If you are looking for a cheap winter hobby for kids, you should consider ice skating. No, I don’t mean at the local indoor ice rink with a professional instructor or hockey club. I mean on a sheet of ice.

A generation ago kids walked to the local pond or city park rink all the time and skated for hours. The cost? Free. Many cities still sponsor these rinks, and they are underused. This is a great way to get a kid outdoors doing something active and athletic in the winter.

All you need is a pair of skates, and you can find cheap skates for kids at a second hand shop. You don’t need new ones. In fact, as quickly as kids’ feet grow that doesn’t really make much sense.

This winter, get to the rink for a cheap winter hobby for kids.