We all remember the final weeks of school before the summer holidays.
Back then there was no better feeling than knowing we had six weeks of freedom ahead of us.
The summer holidays as an adult, however, bring a very different feeling.
Keeping children occupied for six weeks, 42 days or 1,008 hours (not that we’re counting) isn’t also exhausting but also costly.
If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained on a budget this summer, look no further.
We’ve compiled a list of creative and most importantly cost-effective activities the whole family can enjoy.
1. Eat for free or £1 over the holidays
Keeping the kids hunger at bay during the holidays can seem like a thankless, and expensive, task.
To help, restaurants across the county are offering special deals just for kids – with many places dishing up free meals or £1 plates.
It’s worth noting that you often have to fork out for a fill adult’s meal alongside a kids dinner, so always make sure you check the terms and conditions before you order as some deals are better than others.
You can often find a full list of venues offering deals during the summer by searching online, but here’s a few to get you started:
- Tesco Café: Kids eat free with the Kids’ Pick n’ Mix Lunch Deal. This includes a sandwich, piece of fruit, two snacks and a drink. An adult just needs to buy any item in the café, including drinks.
- Morrisons Café: Youngsters under 16 can enjoy one free meal from the kids menu with any adult meal with a value of £4.50.
- IKEA: This isn’t a free meal, but little ones can enjoy a tomato pasta or the mac and cheese with a soft drink for 95p.
2. Take on the Summer Reading Challenge
Who says you need to jet off to far flung places to go on an adventure? This year’s annual Summer Challenge is underway, with children invited to the Story Garden this year.
Whether they fancy journeying into an enchanting world to meet magical creatures, or going on a rip-roaring adventure in the great outdoors – the challenge has a book for everyone to enjoy!
You can find out more about the Challenge here. Remember, you don’t need to buy books to take part! You’ll be able to find many of the titles in the event at your local library.
3. Visit the library
Talking of the library, not only is it a place for you to get lost in a book there’s a whole host of events for you to enjoy during the summer.
Some libraries host specific summer events, Book Bug sessions and organise readings of popular books such as The Gruffalo.
Check out your local library website or pop in and ask for their summer timetable.
4. Ace tennis with free sessions
If the children have loads of energy to burn off during the holidays, why not look for free tennis sessions?
Tennis For Free offer free coaching sessions across the UK. You can find out more about what sessions are available in your area on the Tennis For Free website.
5. Get outdoors!
This is an oldie but a goodie. There’s no better way to make the most of the holidays than exploring local parks or getting out in the garden.
Soaking up the vitamin D and fresh air isn’t just good for the kids, it’s good for the grown-ups too.
Whether it’s playing in the park, walking along the local canal or woodland path or just playing out in the back garden with a ball there’s no better way to spend the day than enjoying an afternoon outdoors.
6. Have a movie afternoon
As much as we’re all hoping for six weeks of sunshine, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be.
If the sky turns dark the weather gloomy, we often choose the cinema as a go-to activity. However, let’s be honest a trip to the pictures isn’t quite as budget-friendly as it used to be.
Fear not, organising your own at-home-cinema is the perfect way to keep everyone entertained.
Making your own movie posters and grabbing cheap and cheerful snacks from the supermarket can be a great way to turn a low-key activity into something more interactive.
7. Have a clear out
The kids probably won’t thank us for this one, but yes organising a summer clear out can be a way to keep everyone busy.
Not only is a nice chance for the little ones, and grown-ups, to take a trip down memory lane but it might actually remind the children of unused toys they haven’t looked at it months.
Decluttering is always good for the mind but if the kids need a little extra incentive, why not sell unwanted toys or clothes that don’t fit anymore and put the cash towards another activity during the holidays.
