The British summer is here! Soon we’ll have six weeks of school holidays for the kids. If you’re wondering how to keep them busy and entertained without spending a fortune. Here are some cost-effective fun ideas to consider.
Looking back at my own childhood I remember summer holidays driving to places like Cornwall where we’d stay at caravan parks or day trips to Bournemouth beach. Maybe it was just my family, but we mostly stayed in the UK. These days you might struggle to convince your children to stay in the country especially when they see their friends on Facebook and Instagram flying out to nice destinations abroad. Weather permitting you can still find low-cost ways to have fun with your kids this summer.
Summer holidays mean freedom and fun for kids that can be enjoyed in cost-effective ways.
I understand the challenges of balancing a budget while trying to provide enriching experiences for your children. Summer should be an opportunity to break out of the daily routine of work and school, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Ensure you and your little ones enjoy this summer without financial stress. Don’t default to expensive crowded theme parks or maybe pulling out the credit card and booking a regretful last-minute flight. It’s not always where you go, what you do or how much you spend. It’s how you make it special and memorable for your family.
1. Embrace Nature’s Playground
Public parks, nature reserves and the National Trust Parks are sometimes free or don’t cost much to visit offering endless hours of adventure and entertainment. Plan a picnic, go on a scavenger hunt, or simply enjoy a hike. The benefits are twofold: you spend quality time with your family and foster a love for the outdoors in your children. One of my favourites and that’s very local to me is Kew Gardens in southwest London for a £20 ticket you’ll get to see trees and flowers from around the world in huge gardens with enormous greenhouses and experience a unique treetop walkway.
2. Community and local events
Keep an eye on your local community calendar. Many towns host free or low-cost events during the summer, such as outdoor movies, concerts, and festivals. These events are not only affordable but also a great way to connect with your neighbours. Check your local newspaper, website, Facebook or there are apps like Nextdoor or Meetup.
3. DIY Crafts and Games
You don’t need expensive toys to have fun. Use household items to create DIY crafts and games. Build a fort out of blankets, create an obstacle course, or have an art day with recycled materials. It’s all about being creative and making memories. If feasible and there is room on the budget, visit your local Hobby Craft to spark some ideas. It has everything you need for arts and crafts, knitting and crochet, haberdashery, papercraft, jigsaws, baking, jewellery making and so much more. Use code discount code HC515.
4. Educational Opportunities
Many libraries and museums offer free admission days or discounted rates for families. This is a perfect way to combine fun with learning, exposing your children to new ideas and cultures without spending much. We recently visited the Oxford Museum of Natural History which holds an internationally significant collection of natural history specimens and archives and it’s completely free (donations accepted). They have a range of events and shows throughout the summer for children, families and young people. There are over 200 free museums and attractions across the UK you can visit.
5. Home-Based Summer Camp
Why pay for summer camp when you can create your own? If you can book time off work between you and your partner. You can set up themed weeks, such as Science Week, Cooking Week, or Sports Week. Plan activities around these themes, and don’t forget to invite your kids’ friends to join in on the fun. Children love being creative and looking forward to something exciting. Get organised, if it’s sports week for example round up the items you’ll need like a football, basketball, cones, swimming gear, tennis rackets, and snacks. Mix it up and play at different parks or locations each day.
6. Make this summer a staycation
Lastly, who says you need to travel far for a holiday? As I mentioned previously my childhood summers were spent visiting places in the UK. There is plenty to see on this island from Forest Holidays sleeping in wooden cabins and waking up to the sounds of wildlife or Seaside resort towns along the coastlines like Torquay nicknamed the English Riviera. If your wallet doesn’t stretch that far you’d be surprised what you can find on your own doorstep. Be a tourist in your city or county. Explore new areas, visit local landmarks, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being together.
The key to a cost-effective summer with the kids is planning ahead and being creative. By incorporating these strategies, you can provide a summer full of fun and learning for your children without straining your wallet. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine and the smiles without the financial worry!
