12 Free or Low-Cost things to do in the Winter with kids!

As much as we all like or dislike it, winter is coming in Minnesota! Despite that my family likes being outdoors, we also spend more time indoors than in the other seasons. It’s inevitable that at some point, we get stir-crazy! While it may seem like every option for things to do in the winter cost money, that is not the case. I’m here to help for those days where everyone in the house is going crazy and you need something to do to re-set the dynamics of the house. All of these activities are free or fairly low-cost things to do.

*Nature Centers- Most nature centers are completely free. Not only do they usually have beautiful walking paths and outdoor areas, but they also commonly have things to do inside! Many have animals to see, kid’s activities such as puzzles and toys, and sometimes events that are free or low-cost to participate in.

*Libraries- Not many places are completely free and open to anyone like libraries. Even most small towns have libraries. If we have extra time in a town and need something to do with sketchy weather, we always check out the library. My kids LOVE reading and looking at books, so usually end up spending a good chunk of time just reading. Yet, most libraries have toys, games, scavenger hunts, story times, and the list goes on. Visit new ones all winter long or stick with your favorites!

*Sledding/Snow Shoeing- This is always a hit at our house! Such a fun activity that all ages can participate in. If sledding isn’t always a hit at your house, look up places to rent snow shoes for free or cheap around you. The hotel in our small town used to rent snow shoes of all sizes out for free. Our middle child was successful with snow shoes at 2 years old, so this can also be a fun event for most ages.

*Coffee Dates- Bring along a few of your kid’s favorite books or activities to do and grab a coffee or hot cocoa together. If you’re willing to just get a basic hot cocoa or coffee, you can have a fairly cheap date together. Stay for a little while and remember it’s about the time together.

*Christmas Light Drive- Our kids LOVE this! Even though we go to a few larger displays each year, our kids still love just walking or driving around town and finding Christmas lights. It’s like a thrill trying to find a unique or pretty set-up on your own. Sometimes, we take a walk and do this if the weather is nice. Other times, we drive. Bonus points if you bring hot cocoa and jingle bells to be festive.

*Walk around a mall and go to the play center- Most malls open for walkers one hour before stores open. This is an ideal time to walk if your mall is usually busy. When we lived in the Twin Cities, we would regularly visit the mall and walk once a week with my parents. It brings back such fond memories for me. The kids loved to window shop, people watch, and play at the small playground area. We often, stopped in Barnes and Noble to look at the books and play at the train table as well. Around holidays, there is so much more to look at and see. 

*Bakery Dates- Cute bakeries are so fun to find! Again, bring along your kid’s favorite books or activities, grab a treat, and make yourself comfy. Some bakeries even have little kid areas to play. Bakeries are also, a great place to practice a wide variety of life skills, such as ordering, paying, and cleaning up after yourself.

*State Parks- For only $35 a year, you can buy a state park pass. It is completely worth it as our state has 66 unique state parks. With the wide assortment of parks, your family will definitely find at least one that they love. Our family has yet to find a park that we haven’t enjoyed. Even if you have visited the parks in the summer, spring, or fall, it can look completely different in the winter. At $14.95, you can also buy a State parks passport, which you get stamped at each state park you visit. When you reach 25 stamps and 66 stamps, you earn a free night of camping in a state park.

*Craft Shows- As long as you can go to a craft show and not spend a ton of money, this is a must during this time of year. My kids love going to craft shows as they often have unique items for sale, which gets their creative juices flowing. One of my kids wants to be an artist when she grows up, so this is a great spot for her to go and experience wide varieties of arts and crafts.

*Bake something together- Not only can you bake some of your favorites together, but you can also try new recipes together! There’s something wonderful about taste testing something that you worked together to make. This is also, a fun activity to do together because the opportunities are endless. Recipes are everywhere and there are many recipes that you have all the ingredients ready to go in your kitchen. Baking is another activity that teaches so many life skills, such as measuring, reading, counting, cleaning, patience, and teamwork. 

*Walk around Scheel’s- Most Scheel’s have fun things to do as you walk. Some have ferris wheels, bowling ($1 per person for a small game), and areas to try out different sporting equipment. Others have fish tanks, fun toy sections, and taxidermy. Be sure to check out what your nearest Scheel’s has to offer. While you’re there, take a walk around the mall too.

*Volunteer-There are so many places that need help throughout the year. This is a great time to teach your kids the value of service to others. Some food shelves, nursing homes, and community events allow you to bring kids and have them serve alongside you. What a great way to lead your household while also, providing something to do and helping others!

I hope these suggestions can bring you joy during the colder months of the year and allow your family to find new places to explore while making beautiful memories. 

Until my next adventure,

Allie