. 

Snow itself can also serve as a natural crafting material. You can make snowmen, and snow angels, and even create your own snow paint by mixing food coloring and water in a spray bottle.

2. Host Movie Marathons

Nothing beats snuggling up on the couch with some hot cocoa and watching holiday movies together. Instead of going to the theater or renting expensive DVDs, modern technology has enabled streaming services to offer a vast selection of holiday classics at an affordable price. 

Make some popcorn, cozy up with blankets, and enjoy a family movie night without breaking the bank.

If you want to add an extra touch of fun, let your kids choose their favorite holiday movie to watch each day during winter break. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. 

It can also help you get to know what your kids are interested in and what they enjoy, making it easier to plan future activities with them.

3. Bake And Cook Together

Winter break is the perfect time to bond with your kids in the kitchen. From baking cookies to cooking holiday meals, involving your children in these activities will not only keep them busy but also teach them valuable life skills. 

It’s an excellent opportunity to spend quality time together and create some delicious treats at the same time.

To make your money back on the goods you make, consider hosting a holiday bake sale or setting up a pop-up shop to sell your goodies. You can also use this as an opportunity to teach your kids about budgeting and saving by having them set prices for the items they make. 

Some business skills, combined with some holiday spirit, can make for a fun and even profitable winter break activity.

4. Visit Local Free Attractions

When looking for budget-friendly activities to do during winter break, don’t forget about your local community. 

There are often free events and attractions that you can take advantage of, such as light displays, parades, or live performances. These can provide great entertainment for the whole family without costing you a penny.

You can also check out your local library for free events and activities, such as holiday-themed storytimes or crafting workshops. This is a great way to keep your kids engaged and learning during their break from school.

Some neighborhoods are also proudly displaying their Christmas decorations and lights. Take a walk or drive around your area to admire the festive displays. This will spark some creative ideas for your own home decorations as you can see which ones catch your child’s eye. 

You don’t have to be the one who spends the most money on lights to benefit from the festive spirit!

5. Volunteer For Causes That Are Important To Your Family

The holiday season is all about giving back, and what better way to spend your winter break than by volunteering for a cause that is important to your family? 

Whether it’s helping out at a local soup kitchen or donating toys to children in need, volunteering can be a meaningful and fulfilling experience for both you and your kids.

Not only does volunteering teach children the value of giving back, but it also allows them to see the impact that their actions can have on others. Plus, volunteering is a free activity that can bring your family together and create lasting memories.

6. Thrift Shopping For New Year’s Outfits

New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate and dress up, but buying new outfits can be expensive. Instead of splurging on brand-new clothes, why not take your family thrift shopping? 

You can find unique and stylish pieces at a fraction of the cost, and it’s a fun activity for the whole family.

Thrift stores often have sales during the holiday season, making it even more budget-friendly. You can also challenge your family to find the best bargains and create a friendly competition. 

Credit cards are often accepted at these stores and if you have a cash back rewards card, you can earn points for your purchases.

Final Thoughts On Budget-Friendly Activities During The Holidays

With all of the budget-friendly activities available, it’s still important to make sure your finances are in order throughout the holiday season. 

If you have multiple credit card debts and are struggling to make ends meet during the holidays, consider looking into debt consolidation options to start the New Year off in a more financially positive way.

Debt consolidation is the process of combining all of your debts into one manageable monthly payment with a lower interest rate. 

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