Grey skies, frigid temperatures, and dreary weather keep most people locked up indoors in the winter. After a while, though, you may start to feel a little claustrophobic. This goes double if you have kids and triple if you’re trying to save money.
Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and cheap family activities your whole family can enjoy this winter.
What do people do for fun that doesn’t cost money (or costs very little)? There are more options than you might think. To help, we’ve created a list of 10 things for families to do to beat the winter blues.
1. Play in the Snow
Before you start searching “activities for families near me,” remember that sometimes, the best opportunities are right in your backyard.
If you live in a state that gets a decent amount of snowfall, the snow can become you best friend by turning familiar terrain into a family playground. Your whole family can enjoy classic winter activities like:
- Sledding
- Building a snowman
- Making snow angels
- Having a snowball fight
If you and your kids know how to ski or snowboard, or you’re interested in learning, these can be great family activities, too.
2. Cook Up Some Delicious Treats
These winter treats are delicious and simple to prepare, making it easy for the whole family to get involved:
- Stovetop popcorn
- Hot cocoa
- Homemade pizza
- Holiday cookies
If you have any traditional family recipes, sharing them with your kids can be a great way to teach them about your family history. If not, now is the perfect time to start a new tradition!
3. Go for an Indoor Swim
Winter has a way of making people feel sluggish. Swimming might not immediately spring to mind when you think of invigorating winter things to do for families, but it can be a refreshing change of pace.
Swimming is an excellent way to maintain physical fitness and have fun at the same time. If there’s an indoor pool near you, your family might enjoy a chance to splash around or take a few laps.
4. Get Creative With Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts aren’t just for kids. Whether you’re an avid crafter yourself or you’re venturing into new territory, you might discover that making things together as a family helps pass the time in a meaningful way.
Here are a few winter-themed crafts to consider:
If you’d rather let your kids take the lead, gather any craft-related items you have lying around the house and let them build something new. Any evening spent creating something is an evening well spent.
5. Play a Game
If you find yourself asking, “What can you do in the winter that doesn’t cost money,” playing a game is one of the simplest options.
Some families are “game families” and some aren’t, but even if you fall into the latter category, playing a game with your loved ones is a great way to break the monotony. Card games, board games, and puzzles can keep kids (and adults) of all ages engaged. You might even discover a new hobby you can all enjoy together!
6. Learn Something Together
“Educational” is not a synonym for boring. The following cheap activities for families can offer you an opportunity to learn something while keeping you and the kids entertained:
Pick a Kid-Friendly Documentary
Do your children love animals? Airplanes? Something else? There’s a documentary out there for almost every interest.
Read a Historical Book
Many kids think history is dull. You can spark their interest with children’s books that bring the past to life. Historical fiction often clicks with young readers because it shows them how kids their own age lived in different times, making history feel more real and relevant.
Draw Your Family Tree
If you want to make history even more personal, consider taking a deep dive into your family tree. This will be even more fun if your kids can see pictures of their relatives.
7. Have a Movie Marathon
Having trouble finding fun, cheap family activities? If you’re snowed in or would just rather stay in on a cold night, a family movie marathon can give you a chance to relax and connect. Pop popcorn, grab some movie theater candy, and snuggle up under a warm blanket for a private screening.
Holiday movies might seem like an obvious choice for a winter movie marathon, but you don’t have to limit your options. Let your kids choose the viewing material or introduce them to some of your childhood favorites!
8. Go Out and Have Fun
Sometimes, you just need to get out of the house. These cheap family activities are affordable for the whole family and can provide you with a much-needed cabin fever reprieve:
- Bowling
- Going to the movies
- Visiting a museum
- Going to the zoo
Zoos typically have entry fees, but many offer discounted visitor passes in the winter months. As long as it isn’t too cold, your family might enjoy a winter zoo visit.
Looking for other options? Just search for “cheap or free family activities near me” to find additional unique opportunities in your neighborhood.
9. Visit a Family Member—Even Virtually
It’s easy to lose touch with extended family when life gets busy. If it’s cold out and you’re stuck inside, take advantage of the downtime by reconnecting with family members or friends who live far away.
Driving to visit loved ones who live reasonably close can be fun, but you can also reconnect without leaving the house. Getting back in touch can be as easy as setting up a video call.
10. Volunteer
Wondering where to take your kids when it’s cold? Some free family activities offer the opportunity to give back. Your whole family (with the possible exception of very young children) can volunteer, and you’ll gain the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped make your community a better place.
Even Cheap Family Activities Can Make Lasting Memories
Sometimes, figuring out how to engage kids in winter can be hard. But no matter your children’s ages or interests, one of the cheap family activities listed here is likely to help them enjoy the colder months. Having fun together is about more than just passing the time—it’s about building fond memories.
