Budget-friendly winter activities to beat cold-weather blues

Winter days are perfect for staying warm and toasty curled up by the fire. But spending all your time at home could leave you looking forward to longer days and more sunshine.

Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors (and make the most of that indoor time) when the temperature drops. The challenge is finding budget-friendly winter activities.

“Winter is a tricky time for budgeting because it starts during the busy holiday season,” says Sara Skirboll, a retail and shopping expert and the VP of communications at an employment website. Between buying gifts, attending (or hosting) holiday parties, and traveling to see friends and family, your budget may already be stretched.

Colder months can also bring unexpected expenses, Skirboll says. For example, you may have to visit the doctor’s office if you’re fighting the flu or a winter bug, or you may need to spend money to get your home and car ready for winter weather. And, of course, your utility bills may be higher during the coldest of months.

“What are some affordable winter activities that we can do?” is a great question to consider as you balance your winter budget. While you explore things to do during the winter, consider giving these budget-friendly winter activities a try:

The most affordable winter activities are sometimes ones you can enjoy in your own backyard. There are plenty of ways to spend a winter weekend if it has snowed. Anyone up for some sledding, tubing, building a snow fort or having an epic snowball fight? Even shoveling snow with the kids or your significant other can be a fun budget-friendly winter activity—simply turn it into a challenge to see who can clear a path the fastest. Just don’t push yourself too hard.

Maybe you love skiing but not ski resort prices. The solution when you need cheap things to do during the winter? Take advantage of public parks, says Erin K. Kirkland, family travel expert.

Kirkland’s winter travels with her family usually include stops at national parks. Places like Yosemite National Park and Glacier National Park feature a more rugged landscape for skiers, but the entry fees can be cheaper than what you’d pay at a typical ski resort. Plus, you can do more than just ski while you’re there.

“We ski in, then play in the snow, cook our food over a wood stove and stay up late to watch the northern lights,” she says.

Zoos and aquariums tend to see more traffic in the spring and summer months. If you want to avoid the crowds, winter is a great time to check them out. You can save even more on this affordable winter activity if your local zoo or aquarium offers discounted admission prices during the off-season. Some employers may even offer low- or no-cost admission days in partnership with local museums.

A potluck get-together can easily warm up cold winter days. Micah Klug, owner of a lifestyle blog, says one of her family’s favorite budget-friendly winter activities is hosting hot cocoa parties with neighbors and friends.

Klug’s family warms up the hot chocolate in a slow cooker and “everyone else brings their favorite toppings,” she says. The cost is minimal, but the fun factor is high.

If you’re opting for a potluck dinner as a cheap thing to do during the winter, Skirboll suggests sticking with low-cost dishes you can make in a large batch, such as chili and cornbread. Freeze the extras for your next potluck event to save even more money.

Visiting a holiday craft fair or winter festival can be one of the most affordable winter activities if admission is free or minimal. You can take in the holiday sights and sounds and enjoy some cold-weather snacks, especially if there are free samples. If you think you may do a little shopping, set a firm budget before you go so you’re not tempted to overspend.

While there’s always that one neighbor who leaves the holiday decorations up until Easter, most people put theirs away as soon as the new year rolls around. If you need cheap things to do during the winter, spend a night or two driving around your neighborhood to check out the holiday light show before it’s gone for the year. Don’t forget to check local listings to see if any businesses have special displays for the public. Some zoos and botanical gardens, for example, host holiday displays and events for free or low-cost admission.

When snow is covering the ground and trees, your feathered friends may have a harder time finding food. A bag of birdseed only costs a few dollars and can provide an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Scattering it in your local park is a budget-friendly winter activity that also gives Mother Nature a helping hand. 

Who doesn’t love gathering around a fire and roasting marshmallows as an affordable winter activity? If you’ve got room in the backyard to set up a fire pit, you can host a bonfire with friends and family. Encourage guests to bring hot dogs, marshmallows and chestnuts to roast, and keep some hot apple cider or cocoa on hand to help beat the chill.

Deciding in advance what you want to spend on winter fun can make choosing budget-friendly winter activities even easier.

Klug, for example, says she and her family plan for each winter season’s activities up to a year in advance. This helps her determine how much she’ll be able to save over the season. She then sets aside that savings to help pay for holiday gifts.

Review your regular budget and any extra spending for winter shopping, meals, entertainment and travel. Then, determine how much you can set aside for winter activities each month. And don’t pay full price if you don’t have to.

If any of your outdoor plans require special equipment, such as skis or ice skates, “rent or trade, don’t buy,” Kirkland suggests.

Finally, use coupon and deal apps to find opportunities to enjoy budget-friendly winter activities or earn cash back when you spend.

“Look for days when activities might be discounted,” Skirboll says. “And be sure to triple-check for coupons and discount codes before making any purchases.”

Winter can be a fun season to make memories, but costs can add up quickly with holiday spending, higher energy bills and seasonal activities. Finding affordable ways to enjoy the colder months can help you make the most of the season without putting extra pressure on your budget.

• Planning ahead for winter spending can help you enjoy the traditions, gatherings and activities that make the season special while keeping your budget on track.

• Some of the best winter memories don’t have to come with a big price tag. From cozy backyard snow days to visits to parks, festivals and light displays, there are plenty of affordable ways to enjoy the season.

• A few simple money-saving choices—like using discounts, renting gear instead of buying and hosting casual gatherings—can help you make the season fun without overspending.

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