Three Budget-Friendly Activities to Enjoy with the Kids These Holidays

Author: Vanessa Stoykov
Category: Kids & Money

The Christmas holidays are a magical time for children, but they can be a strain on parents’ wallets. Between expensive outings, endless snacks, and the lure of every ad showcasing the latest toy, it can feel like the season is more about spending than celebrating. But the good news is that creating fun and memorable experiences with your kids doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Here are three budget-friendly activities to keep your little ones entertained and connected over the holiday period—all while teaching them some valuable lessons about money along the way.

1. Get Creative with Craft Days

Kids love creating, and the holidays are the perfect time to channel that energy into festive craft projects. You don’t need expensive kits—just some paper, glue, and a bit of imagination.

Ideas include:

· DIY Decorations: Let them create ornaments for the tree or paper garlands for the house.

· Homemade Gifts: Encourage them to make cards or simple presents for family members.

· Recycled Art: Gather empty jars, old wrapping paper, or scrap materials to build something new.

Not only will these activities keep little hands busy, but they also teach resourcefulness and creativity. Bonus: You’ll spend quality time together without stepping foot in a store!

2. Explore the Great Outdoors

Summer in Australia means beautiful weather, making outdoor adventures a great way to spend time together. And best of all, nature is free!

Some ideas to consider:

· Beach Days: Pack a picnic, bring a ball or frisbee, and enjoy the sun.

· Local Parks and Trails: Go on a family walk or bike ride. Turn it into a treasure hunt or nature scavenger hunt to keep the kids engaged.

· Backyard Camping: Set up a tent in the yard, cook marshmellows, and tell stories under the stars—all the fun of camping without the cost of travelling.

These activities not only get the kids moving but also help them understand the value of enjoying simple pleasures.

3. Cook and Learn Together

Getting the kids involved in the kitchen can be a fantastic way to teach them life skills—and save money on takeaway! Choose simple, fun recipes like homemade pizzas, cookies, or festive treats.

Take it a step further by teaching them about the cost of ingredients. For example, challenge them to find the most cost-effective way to make their meal, or explain how cooking at home saves money. This can be a great way to introduce basic budgeting skills.

Bonus: Teach Them About Money

The holidays are also a perfect opportunity to start teaching your kids about money in a way that’s fun and engaging. Whether it’s saving for a special toy, learning about the value of sharing, or understanding why you can’t buy everything they ask for, these conversations are invaluable.

To help guide you, I’ve created a Kids and Money Course, designed to make learning about finances enjoyable for the whole family. It’s never too early to help your kids build good money habits that will benefit them for life. Learn more about the course here: https://vanessastoykov.podia.com/kids-and-money

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Authors

Vanessa Stoykov

Vanessa has been passionate about writing and storytelling since her days of hiding under the doona with her torch to read after bedtime.
Kathy Skantzos

Kathy is a yoga-loving world traveller who also happens to moonlight as a business journalist and writer. She was the finance editor of news.com.au and the Managing Editor of CEO Magazine (Asia) before joining Vanessa and the evo squad.
Shayne Sommer

Shayne is second dan black belt in karate, and a budding romance writer with a difference. Why? Because she writes romance stories that always have a money lesson.
Antoinette Colbran

Specialising in stories for 50+ women, Antoinette draws from her own experiences to help other women avoid the pitfalls and see the benefits of understanding their money situation.
Michael Crooks

Michael Crooks is a more than 20 year writer and documentary maker who has worked with Time Inc and the BBC, who wants to expose the truth from real victims of financial crime to help others avoid their mistakes.
Kim Payne

Kim Payne has spent the past three decades as a speaker, trainer, business coach, and consultant in financial services. She has worked with and transformed hundreds of brilliant, educated, high achievers who are chronically under-living.
Rebecca Pritchard

Rebecca Pritchard is on a mission to help men and women achieve equality when growing a family.
Antony Perring

Ant is a writer, designer and business builder with a love of food, design and good living. He writes on food and money in an easy to do way.
Julie Hyde

Julie Hyde is a leader of leaders. A disruptor and a powerful people enabler who empowers leaders to make big things happen.
Joshua Pennell

As a Dad to four kids and a business owner, Josh is passionate about family and finances and is known as The Family Finance Guy.
Sid Lal

Sid is a serial entrepreneur who set up his first business when he was still in University. Since 2009 he has been heading Bruce Clay, first in India & more recently in Australia.
Lou Johnson

Lou Johnson believes in the power of sharing stories to build empathy, understanding and connection. Growing up surrounded by books and storytelling, alongside her drive to make a difference led her to a highly successful career in book publishing.
David Rae

Dave is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and has been a financial adviser since 2003. He works with a range of clients and has a strong focus on ethical and sustainable investing.
Natallia Smith

Natallia specializes in assisting pre-retiree single women—whether they are never married, widowed, separated, or divorced—understanding deeply the importance of financial stability during life's pivotal moments such as separation, divorce, retirement, and the loss of a loved one.
Mark Hoy

With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Mark established Wollemi Wealth Management in 2013. His business is built almost entirely on referrals and word of mouth — a testament to the trust, integrity, and long-term relationships he forms with his clients.
Derek Gascoigne

Derek Gascoigne is the State Manager for UniSuper Advice in Victoria and Tasmania. Derek has been with UniSuper for over 15 years, and his career in superannuation and financial services spans 27 years and counting.
Annika Bradley

Annika Bradley is Head of Advice Strategy, Research & Technical at UniSuper. She brings over 20 years of experience across investments and wealth management in both the public and private sectors.
Wayne Leggett

Wayne has been a recipient of numerous industry awards and was one of the first to qualify as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). He has been heavily involved in industry affairs at the highest level, including serving as national president of the Association of Financial Advisers (now FAAA).
Conrad Francis

Conrad Francis is the Founding Director of Inspired Money, a Perth-based financial coaching and financial planning, mortgage broking and money coaching firm he established in 2011.
Andrew Beks

Andrew Beks is a Chartered Accountant and the founder of Simplified Business and Accounting.