When it is cold outside, we tend to stay indoors and rent movies, buy more toys, books and stuff to occupy is indoors to visit indoor places where it is easy to spend money, such as the mall, restaurants and kids activity centers. Some of us even plan extra vacations to escape the cold. Those costs can all add up. Winter activities and entertainment should be all about embracing the season, not spending money on things to do to escape it.
I’ve put together a few ideas that will help you enjoy the winter, have fun and make some great memories, all without spending a dime.
Outdoors
You just have to make a snowman when the snow is available. The kids and I did this yesterday as soon as my eldest child came home from school. I have to admit that my first thoughts as the bus pulled up was to usher everyone inside out of the cold. After all, it was I who would have to peel off all of the wet outfits and wash and dry them, pull off dripping boots, and mop the resulting slush puddles in the entry way. But, we had so much fun making our snowman, and I wouldn’t have traded that time with the kids for anything.
Also, while you are outside having fun, you can keep the heat turned down and the lights off in the house.
Indoors
Instead of buying the latest thing to occupy whiney kids, why not try some old fashioned activities. Think about kids in the 50s. They might make paper snowflakes or snowmen, play a game such as post office or hide and seek, or invent their own fun. Other ideas include making a shadow drawing, making a snow gauge or creating an indoor obstacle course. Teach them how to bake bread or roll out cookies. There are some great books out there at the library all about indoor kids activities.
And speaking of the library, take advantage of the kids story time activities, if you want to get out of the house but also want to remain indoors. Local craft stores and home improvement stores usually sponsor their own free kids activities, too.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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