The holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends, but it can be challenging to keep the kids busy. With school out for weeks on end, parents need to make sure that their children are entertained and engaged during this period.
Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap and fun activities that both parents and kids alike can enjoy over the holiday season. From many outdoor activities to indoor activities like family game night, DIY craft stations, etc. These activities will help ensure your children stay occupied throughout the break. Not only do they provide hours of entertainment but also encourage creativity in young minds while helping them learn about various topics such as science or art.
So if you’re looking for ways to keep your kids busy without breaking the bank this holiday season, look no further! Here is a list of some cheap and fun ideas that both you and your children will enjoy doing together over the holidays!
Outdoor activities
1. Go for a nature walk or hike
Holidays can often be hectic and stressful, especially for parents with young children – having lots of energy to expend but with nowhere to go. Taking them out on a nature walk or hike is a fantastic way to keep them busy and off your hands! Not only is this activity an inherently educational and healthy one, but it’s also free!
Head over to your nearest park, forest, or neighborhood trail with your little ones and prepare for an exciting outing.
Nature walks are especially great for kids – letting their minds be away from the screentime activities of the indoors as well as allowing them to explore new things.
2. Have a picnic at the park
A picnic at a park is an easy activity that will get everyone outside and enjoy the sunshine, while also allowing them to spend some quality family time together.
Pack a lunch or dinner and bring it to the park for a pleasant meal in the great outdoors. From there, your children can burn off energy playing games like tag, hide-and-seek, or kicking a soccer ball around in the grass.
It will be a unique way to enjoy quality time with your family while making sure your kids stay entertained away from the screens and video games at home.
3. Organize a treasure hunt in the backyard or local park
A treasure hunt is a perfect way for kids to stay busy over the holidays. It’s also an incredibly safe and inexpensive option. You can organize a treasure hunt in your backyard or even your local park for an extra special adventure.
There are plenty of ways to make it fun! Things like dividing teams, creating clues, and setting custom rewards can turn the treasure hunt into an exciting family activity.
You can even ask neighbors and friends if they’d like to join in the fun!
Indoor activities
1. Host a movie marathon with homemade popcorn
Hosting a movie marathon with homemade popcorn is a great way to keep kids busy over the holidays. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also allows you to spend quality time with your kids watching all their favorite films.
All you need for the marathon is a few of your family’s favorite movies, a computer or TV connected to a streaming service or DVD player, and a bag of popcorn.
2. Set up an indoor obstacle course
The holiday season is always a great time for family fun, and an indoor obstacle course is the perfect way to keep your kids occupied over the break. Set up some cones, jump ropes, hula hoops, pillows, or even yoga blocks!
Let them be creative and develop their setup based on their interests. With a variety of items at their disposal, they can enjoy their unique obstacle course while getting plenty of physical activity too! Not only will it tire them out, but it will also keep them engaged with new challenges throughout the day.
Always Consider Your Personal Finances
It’s important to remember that when it comes to holiday activities, your budget should always be taken into consideration. There are plenty of ways to have fun with your family on a limited budget, so make sure you’re mindful of your finances before making any major purchases.
If you’re thinking about making a big purchase to keep your kids busy over the holidays, first check if you have enough in your emergency fund to cover any unexpected emergency. Additionally consider other debt that you may need to repay first, such as a short-term loan, payday loan, etc.
After considering all the factors, you should see what you can afford to buy.
Conclusion
There are many cheap and fun ways to keep your kids busy, and there’s no need to break the bank to have fun. From nature walks and picnics at the park, to treasure hunts and movie marathons indoors – there are plenty of activities that can keep your kids busy without spending too much money. As long as you plan and remember to factor in your own personal finances, the holidays can be a fun time for everyone!
