1. Nature adventures:
Exploring the great outdoors is not only educational, it’s also incredibly affordable. Take your kids to a local park, nature reserve or hiking trail. Go on a nature scavenger hunt, identify different types of plants and animals and have a picnic that the kids can help make! For more inspiration, visit our handy guide to welcoming wildlife into your patch .
2. DIY craft days:
Encourage your kids' creativity with DIY craft days. Gather supplies from around the house or visit a charity shop or craft store for inexpensive materials. From painting and paper mache to creating friendship bracelets and origami animals, the possibilities are endless. Find some good ideas here.
3. Library visits:
Local libraries often host free events during school holidays, such as storytelling sessions, arts and crafts workshops and book clubs. Spending time at the library not only keeps your kids entertained but also promotes a love for reading and learning. Find your local library here .
4. Cooking and baking:
Involve your kids in the kitchen by teaching them how to cook or bake simple recipes. From making their own pizzas to decorating cupcakes, cooking can be a fun and educational way to spend time together while also teaching them important life skills. Here are some yummy pizza recipes ideas!
5. Science experiments at home:
Turn your home into a mini science lab with exciting and safe experiments. Create volcanic eruptions with baking soda and vinegar, make slime, build paper airplanes, or explore the world of static electricity with common household items. How to make a homemade volcano!
6. Movie marathon:
Host a movie marathon at home with classic family films or a theme-based series. Create a cosy atmosphere with blankets and pillows and prepare some popcorn and snacks. This activity is not only budget-friendly, it’s also great for bonding over shared movie favourites.
7. Gardening adventures:
Get your kids involved in gardening by planting flowers, herbs, or even vegetables in your backyard or on a balcony. They'll learn about nurturing plants and watching their efforts bloom over time can be incredibly rewarding. There are some great ideas in our free Wildlife outside your window booklet.
8. Outdoor sports and games:
Organise friendly sports tournaments or play classic outdoor games like tag, hide and seek, or capture the flag. These activities not only keep your kids physically active, they also foster teamwork and friendly competition.
9. Creative writing projects:
Encourage your kids to unleash their imagination through creative writing. They can write short stories, poems or even start a journal about their daily adventures during the school holidays.
10. Local community events:
Check out local community centres, museums and recreational facilities for free or low-cost events that are often organised during school breaks. From art exhibitions to cultural festivals, there's likely to be something that appeals to your kids' interests.
The most important thing is spending quality time with your children, regardless of the activity. Engaging in these money-saving activities not only keeps your kids entertained, it also provides valuable opportunities for learning, bonding and creating lasting memories. By getting creative and thinking outside the box, you can ensure a fun and budget-friendly school holiday for the whole family.
For more info on how we can support you and your family, please visit our Cost of Living hub
Updated on 16 July 2024
