Four easy ways to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank
THE first Wednesday in August is National Playday, and this year’s theme is “fun on a shoestring”.
It’s a reminder that having a blast doesn’t have to cost loads.
Set aside some time to play, then add a big dollop of enthusiasm, and you’ll have a day to remember.
BE PART OF THE FUN: Don’t sit on the sidelines for Playday.
The best way to encourage your kids to have fun is to get stuck in yourself, whether that’s rolling down a grassy hill or skimming stones on a lake or river.
Tell them about the games you used to play when you were younger and recreate them with the next generation.
You can make daily tasks more fun by adding in games, like a bug hunt while gardening or playing hide and seek as you tidy up the house.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: There’s a calendar of events around the country where you can meet other families. Find it at playday.org.uk/events-page.
Activities include a community picnic in Cambridge and traditional games on the grass outside Carlisle cathedral.
FIND A FRIEND: If there aren’t any events near you, get together with friends or neighbours to celebrate.
Whether you head to the beach, park or forest, or simply stay in your garden, pack a picnic, some simple play equipment and lots of imagination.
You could use a large piece of rope for a tug of war, or fill a bag with hula hoops, a kite, skipping ropes and balls.
SHOESTRING CHALLENGE: Stuck for play ideas? See how many of these cheap ideas you can include in your Playday.
Make a den or tent out of blankets and chairs, or create a home-made water slide using water, washing up liquid and a length of tarpaulin.
Have fun with play sand, buckets and spades for an at-home beach day, without the pain of sand in your sandwiches. Even a simple garden picnic will make a fun memory out of a day at home.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals & offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
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Cheap treat
LITTLE ones will love a baking day with a Peppa Pig Muddy Puddle cupcake mix, down from £2.25 to £1.50 for Tesco Clubcard holders.
SAVE: 75p
What’s new?
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To enter, write to granddaysout@goodrelations.co.uk telling in 100 words or less your summer plans with your grandchildren.
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