Summer Holiday Tips & Ideas

The Summer Holidays have now started for all school-aged children. It can feel like a daunting task entertaining your children for such a long period of time, without spending an absolute fortune. So, here we are sharing some free/cheap ideas to try and help you.

Picnic in the Park

Pack a homemade picnic and head to a nearby park. Enjoy the outdoors, play frisbee, fly kites, or simply relax on a blanket.

Nature Scavenger Hunt - Create a scavenger hunt list of natural items like leaves, flowers, rocks, and insects. Explore your neighbourhood or a local nature reserve to find them all.

Water Balloon Fight - Cool off on a hot day with a water balloon battle in the garden or a local park.

DIY Crafts - Get creative with arts and crafts using materials you have at home. Try making friendship bracelets, origami, or painting with watercolours.

Den Making - Create a den using sheets or blankets and pegs, close all the curtains and use torches to read stories. A fab cosy activity for the rainy days.

Storytelling and Drama - Encourage imaginative play by creating stories and acting them out with friends or family.

Library Visits - Many public libraries offer free summer programmes, including reading challenges, storytelling, and workshops.

Visit Local Events - Check community websites/Facebook pages for free or low-cost events in your area.

Gardening - Start a small garden or tend to potted plants. It's a rewarding and educational experience for both kids and adults.

Beach Day - If you live near a beach or lake, spend a day by the water building sandcastles, swimming, and having a beach picnic.

Bike Rides - Go on a family bike ride or explore nearby bike trails. It's an excellent way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

Science Experiments - Conduct simple science experiments using household items, like making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar.

Free Museum Days - Many museums offer free admission days during the summer. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn and explore.

DIY Mini-Olympics - Set up a mini Olympics in your garden with games like relay races, long jumps, and hula hoop contests.

Geocaching - Try geocaching, a real-world treasure hunt using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers (search for it on Google to find out more).

Additionally, here’s a great list of places where children eat free or for £1 for the next six weeks from moneysavingcentral.co.uk.