The 12 cheap-as-chips activity list to keep kids entertained during the summer holidays – including where to keep cool
SUMMER holidays are right around the corner, which means parents up and down the country will be looking for savvy ways to entertain their children.
That’s where Gemma Bird comes in – a money-saving mum and social media sensation whose savvy & thrifty ways have helped her pay off her mortgage by the time she was 40.
Not only does she know a bargain when she sees one, but she also has nifty hacks on how to enjoy fun days out with the kids without spending a fortune… Here she tells us all the budget-friendly activities you can do as a family…
Summer planning
Keep the kids happy while sticking to a budget by planning Summer Holiday activities in advance – budgeting for petrol and parking and, where possible, using apps like My Parking Space to save money.
Don’t forget to pack drinks and food to cut unnecessary spending on days out – with a good quality backpack; kids can carry their own water bottle and snacks. Most cafes and coffee shops will refill water bottles if you ask.
Swap keys
If you’re feeling the pinch but want a holiday – consider a house swap or home exchange; there are plenty of reputable sites offering this service.
And if you’re travelling by train – parties 3-9 get a third off with GroupSave on eligible fares (T&Cs apply). Easy fix!
Bit of edutainment
Going to the theatre just got more affordable this summer, too, as you can save on theatre tickets in August with Kids.
A child 17 or under goes free at the Kids Week hosted by Officiallondontheatre.com when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Plus, an additional two children can attend for half price! They are also running some great free activities & workshops for kids, so be sure to check them out.
Water fun
If you’re looking for an activity to fill those scorching days, check for discounts at your local splash park or visit your local public paddling pool for free.
Or have a traditional day at the seaside – checking out the rock pools and building sandcastles.
The place to be
As ALL mums know, the best place to be when it is absolutely roasting outside is the cinema. And the best part is, it doesn’t break the bank! There’s a variety of great deals from these cinema chains:
- Cineworld: Movies for Juniors, discounted weekly screenings start at just £2.50.
- Vue: Mini Mornings – Both adults and children pay from £2.49 per ticket.
- Odeon : Odeon Kids means adults pay kids prices – check your local cinema for screenings.
Outdoor adventures
Many local city farms or animal sanctuaries offer a budget-friendly day out with low-cost or donation-only entry, too.
You could also check out shops like B&M for reasonably priced new toys that can be used in the garden or taken to the park.
And don’t forget to use your local library – from DVDs, audiobooks and children’s books to Summer activities – it’s a great resource. Just think, you could be spending the day at the park with your children reading on picnic blankets.
Meanwhile, Tennis For Free operate fully inclusive mass participation alternative tennis sessions for all ages and sections of the community nationwide at public parks for free, primarily targeting those most in need in the current climate.
And another family friendly activity could be to get the bikes out and enjoy the scenery outside. Haven’t got a bike? Not to worry! Buy a second-hand one on Facebook Marketplace, some go for as little as £35.
Or you could take a free Swim Safe course (7-14-year-olds).
Created by Swim England and the RNLI and supported by a range of local partners, Swim Safe teaches children where it’s safe to swim, how to float and what to do if they or someone else get in trouble.
Creative flow
If a big sporty activity isn’t up your street, try creating a fun art project by painting rocks and then hiding them in the garden or park for a treasure hunt with friends… or leave your beautiful rock artwork for others to find and enjoy!
Check out relevant Facebook pages to share rocks hidden and found – it’s fun for all!