Free Activities to Entertain Kids During the Winter Months
by lanne on Nov 10, 2008 with 7 Comments
If you live anywhere where you have to suffer through long, snowy winters, you know that finding economical ways to keep your family busy without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Here are some winter activity suggestions that will keep you busy, at no cost.
Indoor Camping
One sure fire way to beat the winter blues is to do something that screams summer, and nothing says summer like a camping trip. Set up a tent in your family room or living room, fill it with flashlights, battery operated lanterns, pillows and sleeping bags. If the room has a woodburning fireplace, light a fire and let the kids roast hot dogs and marshmallows.
Indoor Picnic
Winter meals tend to be made up of heavier (comfort) foods and can become a bit boring to kids. Switch things up a little and have an indoor picnic for dinner. Spread a blanket on the floor and serve a dinner made up of summer favorites like hot dogs, burgers, salads and fresh fruit. The kids will love it and it`s fun for mom and dad too.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Cities everywhere create artificial Ice Rinks every year for the enjoyment of the residents. These rinks are free to use, and well maintained to ensure safety.
Building Snowmen
Get the entire family bundled up and head out to build snowmen. Light a winter bonfire, serve hot chocolate and toast marshmallows. Make a day of it by inviting friends and family members to join in the fun.
Christmas Light Tour
Pack up the kids and take a drive around town to see the Christmas light displays. Some towns hold contests for the best displays, and some folks go all out. Many homes that have these elaborate displays leave a donation box outside and the money that their display raises is given to a local charity.
Story Time
Many local libraries offer a story time for young kids. The stories are read by volunteers so there is no cost. Mom and dad can drop the kids off for the allotted time, or catch up on some reading of their own.
Marathon of Movies
No matter what time of year it is, kids love movies. Most libraries have a large selection of movies for all ages. The rentals are usually free to anyone with a current library card. Break out some soft drinks, pop some corn and the kids will forget all about the 40 below temperatures outside. (make sure to grab one for the grownups for later)
Get the Kids Cooking
Keep the kids busy by getting them to prepare (or help prepare) their favorite meal. Those parents who have nerves of steel could invite playmates over for an afternoon of cookie/cupcake baking and decorating.
Enjoy your winter.
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Published in: Family
Juancav | Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
Make you children happy and follow these advices.
CHAN LEE PENG | Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
This will sure entertain the kids. Thanks and take care!
Glynis Smy | Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
Good ideas, I like the camping one.
Alexa Gates | Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
great ideas
My parents used to sometimes drive around and we played a christmas light game and whoever found the most lights on one side of the road won a cany bar or something 
It was fun 
Kimberly Lee | Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
how fun!!!!
Liane Schmidt | Nov 12, 2008 | Reply
Great article – I used to love building forts out of blankets as a child – - putting them over tables and chairs and pretending like you were suddenly in a new world – wonderful work!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Laura | Nov 21, 2008 | Reply
Some of my favorite winter memories as a kid are all of these things listed. Luckily I had lots of cousins, which meant lots of friends, but these are also easy activities to have your kids friends over for, or to do with other families.
Another suggestion that happens in my neighborhood is caroling. A group of carolers always gets together, kids and parents, and walk around the neighborhood singing various winter songs (Christmas, Kwanzaa, general wintery wonder) and handing out cookies and candy canes. Its a good way to get to know the neighbors.