December is a busy time of year. Between festive food preparation, gift shopping, and all the family gatherings, your budget can feel stretched before the holidays have even started. Add kids who are suddenly home all day, bouncing off the walls and looking to be entertained, and things get tricky.

The solution is to find ways for your child to have fun during the holidays and make their summer break productive without it costing you a small fortune.

Budget-friendly family entertainment

Play dates

If you're wondering how to fill up a long holiday, no doubt other parents and guardians are too. Team up with friends and rotate hosting the kids for a day. They'll keep each other busy, and you can plan small activities for the group like a movie afternoon, a mini cooking class, or even a backyard talent show. It's a simple way to give yourself a breather while giving your child and their friends something fun to do.

Or chip in with other parents to hire professional childcare to take care of the children while they play together, and go out on your own parents' play date at the same time.

Movies at a discount

The big screen is always a kid-pleaser during the holidays, but a family trip to the cinema can be pricey – unless you're a Nedbank cardholder at Nu Metro. Pay with your Nedbank Mastercard, American Express, or Visa card, and get 50% off Nu Metro 2D, 3D, and VIP cinema tickets and 60% off Xtreme movies (4DX excluded) – and 50% off selected snack-and-beverage combos, too! Terms and conditions apply.

December brings a wave of family movies every year, so there'll always be something everyone wants to see. With these discounts, you can treat the kids without blowing your holiday budget.

Beaches and parks

Sometimes the simplest outings are the best. Pack sandwiches, grab some sunscreen, and spend the day at a local park or beach. Your child can run, climb, swim or just enjoy being outside. End the day with an ice cream stop, and you've created a memory that feels special but didn't cost much at all.

Indoor screen time

Not every child wants to spend the day outdoors. For some, holidays mean more time to game, stream or chat with friends. That doesn't mean you need to splurge on pricey gadgets or endless data. With Avo SuperShop and Greenbacks Exclusive deals, you can save on vouchers and even devices. It's much more satisfying to buy your kid games and data when you know you're getting Greenbacks on all your qualifying spending.

Trips to explore their history and culture

South Africa has a wealth of museums, galleries, nature conservatories, historical sites, libraries, and monuments that are either free to visit or very affordable. Most offer family discounts or reduced rates for children. A trip to a nearby historical or cultural attraction is a nice way to get everyone out of the house, and it adds a bit of learning to the mix. It might even spark new interests for your child.

For older teens: A holiday job

If you're the parent of a teenager, the holidays can be the perfect time to introduce them to the world of work. A part-time job not only keeps them busy, but also helps them understand the value of money. What counts as 'not expensive' feels a little different, when it’s their own money they’re spending.

You can support them by keeping an eye out for opportunities at local shops or holiday events, or even by helping them put together a simple CV. A holiday job will help them build confidence and independence, keep them busy, and encourage them to earn their own money instead of using you as their ATM.

Make December more affordable with Nedbank

Holiday fun doesn't have to be about spending lots of money. By using the benefits you already have, like Nu Metro discounts with your Nedbank card and savings through Avo and Greenbacks, you can stretch your budget even further.

So, keep the focus on fun, but avoid pricier activities. Pick simple, budget-friendly activities at home and outdoors, and you can still give your child a December holiday to remember.