Cheap Things To Do With Your Kids Over Christmas Break

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Are the kids home for Christmas break and you need to find some boredom busters? Here are fun things to do with your kids over winter break (or any time).

Family playing in snow together with text overlay "Fun Activities for Kids over Christmas Break"

Christmas Break Activities for Kids

Christmas break will be here before you know it, and every parent dreads hearing their kids complaining that they are bored. And of course, after an almost full month of running around keeping family traditions, it all dies down right after Christmas.

Many of us are just tapped out on ideas. And with the Christmas season, Mom and Dad may be on a tight budget. Not to worry though there are plenty of cheap and even free things that you can do with your kids over the Christmas break.

I thought it would be fun to put together a list of ideas for things to do.

Christmas Break Movie Marathon

Break out the popcorn, your favorite cookies, and some hot chocolate, and settle in to watch everyone’s favorite Christmas movies together. Is there anything better than watching Christmas movies together by the tree?

Here are some of our favorite and classic movies.

Go Sledding

We can’t think of a better way to spend a winter afternoon than sledding down a snow-covered hill. Grab your kids and find a local hill. Don’t forget to bring a thermos filled with hot chocolate.

Caroling

We can bring an old tradition back to life. Go caroling in your neighborhood as a family. You can even consider joining up with some neighbors, or a local church and spread Christmas cheer to others!

If you don’t happen to live in a neighborhood suitable for caroling, nursing home residents always appreciate a little extra holiday cheer.

Ice Skating

Take the whole family out for an evening of ice skating. Even if there are no frozen lakes in your area, lots of rinks offer additional days and hours around the holidays. You might even look on coupon sites like Groupon to see if you can find a reduced-price ticket for admission.

Make sure to pack a few snacks in case you work up an appetite so you don’t have to hit up the snack bar.

Make Christmas Cards

Break out the craft supplies and let your kids make homemade Christmas cards for their family and friends. You could also make Christmas cards to pass out at your local nursing home or long-term care facility.

A homemade card is sure to brighten the resident’s day and bring them a little holiday cheer.

Candy Cane Hunt

Set up a candy cane scavenger hunt for your kids. You can make up riddles or clues, or you can just let the kids loose to find the candy canes you have hidden throughout your home.

Whoever finds the most candy canes wins, but everyone wins really because they got candy canes!

Volunteer Together

Volunteering together as a family at a local food bank or shelter doesn’t cost you a thing and it’s very rewarding. Teaching your kids about the importance of giving back to their community is a lesson that will stick with them throughout their lives.

During the holiday season, our family loves to volunteer for Toys for Tots. They need help before and after the Christmas season.

Indoor Snow Ball Fight

Maybe it doesn’t snow where you live, or maybe it does and it’s just too darn cold to go out. Not to worry because you can have a snowball fight inside!

All you need are some styrofoam balls from the dollar store to have a snowball fight right inside your house. If you don’t have styrofoam balls, you can use clean balled-up socks.

Drive Around and Look at Lights

Make a mug or thermos of everyone’s favorite coffee or hot chocolate drink, pack up a few Christmas cookies, and drive around to look at Christmas lights in your town. Some neighborhoods really go all out and it is beautiful to see.

If you don’t know which neighborhoods to drive through, try asking on a local Facebook group for your area.

Take a Trip To The Zoo

Most people think about going to the zoo during the summer months, but have you ever been to the zoo during the wintertime? Take a trip to the zoo while the kids are on their winter break. You see what the animals are doing now that the weather has cooled off.

Make sure that you check rebate sites like Groupon to see if you can save a little money on admission.

Bake Holiday Treats

Fight off boredom by getting together in the kitchen and baking up your favorite Christmas treats. You can have some as a snack while you watch your favorite Christmas movies, and you can even share some with your friends and neighbors.

You could also bake up an extra batch to drop off at your local police or fire department. Need a cookie recipe? Check out these no-bake peppermint-dipped cookies or this amazing recipe and template for a gingerbread house.

Go to a Christmas Concert or Play

Take the whole family to see a Christmas concert, play, or ballet. Visiting a local theater group is usually very economical.

The bonus you get to see the talents of your community as well. If your community doesn’t have a local theater group, check out local churches and community centers. They often have Christmas plays or concerts that you can attend for free.

Lastly…

Whatever you decide to do, remember that the object is to enjoy time as a family and to take some moments to truly appreciate this break from the norm.

Just remember that keeping your kids happy and entertained over the Christmas holidays doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.