In a time of texting, video games, and loads of other distractions, you may not recognize your family. Because connecting is so important, especially during the holiday season, to give children a sense of belonging, family and tradition, why not make the most of it by getting together for a simple outing or activity? To help you stop thinking about it and start doing, we have gathered a list of 50 free or cheap outings and activities that will bring your family closer together this holiday season. Whether it is creating a work of art, building something new, simply playing a game, or traveling the world, they will give your children something they will never forget. Craft Activities That Will Bring Your Family Closer Together They’re only young once, so grab the kids and make these crafts together for something everyone will enjoy. 1. Disney Crafts : Disney is one of the first names in ideas for families. In this section of their website, they devote an entire section to crafts families can make together. Choose from crafts by age, type, material, and loads of how-to videos. 2. Make It : Challenge your family to make crafts the Martha Stewart way with the help of the blog from her crafting department. Current projects include beeswax sheets, a tote bag, and dog wigs. There are also loads of other crafting topics available. 3. Kid Stuff : Craft Test Dummies specializes in bringing crafts for the first-timers. In the Kid Stuff section, you can find projects just for the kids. In addition to project ideas, there are also loads of reviews on craft products for kids. 4. Craft Jr. : Get crafts especially for kids by clicking here. They have ideas for everyone from two-year olds to teenagers. Wendy Piersall specializes in crafts and has enough to keep families busy for the entire year. 5. DIY Design : Design Sponge is one of the leaders in craft blogging. The DIY section is full of craft projects for families of all ages. Choose from paper frames, stationary, candles, and many more. 6. DIY Fave Crafts : Projects, ideas, tips, and more are shared on this blog. The DIY section is full of tips from knitting to making your own centerpiece. There are also entries for making things for babies. 7. Dollar Store Crafts : Is all this crafting putting a strain on your family budget? Then visit this craft blog where the crafts often cost the sum of $1. Sections include tutorials, $1 and free crafts, and even $10 and beyond for those feeling generous. 8. Craft Fail : Finally, if your family’s crafts aren’t all you dreamed, visit here. This blog chronicles the best of the worst. Pictures and descriptions of failed crafts not only show you what not to do but also provide a laugh. Home Improvement Activities That Will Bring Your Family Closer Together If sewing or hot gluing is not your thing, then visit here. These activities will not only bring your family together but will add value to your home. 9. Kids Workshops at the Home Depot : Grab your kids and head down to a participating Home Depot to attend these workshops for families. There is more information on workshops offered such as making a toy fireboat or spice rack. You can also find a participating store in your area. 10. Build and Grow Clinic : If you’re a Lowe’s family, no problem. They also offer special workshops for families. Simply visit here to sign up in three easy steps. They also offer home versions of the workshops. 11. Do it Yourself Family : Eric Stromer is host of the series “Clean Sweep”and author of a book on home improvement projects for families. In this interview with MSNBC, he shares tips and even videos on activities for families. He also gives advice on “creating the dream team.” 12. Kids Rooms : Help your children truly take pride in their home by letting them help pick a design for their room. HGTV has tons of ideas for boys, girls, and a variety of decorating styles. There are also thousands of other ideas for the home on the site. 13. 48 Hour Challenge : Got a to-do list a mile long and only a weekend to do it? Better Homes and Gardens has an answer for that. This challenge helps families take on projects like bathrooms, bedrooms, and other small improvement projects that can be done in a weekend. 14. Build Projects for Kids : If your kids want more toys and you want more building, click here. This site shows families how to make and teach kids to build items from birdhouses to see-saws. There is even a section where you can share photos of projects completed. 15. Build a Doghouse : Get the whole family involved in this activity, including the four legged ones. Ron Hazelton shows how you can easily assemble a dog house as a family. Helpful videos are also included. Science Activities That Will Bring Your Family Closer Together Go beyond the baking soda volcano and get the family together for these fun and educational activities. 16. Zoom : Mix hot science with cool ideas on this site from PBS. Potential science activities include chemistry, engineering, forces, and many others. There is also a Daily Highlight and loads more learning fun on the main site. 17. Steve Spangler : This science expert has appeared several times on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”to showcase his expertise. His site is a must visit for kids of all ages to learn cool science tricks. Be sure not to miss the top 10 experiments with choices such as the Mentos Diet Coke Geyser, toothpick star, and seven layer density column. 18. Kids Science Experiments : This site offers simple, safe, and easy to follow science experiments that can be achieved with everyday materials and recycled items found around your house. Lab rules, as well as tips for mixing and separating, are given on the main page. Families can choose from science activities on absorption, electricity, temperature, and others. 19. Science Projects for Kids : The folks at Crystal Clear make it their business to help students with science fair projects. To get the entire family involved, visit to get tips on projects such as animal behavior, crystal growing, and many others. They also have science projects by grade level. 20. Science Toy Maker : Both learn and play combine nicely in this activity. The non-commercial, teacher-created site is for people who like to roll up their sleeves and make science toys and projects. Just a few of the choices include Origami hang glider, movie wheel, overhead water rocket, and many others. 21. Science Made Simple : Choose from easy to advanced projects on this science site. Quick projects, kids science, and much more are offered. There are also many answers to commonly asked science questions. 22. How Science Works : The popular site HowStuffWorks also has a special section for scientists. Questions are answered on everything from the Hubble Telescope to gravity. Visit to view videos, podcasts, quizzes, and so much more. 23. Mythbusters : When your home lab can’t contain the science, visit here. This Discovery .Channel show takes many common myths in science and expertly analyzes them. Check out the videos, games, behind the scenes looks, and much more. 24. NASA Quest : These challenges are free web-based, explorations designed to engage kids in authentic scientific and engineering processes. Visit to learn more about the many different projects. There are also tons of other options for young astronauts at NASA. Cooking Activities That Will Bring Your Family Closer Together Getting the family together at the dinner table is made all the more easier when everyone is involved in the cooking. 