Having the whole family at home for the holidays can be both amazing and frustrating. But there’s no reason why it should also be expensive. We’ve put together a handy list of wallet-friendly entertainment ideas to keep you and the kids occupied this festive season, so try them all and get the most out of your time together… without breaking the bank.
- Make Christmas decorations with the kids
This one is guaranteed to provide hours of fun and quality time with your kids. All you need is some coloured card, glitter, glue, paints, coloured pens and a healthy dose of imagination. You can also get the kids to collect pine cones, seed pods and even sea shells to bring a bit of the outdoors into your magical creations.
- Pack a picnic and head outside
We’re so fortunate to be blessed with superb sunshine at this time of year, so why not get out there and enjoy it? Pack a simple picnic basket and head for the park, the beach, the country, or one of our beautiful botanical gardens. Even your back yard will do – simply spread out a blanket and enjoy. Bring a frisbee or a ball and that’s the afternoon sorted.
- Plant a veggie patch
There’s nothing more therapeutic than getting in touch with nature, so grab the kids, some buckets and spades, seeds and a watering can, and head out into the garden to start your very own veggie patch. Showing them how to take care of their plants and watching them grow every day is most rewarding for the whole family.
- Hit the museums and galleries
Who says cultural experiences can’t be fun? There’s a huge number of museums and galleries that promise hours of fascination for kids of all ages – plus the entrance fees are really quite affordable. There’s also the zoo for when they want to explore the wild side. Pack a picnic for after and you can turn it into a whole day of fun and adventure.
- Go 10-pin bowling
Who doesn’t enjoy bowling? If the weather’s not so great, this is the perfect indoor family activity. Head down to the bowling alley for a couple of hours of inexpensive fun. While you’re there, maybe catch a movie afterwards. Just avoid the expensive popcorn if you’re on a tight budget.
- Camp in the garden
Many of us have fond memories of pitching a tent in the back garden and staying up way too late, telling stories and playing games till our parents told us to go to sleep. Why not do the same for your kids? It’s all the fun of camping without any of the drawbacks.
- Try the local farmer’s markets
Get an early start and take the family out to a farmer’s market. There’s sure to be a lot of things to keep everyone entertained, and maybe even some farm animals for the kids to feed and pet. Apart from the good food and fresh air, you may even manage to pick up a few cheap Christmas presents. And you’ll feel good about supporting local producers.
- Take the load off with play dates
Moms and dads, it pays to have a good support network, so don’t be afraid to encourage your kids to spend the day at a friend’s house. Play dates help them to stay in touch with their school mates while giving you some much-needed you-time. Just be sure to return the favour so that the other parents can also have a break.
- Make home-made presents
People love receiving gifts that have had some thought and care put into them, so here’s a great way to teach your kids the real value of Christmas. There are many resources online with countless ideas to inspire them to make special, one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends. Best of all, you will save a ton of money in the process and get to spend some quality time together.
- Put on a puppet play
This one’s a fantastic way to spark your kids’ imagination while providing them with hours of fun and laughs. All you need is a few home-made sock puppets and an old cardboard box which can serve as the theatre stage. Get the kids to think of an idea for their play and have them act it out for the rest of the family. It’s guaranteed to be a hit.
At bsmart we’re all about helping you to spend smart and save smart – to live smart. Take a look here for more ways to save this holiday season, and to learn more about what we can do for you, contact us or click here to sign up directly through our website.
Disclaimer: bsmart does not provide financial advice. The above article is for information purposes only, to share current economic and financial topics and trends. Please consult a suitable and qualified financial services provider if you require financial advice.