The school holidays are nearly upon us. The annual six-week school holiday is loved by kids and dreaded by parents! Keeping the kids entertained during those long summer days can be challenging, especially when you are on a budget. Here are 15 free or cheap things to do with the kids in the school holidays that won’t break the bank.
1. Explore Local Parks
We are really lucky to have so many beautiful local and national parks here in the UK. Whether it’s taking a football or frisbee to the local park or packing a picnic and spending the day in a national park, spending time outdoors in nature is fun and free. The National Parks UK website has lots of information about national parks, including discovery trains, birdwatching, and stargazing activities.
2. Visit Museums
Many museums in the UK offer free entry, making them a perfect budget-friendly day out. Many local museums can be visited for free; some big attractions are the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum. During the holidays, many offer special activities and workshops, too. There is a list of free museums on the Which Museum website.
3. Beach Day
If you are lucky enough to live near the coast, a beach day can be an excellent way to spend time with the family. Building sandcastles, playing games, and paddling in the sea are free activities. Pack a picnic and don’t forget the sun cream!
4. Library Events
Local libraries often host free events for children during the holidays, such as storytelling sessions and craft activities. These activities encourage a love of reading that will often last a lifetime. Check with your local library service to see what is on near you.
5. Geocaching
Turn a walk into an adventure by trying geocaching, a real-world treasure hunt using GPS-enabled devices. It’s a great way to explore new places and go treasure hunting at the same time. Geocaching.com has lots of information about geocaching, including the coordinates of caches so that you can search for local treasures.
6. Backyard Camping
Camping in the back garden can be a great adventure for kids. It’s a perfect activity for a sleepover, too. Set up a tent in the garden, gather some snacks and camp out under the stars. If you don’t have a tent, you can create a makeshift one with a sheet and a couple of poles for a rustic adventure.
7. Craft Day
Gather some basic craft supplies and let your children’s creativity run wild. You don’t have to spend a fortune on supplies, either. Household items such as buttons, cotton reels, old greeting cards, cardboard boxes, washing-up liquid bottles and even feathers from the garden make great craft items and encourage imagination. Look online for ideas for fun craft projects.
8. Bake Together
Kids love to be in the kitchen. Get them to make simple recipes such as pizza, biscuits, or even our Old School Cake With Sprinkles Recipe. Be prepared for a little mess, but the kids will have a great time mixing, decorating and seeing their finished items come out of the oven.
9. Farm Visits
Some farms allow visitors for free or a small donation. Children can learn about farm animals and where their food comes from and see a working farm in action. Click here to find out more information about local farms that welcome visitors.
10. Bike Rides
Exploring your local area by bike can be an exciting way for children to get exercise and be out in the fresh air. Many areas have safe, designated bike paths suitable for families. If you don’t have a bike, check out Bike Club, which allows you to rent bicycles for a small monthly fee. Renting a bike is more economical than buying if your children are growing fast. And we have secured a 25% discount for our readers on the monthly fee for the first six months. (Please note that this link is an affiliate link, so we may receive a small commission if you sign up using this link. This comes at no cost to you)
11. Local Events
Keep your eyes peeled for free events which are happening near you. These may be listed in the local newspaper or on local social media groups. Also, check out your local council’s website, which will show upcoming community events. Some councils hold special events during the kids’ holidays to entertain them.
12. Playgrounds and Splash Parks
Most towns have playgrounds, and some even have paddling pools and splash parks, perfect for hot days. These are great places for children to burn off energy while parents relax and supervise.
13. Grow Something
Kids enjoy planting seeds and watching them grow. Even if you don’t have a garden, we have some tips for growing plants in containers here. Herbs, mustard and cress, carrot tops and sunflowers grow quickly and can be easy for kids to look after. Plant bee-friendly plants and help kids understand bees’ essential work for the planet. This will foster a love of nature and help kids appreciate the indispensable role of bees and pollinators in the ecosystem.
14. Board Games and Puzzles
On rainy days, turn off the screens and enjoy some old-fashioned family fun with board games and puzzles. Board games help develop problem-solving and strategic thinking skills and are fun to play. If you are (excuse the pun) bored with your selection of board games, arrange a game swap with other local parents.
15. Volunteer Together
Find a local charity or community project where you and your children can volunteer. It’s a beautiful way to teach them about giving back to the community and can be a very rewarding and bonding experience.
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