Top 10 cheap Christmas activities for kids!

Have fun with the kids on a budget - find out how they can make decorations, knit teddy bears, make gifts such as chocolate truffles, or even visit Father Christmas (and receive a gift) for free!

If you're one of the many families currently being forced to do some serious belt-tightening, spending hundreds on frivolous festive luxuries is out of the question - but of course, no one wants the kids to suffer.

But the good news is, if you've got the time and inclination, there are loads of fantastic activities and events on all over the country to entertain the kids that are free, or cost very little.

So check out my favourite ideas below - and save a bundle this Christmas:

1. Visit Father Christmas

Most kids love the annual tradition of visiting Father Christmas, but at a fiver a pop (I've actually seen one advertised at £15 a visit!) this can be frighteningly expensive, especially if you have more than one child.

The good news is there are a number of men in red appearing at shopping centres all over the country that can be visited for absolutely nothing, with some even giving free gifts!

Pre-book your free place to see Father Christmas if you live near Lakeside Shopping Centre or Bluewater, for example, or check out your local shopping centre's website.

Top tip: If you can visit Father Christmas for free, with the only charge being made for a gift, simply bring your own pre-wrapped small gift and give it to your child (from Santa!) once the visit is over.

2. Local Events

There are loads of fantastic festive events all over the country that are absolutely free.

Check out your local council, or the Families or Kidsguide websites to find out what's on locally. And if you sign up to your local Netmums group you can see the events local mums have listed - many of which may not be advertised elsewhere.

For example, head to the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool for a Big Art Christmas fun activities session, or let the kids learn how to make gift boxes at the Lady Lever Art gallery in Port Sunlight village, or meet Santa on a special steam train in Preston, Lancashire (adults £7.50, kids £4).

And if you live near Bristol, head over to At-Bristol to have a go at making your own animation film!

3. Decorations

For a quieter activity, why not get the kids to make some festive decorations?

Print and colour these ideas from CBeebies, or get your kids making their own Christmas ornaments.

Or why not bake and decorate your own delicious edible decorations - I definitely plan to help my children make some of these.

4. Surestart Children's Centres and Playgroups

Local weekly playgroups can be a great source for free activities for pre-schoolers - check out Netmums or contact your health visitor to find out where and when your local group meets.

And don't forget your Surestart Children's centre - these government run venues offer free or heavily subsidised courses and activities for children each week. Find your local Surestart centre.

5. Library

If you're not yet a member of your local library you're missing a trick. Apart from the weekly story telling and Rhymetimes, many libraries will be holding festive fun days with face painting, games and craft activities in December - and all for free.

Check out your council's website to see what's on at your library.

6. Make presents

Why not encourage your kids to make their gifts this year instead?

If they enjoy cooking they could make delicious chocolate truffles, vanilla fudge or even mini Christmas cakes as well as make and decorate pretty boxes to present them in.

Older children could try their hand at knitting teddy bears, making festive Christmas dishes or even have a bit of fun and try crocheting a designer handbag for a friend?

Alternatively, they could make a cookie mix jar for younger relatives - simply layer the ingredients needed into a jar, and tie on a ribbon with an instruction label telling them how to bake the biscuits?

Or they could get busy with the printer and fill an inexpensive photo album with pics of themselves from birth onwards - sure to be a hit with doting grandparents.

7. Christmas letters

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the annual letter writing to the man himself - post it to this address and you should hopefully receive a reply.

8. Winter Wonderland

If you live in London, check out the fabulous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

Boasting a traditional German market, Observation Wheel, ice rink and rides for the kids, entry is absolutely free - as is a visit to Santa Claus' grotto (kids even get a free gift).

Pack some snacks and a thermos of hot soup and it's a free day out - but if you do fancy any of the activities which do have to paid for, note that it's cheaper to book in advance.

9. Theatre

One thing I'm shocked by is how expensive taking a family to see a humble panto can be. With tickets for some performances at £22+ per person, a family of four could find themselves nearly £90 lighter after booking - yikes!

Instead, ask in smaller venues about lesser-advertised Christmas plays and shows - with tickets starting at a far more reasonable £6 a head your wallet should certainly feel a bit heavier!

10. Where is he?

And finally, my favourite free tip needs to be saved until Christmas Eve.

Log into the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) website and you'll be able to track Father Christmas as he leaves the North Pole and makes his way to chimneys all over the world!

This is a classic article that has been updated for 2010.