We know it can be hard keeping your kids entertained at the best of times. But it can be even harder when you need to cut back on spending to make ends meet.
Even if you need to stick to a budget, there are still plenty of fun things to do to make extra special memories with your family. Whether your kids love getting crafty or getting out in nature, here are some easy, low-cost activities that everyone can enjoy.
Arts and crafts fun
If your child likes to explore their creative side, Tate Kids have plenty of artsy activities to try out. Art supplies can be pricey, but you don’t have to splash out to make a masterpiece.
If you have glue, scissors and some old magazines, you could make a collage or a zine (which is just a cool name for a self-made booklet made from 1 or 2 pieces of paper).
Home science experiments
You don’t need to be in a classroom to be curious about the world around us. These activities and experiments from the Science Museum Group have easy step-by-step instructions for science and math activities that are safe and fun to do at home.
Try building a sound booster for your smartphone, mixing up a special recipe for giant bubbles, or making an egg bounce using a simple chemical reaction with stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.
Explore nature
Whether you want to discover the wonders of the coast or explore magical woodlands, going on an adventure outdoors is a great way to spend the day. Spending time in nature is a great way to boost your mental and physical wellbeing and it can be pretty affordable too.
Why not see what creepy crawlies, wildflowers, or trees you can spot on a nature walk with these identifying tools? Or use crayons and paper to create leaf and bark rubbings.
If you and your kids get excited about blooming flowers, peaceful fishponds, and winding mazes, there are plenty of gardens across the UK where you can stroll about with your family for free. And, who knows, it might just inspire your kids to grow their own plants at home!
Explore museums and galleries
Why not check out your nearest museum or art gallery? From art to history and everything in between, there’s something for everyone in the family to be interested in. Lots of museums are also free or have discounted tickets for children.
Check out the best museums for kids in the UK or find your nearest free museum or gallery.
Sports and local libraries
Getting active is a fun and inexpensive way to keep your kids and teens busy all year round. If you haven’t got a garden space, it’s definitely worth finding your local park and seeing what activities might be going on – many local authorities provide free activities during the holidays. From free theatre performances to sports and art activities, there’s likely something going on near you.
Another free, indoor activity is joining and visiting your local library. Your kids can spend hours of fun reading and exploring what your local library has to offer.
Farm visits
Interested in learning how to grow your own food? Want to hand-feed a lamb? Or make a clay-oven baked pizza using fresh ingredients picked nearby? You’d be surprised at what you can do at your local farm or garden space!
If you don’t know where your nearest farm or garden space is, Social Farms & Gardens has a handy interactive map of where you can get involved in loads of nature-based activities.
We know that the cost-of-living crisis is making life harder and harder for families. So, if you’re struggling to afford the essentials, here is where you can get support.
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