With school nearly out for summer, parents everywhere will be trying to think of ways to keep their kids entertained that won’t break the bank. The current cost of living crisis has many of us concerned about how we can make our money last longer, but that doesn’t mean the kids can’t enjoy themselves this summer. So if you’re looking for a few low-budget activities to try during the holidays, read on for my top budget-friendly activities.
Staycation
There are many fabulous destinations up and down the country which offer budget-friendly rest and relaxation for all the family; whether it’s camping and caravanning or making the most of NHS discount codes for a family getaway to a classic Butlins resort, you can still have a world of fun without the need for expensive flights and hotels.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Get out and about this summer and enjoy nature. Whether you’re lucky enough to live near woodland or open countryside or by making the most of local parks and green spaces in your town or city. Younger kids can be kept entertained with a homemade scavenger hunt, by making a list of items for them to look out for during their walk and older kids might enjoy more of a challenge, such as geocaching or den building.
Arts and Crafts at Home
Encourage your children to get creative this summer with some DIY arts and crafts. This can be adapted to suit any budget, from outdoor chalks and junk modelling to sketching, painting or sculpting with clay. Old sheets or shower curtains make great floor or table protectors to stop splashes of paint from ruining carpets or furniture. Other than that, all you’ll need is some paper and your imagination!
Get Them Reading
Reading is hugely important for kids of all ages. The National Literacy Trust reports that children who enjoy reading are generally happier with their lives, and yet, when asked only 1 in 2 children say that they enjoy reading.
The key to getting your kids to enjoy reading is to open their eyes to the dazzling array of books out there just waiting to be read and let them choose a few for themselves. Your local library is a great place to start, and most UK libraries run a summer reading challenge over the holidays that your child can sign up for. This usually involves reading a certain number of books during the summer break – typically one book per week – as well as completing other fun activities in exchange for a certificate or a prize.
Back Garden Camping
If you’re looking for a fun, affordable summer holiday activity that doesn’t require leaving home, look no further than your own back garden! Back garden camping is not only an economical way to spend the holidays, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with your family.
Setting up camp in your back garden requires minimal effort. All you need is a tent, some sleeping bags, and a spirit of adventure. Transform your garden into a magical camping site by hanging fairy lights around the tent and setting up a makeshift fire pit for roasting marshmallows.
There are plenty of fun activities to keep everyone entertained. From stargazing and telling ghost stories to playing flashlight tag and going on a scavenger hunt, there’s never a dull moment when camping in the back garden. Don’t forget to play some board games or cards when the sun goes down!
One of the best parts of back garden camping is the ability to explore nature right outside your door. Encourage your children to observe bugs, listen to the sounds of different birds, and examine the plants and trees around them. This can be both an entertaining and educational experience.
Back garden camping also offers a safe and controlled environment, perfect for first-time campers. It’s a great way to introduce young children to camping, preparing them for future adventures in the great outdoors.
So why not give back garden camping a try this summer? It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and packed with potential for fun. It might be the most memorable holiday you’ll ever have without leaving home!
Conclusion: Budget-Friendly Activities
Summertime is the perfect time to explore new experiences and activities with your kids. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, free stay-at-home options, or ways to teach valuable life skills, there are plenty of budget-friendly ideas to choose from! Not only will outdoor activities help build memories that last far beyond just summer holidays, but they also provide many physical health benefits in the form of exercise while having some fun.
With these budget-friendly ideas for kids during the summer holidays, you can give your kids something interesting and new to do all summer without breaking the bank. Remember: if you ever run out of interesting things to fill up those exciting summer days and need more inspiration, don’t forget to subscribe to this blog for more amazingly fun ideas!
