It’s almost time for the Summer holidays, and although this is a great stretch of time to spend together as a family, there is increasing pressure to spend money on activities and days out. With the cost of living increasing, the prospect of finding additional money to entertain the kids over the summer is frightening. Well, fret not, fellow parents – I’ve got you covered! I’ve compiled a list of delightful, low-cost activities that will have your little ones grinning from ear to ear. From outdoor adventures to creative pursuits, these wallet-friendly options will ensure a summer filled with memories, laughter, and endless fun—all without burning a hole in your pocket and piling on any additional stress!
Nature Trails and Picnics
Escape the confines of your home and embrace the great outdoors with a nature trail followed by a picnic. In Britain, we are blessed with stunning countryside, parks, and woodlands, many of which offer free or low-cost access. Why not take your children on an exploration of nature trails, allowing them to observe wildlife, identify flowers, and learn about the local ecosystem? The fresh air helps clear the mind and reduces the amount of screen time which is always a win. Pack a picnic lunch filled with sandwiches, fruits, and homemade snacks for a delightful midday break but don’t forget your blanket!
The great thing about nature trails is they can be customised to different ages of children, and of course, everyone loves a picnic! Being out in nature is good for the soul, and considering we don’t get a lot of good weather in England, making the most of it and getting outside when we can is important!! Packing a picnic helps avoid those sneaky expenses on food. The cost of eating out has skyrocketed, and if you can save some cash by packing a picnic, you save some money in your budget for another activity.
DIY Arts and Crafts
Unleash your children’s creativity with a series of do-it-yourself arts and crafts projects. Set up a designated art area in your home or garden equipped with recycled materials like cardboard, yoghurt pots, bottles, buttons, and ribbons. Encourage your little artists to create, paint, glue, and glitter an array of masterpieces that will keep them entertained without breaking the bank. If organised fun better suits your child’s age group, then why not set them up with an activity such as mask making or puppet designing or get them to create their own board game?
Treasure Hunts and Scavenger Hunts
Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? Plan an exciting treasure hunt adventure for your children in your backyard or at a local park. This is a great way to encourage independent play giving you some time to do something for yourself or catch up on neglected chores. Create clues and riddles that lead them from one location to another, with the final prize being something fun and inexpensive – think a new book or a small toy. Alternatively, opt for a scavenger hunt, where children search for specific items or complete tasks from a pre-designed list. These activities promote problem-solving, teamwork and add an element of adventure to their summer. Again this is an activity you can tailor based on age group!
Library Visits and Reading Challenges
Libraries are a hidden gem when it comes to low-cost summer activities. Many libraries host free events and workshops for children during the holidays so make sure you check your local one for any reading activities or challenges they have on over the summer. Just a trip to the library is fun – take your kids to explore the shelves and borrow books. Encourage them to complete a certain number of books over the summer holidays offering a reward for their efforts with a small treat. You could design and print a certificate and award extra points for book reviews! Reading not only enhances their vocabulary and comprehension skills but also transports them to different worlds far beyond screen time which is advantages!
Sports and Games in the Park
Head to your local park or playground for a day filled with sports and games. Set up a mini sports day with create your own certificates or pick up some inexpensive medals from *Amazon. Organise friendly competitions like races, sack races, or three-legged races, allowing them to engage in healthy competition and burn off energy. You could also join forces with other families in your community for a fun-filled day, complete with relay races, sack races, tug-of-war, and various team games. This fosters social interaction, teamwork, and creates lasting memories as well as adding a money saving element.
Alternatively just pack a frisbee, a ball, or a badminton set and let your children enjoy some active playtime outside in the fresh air.
Let Kids Be Kids
There is also a lot to be said for kids just being kids. There is a pressure to provide entertainment and activities, often resulting in mum guilt if you don’t perform. With more parents than ever sharing their lives on Instagram, it’s hard not to feel inadequate. Just know that your children do not need you to spend a fortune on them or provide endless activities every moment of the day. Kids are happy just being kids, and there is little wrong with allowing them that luxury. Don’t let outside pressures get you down you are doing a wonderful job – just keep going!
In Conclusion
With the summer holidays comes an additional pressure to spend additional money that in some instances just does not exist. However they really need not be an expensive affair. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can provide your children with endless entertainment and adventure without straining your wallet. So, embrace the sunny days, seize the opportunity to bond with your little ones, and create unforgettable memories that will be cherished for years to come. Shed that pressure to perform or locate a money tree – it is really not needed! Happy summer holidays! If you have any tips or ideas please leave them in the comments below to help others!
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Thank you for sharing these beautiful ideas! I like the suggestion of a treasure hunt in the yard. I hadn’t thought of that earlier, but that is a fun and exciting activity the children will love.
I would add backyard camping to your list. Roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and stargazing together create precious memories that will stay with the children as they grow up.
Wow, these ideas are fantastic! This year, we dedicated a majority of our time to engaging with the children outdoors, particularly in the garden and amidst nature. Our activities included crafting our own ice creams from scratch, creating beautiful drawings, playing detective games in the garden, and using black feathers we found in the forest to create unique artwork. Not only did these activities bring joy to the kids, but they also helped us save money 🙂