December is a magical time for kids, with the advent of winter fun and the abundance of holiday festivities occurring all month long. All this (plus gifts!) can cost families a pretty penny, so we've rounded up free ways to get out of the house and have fun. Your piggy banks—and kids—will thank us!

Read on for frugal fun that doesn't skimp on festivity. Also consult our December GoList and our Holiday Fun Guide for many more ways to savor the season!

Our Event Calendar is well-stocked with many more options to choose from, and more keep coming. 

Even in sunny-and-seventy SoCal, motivating kids to put down devices and enjoy the great outdoors can be nigh on impossible. One thing that might lure them out is blasting rockets into space, or sending drones on a flight mission. Becoming a mini-pilot or mission control specialist is less complicated than you might think, once you've figured out where to fly without upsetting local law enforcement. We've collected all the info you need below to get on a flight path. Getting airborne is not as pricey as it once was, and best of all? Rockets and drones can inspire budding engineers to extend their STEM wings.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, gorillas swung from trees, playful penguins surrounded an igloo, and a seal put on a rooftop show. Technically, the time is now, the land is the not-so-distant city of Meriden, and the adorable creatures are more than 300 characters featured during the Festival of Lights. This annual and very family-friendly holiday lights event in the New Haven area is not to be missed due to its charm, great photo opportunities, and affordable price tag (umm, it's free!). 

When planning a family getaway, where you stay can easily be as exciting as the vacation destination. Amazing hotel suites, bungalows, and villas abound, offering one-of-a-kind experiences for kids and families—they may even end up becoming the main attraction.

We've rounded up 10 splurge-worthy options from across the globe. These suites, bungalows, and villas are designed to spark imaginations and ignite adventure for kids of all ages, with plenty to offer for mom and dad, too. For more travel ideas, check out our Family Travel Guide.

If team sports aren't your kid's thing, you still have plenty of after school options. Here are some unique and zany offerings that might just float your kid's boat. For more after school and enrichment classes make sure to check out our Classes and Enrichment Guide. 

Hip-hop, cooking, and wizardry are just a few of the fun workshops offered at ASAP, The After School Arts Program in Washington.

What about learning how to apply stage make-up or build scenic construction at Warner Theater in Torrington? Musical theater and tap dance are also on their list of offerings.

Robotics and Beyond offers after school STEM classes in robotics design and technology. Bussing is available if you are in the New Milford schools.

If you have a teen who dreams of regattas, GMS Rowing Club has middle school and teen programs during the school year, as well as summer camps.

If you don't want to commit to anything in particular, build wood sculptures or play with clay on a drop in basis at the Village Center for the Arts in New Milford.

Let's face it, not every kid wants to play baseball but these classes will help you find your child's particular niche.

We all have our favorite family holiday traditions, whether it’s viewing an annual light display, cutting down a fresh Christmas tree, or having breakfast with Santa. All good stuff, to be sure. But if you’re looking to shake things up this year, try an experience you won't find at your local mega-mall.

One option is to go small: New Jersey’s charming small towns play host to a variety of quaint holiday happenings, from Dickens carolers to Christmas Candlelight House Tours.

If you're after something truly unique, NJ has plenty of that, too. You can celebrate Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium, get festive with the furry residents of Bluebird Farm Alpacas, or explore an animated wonderland at the Christmas Ice Caverns.

Who knows? One of these activities might become your family’s new holiday favorite. Check out our roundup below for some great small-town and off-the-beaten-path fun. For more ways to celebrate the festive holiday season, visit our Holiday Fun Guide.

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and there is so much truth to that statement when it comes to celebrating the holidays in Houston. Our city is full of beautiful public holiday light displays and has no shortage of neighborhoods with lights galore. However, there is Houston light display extravaganza so mesmerizing, it can only be called one thing: Magical. Magical Winter Lights presents magnificent displays of holiday lights arranged into several themed areas, celebrates Chinese culture with acrobatic performances and crafts, and is home to a host of carnival games and rides. We took our kids (ages 3, 9, and 11) to check out the festival this year and it did not disappoint.