The holidays are such a fun and exciting time of year, especially for kids. There are so many things to do and see (and eat). But it can be hard to find activities to entertain your kids that fit into your budget. Here is a list of 15 FREE activities you can do during the holidays with your kids.

Sledding

If you live in an area that snows, sledding is a fun activity that is enjoyable for the entire family. Spend the afternoon sliding through the snow, making memories.

See Christmas Lights

At our house, we love driving around the valley to enjoy the different Christmas lights. And whether you drive, walk, or watch YouTube videos, looking at Christmas lights is a wonderful activity.

Make artwork/gifts for Nearby Nursing Home

It is the the time of year for giving and spreading cheer. Help you children write cards or make crafts and deliver them to a local nursing home.

Go to the library

Not only is the library full of wonderful holiday books, most local libraries host activities for kids to help celebrate the holidays. Visit your local library to find out what activities your kids might be interested in.

Make/Decorate Ornaments (freebie)

Growing up, my family made Christmas ornaments every year. It was a tradition I loved, and have continued with my own kids. However, my kids are still little so we opt to making paper ornaments, and laminating them to put on our tree.

Click here to get our free ornament printable.

Read holiday books

Reading to my kids is one of my favorite things, especially sharing my favorite holiday books from when I was young. Have your kids pick out some books (at home or from the library) and spend some time reading and exploring together.

Write letters to Santa

This is a classic activity that kids of all ages love. And if you do your research you might find local places to drop off letter and your kids can receive letters back from Santa himself.

Click here to get our free Santa letter Template

Donate Old unused toys

A great way to teach your kids charity (and accomplish some decluttering) is to have your kids donate their unused toys to gets/families in need.

Build a snowman/play in the snow

The holidays are normally associated with snow! If you are lucky to get any, spend the afternoon with your kids outside people snowmen and having a snowball fight.

Decorate Sugar Cookies

Holiday treats are the best, and sugar cookies go great with any holiday. Let your kids get messy and creative as they design their own cookies (and eat a few too!)

Christmas Crafts

Christmas Crafts don’t have to be elaborate. You can plan a fun easy craft, or you can pull out the craft supplies and let your kids imagination guide them.

Holiday Dance Party

Nothing can turn a frown upside down like a good dance party. Crank up your holiday favorites, turn on the festive lights and let your kids dance their stress and frustrations away

Build a fort

My kids love building forts! They are a fun way to play indoors, especially when it is cold outside. Use your fort for story telling, reading, watching movies and more

Indoor obstacle course

Are your kids stuck inside on a cold day? Create an indoor obstacle course to help your entertain your kids and take their boredom away. Make it as festive as your want for added fun

Caroling

Who doesn’t enjoy holiday songs? Spread some holiday cheer by caroling to your neighbors. And if you don’t enjoy singing, you could always opt to watch carolers instead.