Keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank this school holiday with these budget-friendly activities for the whole family
Go outdoors
While the UK weather is unpredictable at the best of times, if the sun is shining during the school holidays it’s the perfect time to make the most of the great outdoors. There are several free and budget-friendly activities that you can do with the kids outside. Paying a visit to the local park can be a great way to spend an afternoon; all you need is to pack a picnic and take along a ball or frisbee to keep the family entertained.
If you’d rather stay closer to home, why not inspire your children’s green fingers by enlisting their help with the garden weeds or encouraging them to plant their own flowers? Rainy days don’t have to put a dampener on things either; grab their wellies and go on a walk with plenty of splashing through muddy puddles.
Visit your local library
When the weather does turn and you’re looking for activities that can keep your kids warm and dry, don’t discount your local library. Not only can budding bookworms borrow books, but they can also borrow audio books, CDs, and DVDs completely free of charge. Some libraries also offer a selection of comics and magazines, available in print and eBook formats. Depending on the services offered at the library where you live, your library may also run a school holiday running challenge or special events such as live readings and author visits.
Go to a museum
No matter whether they love football, art, science or history, there’s sure to be a museum that matches your kids’ interests. Hundreds of museums across the UK offer free entry to all, and several now also offer activities specially targeted towards kids during the school holidays. There’s no need to worry about them getting bored or having to stay quiet, modern museums are designed to be as engaging and interactive as possible. Check online to find out whether there are any special events taking place before planning your trip.
Try arts, crafts, and cooking
While arts and crafts can seem like an expensive luxury, they can be a surprisingly affordable way to spend time with your children during the school holidays. Look for ways to inspire their creativity without breaking the bank; visit your local supermarket or craft shop to pick up cheap supplies or reuse discarded household items like cardboard toilet rolls and egg boxes.
Bringing up a keen chef rather than an artist-in-training? Baking is a great activity that you can share with your kids and there are several safe steps that they can help with, from mixing the ingredients to decorating the finished product. You could even get them involved in cooking dinner by buying pizza bases and encouraging the kids to create their own with a selection of different toppings.
Seek special offers
To help your budget go further during the school holidays, keep an eye out for special offers and discounts. Many companies have offers to help parents during the holidays, ranging from discounted cinema tickets to 2-for-1 entry to certain attractions when travelling by train. You might also be able to make savings by booking trips and shows online in advance or cashing in your supermarket reward vouchers. If you’re heading out to eat, look out for restaurants and cafes that offer meal deals during the school holidays. In the past, Asda, YO! Sushi, Bella Italia, and Ikea have either let kids eat for free or for £1.
Book a last-minute getaway
With the cost-of-living increases and pressure on budgets, many of us will be choosing to stay in the UK rather than planning a trip abroad during the school holidays. However, if you do need a change of scenery, it can pay to be flexible. The more wiggle room you have, the better the deal you could find. Consider booking last-minute and being open to different dates and destinations. Travelling during the week can be cheaper than choosing a weekend flight and you might be able to find more affordable flights by splitting your trip across different airlines.
Find a holiday club
When you’re trying to juggle work and family commitments, the school holidays can be especially challenging. Childcare can be costly and it’s not always possible to arrange time off work. That’s where holiday clubs might help. Check whether your child’s school or local community centre offers one; they are often either free to attend or heavily subsidised. You may also be able to use your childcare tax credits or childcare vouchers to pay towards it.
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