Energy Tips
Top 5 Cheap Winter Holiday Activities That Don’t Cost a Thing!
Big fun on a small budget; keep the kids busy without spending a cent this winter.
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Important Points
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Winter school holidays are here, and for many Aussie parents, that means balancing work, cooking meals, and managing daily chores, all while keeping the kids entertained (and ideally, not glued to a screen 24/7).
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If you’re watching your energy bill and trying to keep the heater, lights, and screens from running all day long, you’re in the majority.
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From DIY forts to nature hunts, these ideas are all about connection, not energy consumption.
How can you keep your kids busy, learning, and happy, without incurring unnecessary costs or high energy use?
We’ve got you covered.
Here are five unconventional, actually doable winter holiday activities that cost little to nothing and help take the pressure off your bills, too.
1. Nature Scavenger Hunts + DIY Projects
Bundle the kids up in beanies and boots and head out to a local park or nature reserve. Even in winter, nature has plenty of surprises, from unique plants growing after rain to birds flitting through bare trees.
You can turn it into a fun, loose competition: who can find the weirdest shaped leaf? The most colourful rock?
The quiet of the outdoors gives everyone a mental reset, and best of all, it’s free!
Once you’re home, lay out a picnic rug on the floor and turn the scavenger hunt into an afternoon arts and crafts session. Think leaf stamping, rock painting, or even a mini “winter nature museum” display.
The kids stay busy, the television stays off, and you’ve created a full-day activity without reaching for your wallet once.
Nature Adventure Checklist: What Can You Spot?
Take this list on your next walk and see how many your kids can find:
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A leaf with a silly shape
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A rock with stripes or sparkles
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A bird you’ve never seen before
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Something soft, something rough
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Animal tracks or feathers
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A tree with peeling bark
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Something that smells nice (like eucalyptus or pine)
2. Library Adventures + Build-Your-Own Reading Corner
Step into your local library and you’ll often find it buzzing with activities, storytimes, book readings, and more.
The best part?
It’s all free, and kids don’t even realise they’re engaged in an educational activity (it’s a win-win for everyone).
Let them each pick out a small stack of books (and maybe one for yourself too). The excitement of choosing their own can make reading feel like a treat, instead of a chore.
It’s a screen-free, energy-saving retreat perfect for those cold afternoons when playing outside is not an option.
23. Indoor Forts, Camping & Cooking/Baking Days
When it’s too wet or windy to go outside, turn your living room into an adventure. Fort-building is a rite of passage, and all you need are some bedsheets, cushions, and a little creative chaos.
String up the blankets between furniture, hand out flashlights, and turn off the lights; it’s the kind of play that makes memories.
Then head to the kitchen for some warmth that doesn’t come from a heater.
Baking scones, roasting vegetables, or making pancakes fills the house with that cosy “winter afternoon” smell. Kids can help measure, mix, and decorate. Wrap it all up with a “campfire” picnic inside your fort.
Because honestly, what’s better than a warm, cosy afternoon filled with the smell of homemade treats and happy little helpers?
3Driveway Chalk Art & DIY Play-Doh
Sometimes the best holiday fun is right outside your front door!
Grab a pack of cheap chalk from your local dollar store and turn your driveway into a colourful canvas. Kids can draw hopscotch grids, create obstacle courses, or even sketch out their favourite characters.
It’s great for fresh air, burns off energy, and instils creativity.
Bonus: It washes away with the next rain; no deep cleaning required.
On colder days, bring the activities inside with a batch of homemade play-doh. You can make it with simple pantry staples, flour, salt, water, and food colouring, and let the kids mix, knead, and shape their own creations. It’s great for sensory play and can keep your little ones busy for hours. Store it in an airtight container and it’ll last all week, making it one of the easiest, most budget-friendly winter boredom busters.
Here’s a non-toxic recipe you can try out.
Easy Homemade Play-Dough (Soft, Long-Lasting, & Kid-Safe)
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup salt
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4 teaspoons cream of tartar (to enhance shelf life)
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2 cups lukewarm water
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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Food colouring (optional)
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Quart-sized ziplock bags (for storing and colouring)
Instructions:
1. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large pot (off heat), stir together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
2. Add the wet ingredients
Pour in the water and oil. If you’re making just one colour, add the food colouring now.
3. Cook the dough
Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly. After a few minutes, the mixture will thicken and begin to form a dough-like ball.
4. Cool and knead
Remove the dough from the pot and transfer it to wax paper or a ziplock bag. Let it cool for a few minutes, then knead until smooth and soft.
5. Add colour (optional)
If you want multiple colours, divide the cooled dough into equal portions. Place each portion into a separate quart-sized bag, add about 5 drops of food colouring, seal, and knead through the bag until fully mixed. Add more drops for brighter colour.
Bonus tips
– Knead the dough in the bag to prevent your hands from being stained.
– Store the dough in airtight ziplock bags or containers to keep it soft.
– Can last up to 3 months if stored properly in a cool place.
Local Council Events & Zero-Cost Workshops
Many councils put real effort into providing free or low-cost holiday activities, especially in winter, when parents are looking for affordable ways to entertain the kids indoors. These range from library storytimes and craft sessions to sports programs and holiday camps.
What makes them extra special is the sense of community. Kids meet new friends, learn something hands-on, and feel part of something bigger than the daily routine.
Author
Benjamin TomBenjamin is a utility specialist passionate about creating informative content about the energy, internet, and solar markets. With extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, Benjamin drives our unique blog posts, articles, and reviews. He is focused on breaking down the technical jargon so our readers can better understand the telco market and industry. Whether he is comparing the latest internet deals or creating unique guides, Benjamin takes great pride in creating helpful, easy-to-read content.
