Winter can be a particularly expensive time. From higher heating bills to the cost of keeping everyone entertained when daylight fades early, it can be easy to overspend to get through these colder, darker months.
Even so, you can still enjoy the season without feeling that every plan comes with a hefty price tag. With a bit of forward thinking and some smart choices, you can stretch your money further while still giving your family plenty to look forward to.
Make the most of free and low-cost activities
If it’s possible to get outside, head to your local park, forest or beach. These spaces look completely different in winter. As well as getting to see these familiar spots from a new perspective, you can turn a walk into an adventure. You might plan a scavenger hunt, spot animal tracks, or collect leaves and pinecones to use later for crafts at home. These small challenges might keep the kids engaged for longer than expensive attractions do.
You can also look closer to home for low-cost entertainment. Local museums, galleries and historic buildings often charge very little, especially outside peak seasons. Community centres and libraries regularly run free workshops, storytelling sessions or seasonal events, which you can usually find on council websites.
Plan days out and budget-friendly breaks
A good day out doesn’t need months of saving if you plan carefully. Many attractions offer winter discounts or family tickets that reduce the cost per person, particularly on weekdays. You can also save money by checking whether supermarket loyalty schemes or newspaper promotions include 2-for-1 entry deals, which often cover zoos, theme parks and heritage sites.
Short breaks work well in winter because accommodation prices usually drop outside school holidays. Coastal towns, national parks and smaller cities across the UK still offer plenty to do, from winter festivals to indoor attractions, without the summer crowds. If you want something more adventurous, last minute ski holidays can sometimes cost less than you expect when you stay flexible on dates and destinations.
Save on home costs and keep comfortable
Keeping warm at home doesn’t have to mean turning the heating up all day. Small changes can make a noticeable difference to how comfortable your house feels and how much energy you use.
Draught-proofing doors and windows, closing curtains at dusk and bleeding radiators so they heat evenly all help your home retain warmth.
You can also check whether you qualify for support schemes that reduce heating costs, such as the Warm Home Discount.
Create cosy indoor fun on a shoestring
When the weather keeps you inside, you can still make winter feel special without spending much. Craft afternoons using recycled materials, baking sessions where everyone helps, or board game evenings all create shared memories at very little cost.
A themed movie night works well, too, especially when you rotate who chooses the film and snacks. Take the time to plan out the films you all want to watch so you have a few lined up. By leaning into simple pleasures and shared time, you turn winter evenings into moments your family remembers long after the season ends.