25. Disney Recipes : The folks at Disney also have a ton of family recipes to choose from. Categories include everything from cupcakes to holiday recipes. There are also videos and photo galleries to help you choose your next culinary activity. 26. Kid Friendly : Kraft is the popular maker of many foods, along with cheese. They have a massive recipe database, as well as many options in kid friendly ones. They include breakfast, quick fix dinners, and even recipes for picky eaters. 27. Yum-o Family Friendly : Rachel Ray constantly features recipes on her talk show. In this section of her site, family favorites are shared. They include hot and sweet chicken, cheesy mac and trees, and many others. 28. Pizza! : Kids of all ages love pizza, and Allrecipes has loads of it. In this popular entry, a mom shares her version of a pizza that kids can both make and enjoy reading. If you need something else, the site literally has thousands of others to choose from. 29. Baking With Children : If the idea of bringing the family together isn’t enough to get everyone into the kitchen, the promise of freshly baked cookies should. About.com shares ten baking projects parents can do with the kids. They include sugar cookies, gelatin squares, and even a video on making homemade dinner rolls. 30. Easy Bake Recipes : If your kid has or is planning to get an Easy Bake Oven, this is a must visit. The site has loads of recipes specifically for that toy. They include angel cookies, brownies, and many others. 31. Cooking With Kids : Kate Heyhoe brings visitors an online edition of her children’s book on cooking. In addition to loads of recipes, there are tips for parents on how to work with kids. She even features recipes just for teens. 32. Young Gourmet : Think only adults can be gourmets? Then visit this site to have a look at some impressive young chefs. A good stop for kids who are ready to move up to something more advanced. 33. Home and Family : This site is for families interested in tips for their home life. With a special section for cooking with kids, you can get everything from yummy sandwiches to a salad the kids will actually enjoy. There are also many other tips on the main site. 34. Father’s World : If you think dad is being left out of all the cooking fun, visit here. This site features recipes that dads and kids can cook together to give mom a break. Recipes, tools, tips for the kitchen, and more are all offered. Games and Activities That Will Bring Your Family Closer Together Because they’re only kids for a little while, play with them while you can. 35. Family Games : If you have no idea where to start, check out Families with Purpose. There are three different game ideas, including dinner games. They also offer tons of other tips for families. 36. Host Your Own Game Night : If you’re ready to host your very own game night, visit here. Hasbro has loads of tools for hosts. They include a guide, printables, and even game recommendations. 37. Family Game Night : Amazing Moms is a blog that is filled with ideas for moms, dads, and families. In this guide, Kit shows why and how to start a family game night. There are also crafts, play, parties, and other entries on family fun. 38. Something New : If tired of arguing over who gets to be thimble, click here. About.com lists the top ten games for families which includes many new additions. Ages of players and descriptions of each game are shared. 39. Lumosity : The tagline of this site is to “reclaim your brain.” Partnered with universities such as Harvard and Stanford, these brain games can stretch the limits of adult and child alike. Visit to get started. 40. NIDA for Teens : The National Institute on Drug Abuse features free online games for teens. They are intended to exercise the brain and test knowledge. There are also other resources for teens. 41. Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? : Don’t leave the younger kids out on the brain fun. They might just beat you in this game specifically for those with a grade school education. Each week features a different test that can have both teens and adults smacking their foreheads. 42. Grandparent Games : If one or all of the grandparents live far away, click here. This site gives grandparents and kids a way to connect and play over the internet. Best of all membership is free. 43. Party Game Ideas : These games can bring an extended family closer together. Games for reunions and gatherings help aunts, uncles, cousins, and more all play together. Choose from memory match, a genealogy game, bingo, and others. 44. 25 Day Family Make Under : Click here for the ultimate family game. Radical Parenting is a parenting blog written by kids. In this challenge, they offer 25 days’ worth of activities to help your family re-connect. Outings That Will Bring Your Family Closer Together If tired of staring at a computer and ready to go, check out these outings for families. 45. Volunteer : Getting the whole family involved in a volunteering project is a wonderful way to both connect and help out the community. This site allows you to simply type in your zip code and keyword to match you to volunteering opportunities in your area. You can also check out the stories of others who have volunteered. 46. Boy Scouts of America : Dads and sons of all ages are welcome to join the scouts. Activities range from the block car race to advanced forestry skills. Visit the site to get sections for youth, parents, volunteers, and alumni. 47. Girl Scouts : Moms and daughters also have a scouting option. Both women and girls can visit to see how the Girl Scouts can help bring them closer together. They also offer Studio2B, a place just for teen girls. 48. Got to the Park : The trip in the station wagon may not be fun for all, but taking your kids to a national park is an experience they will never forget. The National Park Service can help you find one in your area and gives loads more information. There is even a special section for kids. 49. Museum Spot : If the indoors is more your thing, click here. This site can help you locate a museum in your state, city, or specialty. Offerings include everything from agricultural museums to zoos. 50. Family Vacation : With so many to choose from, a family vacation can be a huge task to plan. Before you do, check out Teresa’s Family Vacations Blog with tips for car trips with toddlers, theme park line-ups, and much more. Recommendations on where to go, along with what to do and how when you are there, are all discussed in detail. If under 18, get your parent’s permission before embarking or taking on any of the 50 outings and activities that will bring your family closer together.