Frugal Family Winter Fun

 Winter is here and with it, new ways to enjoy the season as a family.  But with the holidays upon us, we getting even more creative with our finances and looking for ways to have some frugal family fun.    So besides all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas, if you're looking for inexpensive ways to spend time together as a family, here are 8 fun ideas to get your creativity flowing:

1. Build a snowman--We all have a creative side when it comes to snowmen and no two are ever alike.  Maybe yours has a fancy scarf while your chid's has funny facial features.  Get creative.  Maybe even make a contest out of it.  For an extra touch of creativity, fill spray bottles with colored water to add detail.

2. Go sledding--We haven't done this the past couple of years, but my kids love it.  It's a great way to burn off some energy and spend time together at the same time.  Make a day of it with turkey sandwiches and hot cocoa too.

3. Have a snowball fight--While you're at it, why not start a snowball fight too?  See who can make the best snowballs or the best baracade to hide behind.  Divide into teams, boys against girls or parents against kids.

4. Make snow ice cream--We don't get a lot of snow so we tried this for the first time just a few years ago. With just a few ingredients you can make a fun winter treat that even the kids can be involved in.  And it's cheap!

5. Look at Christmas lights--Load up the kids in the car with some hot cocoa and some Christmas music and you're all set for an adventure.  Make a game out of it.  Have a scavenger hunt while you're looking.  Who can spot the Grinch?  Which houses have a Nativity Set?  How many candy cane trees will you see?

6. Go on a hike--Yes, it's snowy, and windy.  But you know what?  We can still enjoy the vitamin D.   Getting out for a little sun and fresh does us all some good.  And there's still plenty of places to hike and enjoy this time of year.

7. Go ice skating-- Confession time... I've never been ice skating.  I've just never lived somewhere that it's been a possibility.  But how fun does that sound?  Holding hands around the skating rink... laughing... listening to Christmas music... and getting some fresh air. 

8. Service Santa--This one sounds like so much fun and could really happen any time of year.  Instead of buying gifts for each other, why not do service projects for each other?  Draw a name, do chores for each other, surprise each other with gifts of service, and try to keep it a secret all at the same time.     We've already drawn names this year, but I totally think we're doing this one next year.

What are your ideas for Frugal Family Fun in the Winter?