Winter Activities For On A Budget
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It’s the season of celebration and giving, and as fun as this time of year is, all of the festivities can certainly take a toll on your budget. With an ever-growing list of people to give gifts to and places to travel, you may be looking for ways to cut back on spending.
We’ve gathered this list of winter family activities you can do on even the tightest budget. Check out our ideas below and enjoy some holiday fun—all without breaking the bank!
1. Plan Some Snow Day Fun
Do you live in a climate where it snows in the winter? If so, you may gripe about cleaning off your windshield or salting the walks, but you’re also lucky to have a totally free source of fun for the whole family to enjoy all winter long. You don’t have to buy pricey ski lift tickets to take advantage of the snow. Instead, round up the snow gear you already have around the house and head out for some sledding, a snowman-building contest, or the ultimate snowball fight.
2. Have a Bake-a-Thon
There’s nothing like baking to make you feel cozy and festive on a cold winter day. You’ll have a good time creating your delicious treats, and you’ll have a tasty reward at the end. Plus, even the littlest helpers can find something to do while you bake. Give them a bowl and spoon to help mix, or give them some spare dough to play with. You can keep all of the goodies for yourself, or use it for another winter activity and pass it out to friends, neighbors, or someone in need.
3. Visit a Winter Festival
Your community probably has tons of free events going on during the winter season, so take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy a day or night out on the town without spending a dime. Stroll the holiday craft fair, enjoy a community gingerbread making activity, or go ice skating at the local ice rink. Do your research early in the season so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!
4. Go for a Drive to See Holiday Lights
No matter how old your kids are, they’ll love getting in the spirit of the season by driving around to see houses lit up with holiday lights. Find out where the most festive homes are, then plan a night of blasting holiday music and cruising around to see the lights. Or, take a brisk walk to check out the lights up close. Don’t forget to bring along hot chocolate and hand warmers!
5. Volunteer at a Local Charity
Volunteering is a unique way to bring your family together and feel some warm fuzzies during this chilly time of year. Head to the internet to find out which charities could use some help during the season, then rally your troops and plan a night of volunteering. You might consider organizing a food drive, serving at a soup kitchen, or gathering coats for those in need.
6. Host a Cookie Exchange
Want to invite friends over without spending a big chunk of change on food and decorations? A cookie exchange is the best solution. This offers a laid-back way to get together, so you don’t have to stress about sprucing up your house or paying for expensive ingredients. Add another layer of fun by having an awards ceremony and cheap prizes from the dollar store.
7. Visit a National Park
Spending time out in nature is good for the soul, even when the temperatures drop. If you’re feeling a stroke of cabin fever, head to the nearest national park to take in and appreciate the beauty of the earth. You might plan a nature walk, go snowshoeing, admire frozen waterfalls, or get a bite to eat in a cozy lodge.
8. Make a Holiday Craft
When you want to spend a cozy afternoon at home, pull out some paper, glue, and scissors and enjoy a little holiday crafting. Pinterest is a wealth of inspiration when you want an easy and inexpensive craft. Or, you can always create some classic snowflakes to hang in your window for the rest of the season.
More Money Management Help
These cheap winter family activities are sure to provide solid entertainment without spending much money. And, if you’re looking for more money management ideas, CreditAnswers is here to help. We assist clients in becoming debt-free as soon as possible, removing the burden of the never-ending cycle of debt. Get a free debt assessment today!
