Inexpensive Ways to Have Fun with Your Family This Winter

Winter family fun that won’t break the bank (after all the holiday spending!)

By: Amanda Mushro

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8 Ways to Winter Family Fun

We are well into the new year and even though the holiday season wrapped up a few weeks ago, your wallet might still be feeling the effects from all of the gifts, parties, and other expenses that popped up during the holiday season. So, while you aren’t looking to spend a ton of money on family activities and outings, there are still so many ways to keep everyone in your house entertained on a small budget. There’s no need to stay cooped up until spring when there are so many budget-friendly ways to have fun in the winter. Need some ideas? Here are eight that we’ll be using with our families.

Family Game Night

Pop some popcorn and grab a few of your family’s favorite board games because it’s game night! This is such a fun way to spend some quality time with your kids, and it won’t cost you anything extra. If your kids got new board games for the holidays, now is the perfect time to put them to use. Not feeling a game night? How about a puzzle night instead? Work as a team to build a puzzle with the family and enjoy a laugh and quality time.

Cook with Your Kids

From big kids to little kids, there are so many ways to let your tiny chefs help in the kitchen. Whether you are making their favorite meal, a delicious treat, or you’re trying to encourage your kids to eat more veggies — if they help make the veggies, they will eat them right? — turn this everyday task into a fun activity that doesn’t cost extra in your weekly grocery budget.

Visit the Library

Grab a few new books for everyone in the family and check out the free activities or inexpensive classes that may be offered at the library. It’s also a great way to keep up any new year reading goals you’ve set for yourself and your family. Plus, spending an afternoon at the library is a great indoor activity on a cold winter day.

Snow Day

If there’s snow in the forecast, use it as a reason to get outside with your kids and have some fun. Go sledding, paint the snow, or build a few snowmen. However, if there’s no snow in the forecast, there are still plenty of ways to have some winter fun.

Hot Cocoa Party

When the temperatures get chilly — or if you just want to pretend the temps are cold — have a hot cocoa party with your family. Grab a few boxes of hot chocolate, a few marshmallows, and toppings like candy pieces and whipped cream. Let everyone make their own hot chocolate, then snuggle up and watch a movie with the fam.

Host a Neighborhood Potluck

We all know one of the best ways to keep our kids entertained is to let them play with friends. So, invite over a few neighbors for a low-key potluck. Everyone brings a dish, the kids play, and you get to chat with other adults. You won’t break the bank by hosting a huge party since it’s just a few people, and everyone brings a dish to share. It’s perfect for a Saturday night with the family.

Explore Your Community

From winter festivals to bundling up and taking a hike, use the winter months to explore some of the best parts of your community that you didn't know existed. Check local and community calendars for events, then get the kids ready to explore!

Find Volunteer Opportunities

There are so many different ways kids of all ages can help others. Between walking dogs at a dog shelter, collecting food for a food bank, and donating warm clothes to a shelter, there are plenty of ways your family can give back together.

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