11 Free and Cheap Ways to Enjoy Winter

During the coldest months of the year, cabin fever can easily set in. It's easy to think about outdoor activities in spring, summer and fall that don't require spending much money, but when cold weather arrives, it seems the easiest ways to fight the winter doldrums are often expensive. The next time you're looking for fun ideas over the weekend or a school break, consider these free and cheap ways to love the winter season instead:

Visit a museum

Winter can be one of the best times of year to visit museums because there are often fewer tourists and crowds. Most museums offer "free days," when admission is free or a donation of your own choosing. Spend the day wandering the exhibits when it's especially chilly outside.

Find the best sledding hill

Load up the car with sleds, inner tubes and a few friends and head out in search of the best sledding hill in your area. Have everyone in the group pick out one hill to try, and at the end of the day discuss your favorite over a mug of hot chocolate.

Ice skating

Lace up your ice skates or rent a pair for a small fee, and head to an ice-skating rink. This is an activity all ages can enjoy. You might even get lucky and pick a day to skate that is relatively warm; the ice-making machines will keep the rink frozen for you and you'll get plenty of exercise.

Volunteer

Not only is volunteering a great way for couples, families and friends to get out of the house and involved in their community, but it's also needed when temperatures hit freezing or the snow flies. Sign up to shovel snow for those who aren't physically able; there are often online forums in your community. Another needed service? Volunteer to grocery shop for the elderly or anyone who can't endure the bitter cold or doesn't have reliable transportation. You'll get to help others and save money all at the same time.

Snowman competition

Take your snowman building to the next level and host a competition. Dig up fun accessories around the house to make your snowperson the most unique, and then award fun prizes to everyone who competes. Potential categories include "most creative" and "best use of kitchen tools."

Walk in the woods

Put on your winter boots or rent a pair of snowshoes and grab a friend for a snowy walk through the woods. Find animal tracks, see frozen streams and explore your own backyard when everything looks different in the snow. Make sure to pack a hot thermos of soup or cocoa, along with enough gloves and hats for everyone.

Complete a puzzle

If you're stuck inside on a snow day or a weekend, dig out an old jigsaw puzzle to work on with others or even on your own.

Make paper snowflakes

Not snowing but still stuck inside due to the cold? Make your own snow instead. Grab some paper from the recycling bin and cut out paper snowflakes to hang around the house. You can even find patterns and tutorials for elaborate snowflakes on YouTube.

Host a potluck party for the Big Game

Whether or not your team made it to the final NFL game of the year, you can still host a fun party. Invite your friends, make it a potluck and you won't need to break the bank on food and beverage costs. Coordinate who's bringing what to avoid duplicates and guarantee plenty of goodies.

Attend a free workshop

If you've always wanted to attempt a do-it-yourself project but don't know where to start, take advantage of a free class. Stores such as Home Depot, Michael's and Lowe's all host free workshops, ranging from education for homeowners, to specific projects and crafts, to fun activities for kids.

Make a blanket fort

Remember when you created those forts out of blankets and pillows when you were a kid? Turn back the clock and make an adult-sized version for watching movies, reading books or napping on cold winter days. Even better, share the tradition with your own family and teach your kids how to make a blanket fort. Chances are it will be just as memorable for them!

Jon Lal is the founder and CEO of coupons and cash back website BeFrugal.com, which saves shoppers an average of $27 per order thanks to coupons plus an average of 7 percent cash back at more than 4,000 stores.