Keep Them Busy This Year With Cheap Holiday Activities for Kids

Soon your kids will have a lengthy holiday break and it will be up to you to keep them occupied. You don’t have to spend a lot of money taking them to see the latest light show or event. Here are some creative and cheap holiday activities for kids to help you keep your kids happy (and keep your sanity) over the holidays.

And the Winner Is …

Parents have been driving kids to see the neighborhood lights since electricity made elaborate holiday decorations possible. But after you have seen them, that’s pretty much it. Why not create a contest? Have your kids judge each light show and decide which they think is best. You can even have them create an award for the homeowner with the best lights. You can do this once or give out different awards for each neighborhood or street you visit.

Let’s Wrap

Wrapping those holiday gifts is a chore. Since the kids are home, why not let them do it? Challenge them to purchase supplies at area dollar stores and reward them for saving money. Set aside a day or a couple of days for a wrapping party. Serve hot chocolate and gingerbread while they work. Have the kids compete for the best wrapping job. Even if the presents are wrapped perfectly, you will have a great story to tell at your holiday gatherings.

Get a Job

Everyone is busy during the holidays and could use a little help. Have your kids offer their services to family and friends. Older kids could babysit busy moms who need to shop for gifts. Children of all ages can create a gift-wrapping service. Have a holiday bake sale to earn extra money. This is a great way to keep the kids occupied, have them earn extra money and help out your family and friends.

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

No matter where you live you will likely have a few dreary days where it snows and rains. Crafting and baking will only keep your kids occupied for so long. How about creating an indoor scavenger hunt? I have done this with my child on several holidays and he loved it. Hide objects throughout the house and give the kids clues as to where to find them. If you have more than one child, create a competition and reward who finds the objects first. You can also hide items that are their own rewards like a piece of candy or a toy.

Help Someone Else

Helping others is perhaps the greatest lesson you can teach your kids during the holidays. Nonprofits and places of worship need volunteers more than ever during the holiday season as the needs are greater during this time of the year. Find an activity you can do as a family. You can also have the kids donate part of their allowance to help others. Before on where to go, make sure the organization allows kids to volunteer. If you don’t know where to go, your local United Way is a great source of information on nonprofits in your area.

What are some of the fun activities you do with your kids during the holiday season? Let us know in the comments below.

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