Summer holidays can be an expensive time of year when you have children. The long break from school means finding ways to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank. Fortunately, with some planning and savvy ideas, you can create fun summer memories without going over budget. Here are some tips for making summer holidays more affordable when you have children.
Look for Free and Low-Cost Activities in Your Local Area
While your fostering allowance can help pay for trips if you have foster children, one of the best ways to save money over the summer is to take advantage of free and inexpensive things to do in your local area. Parks, libraries, community centres and museums often host free events and activities during the summer holidays. Check your council website and community noticeboards for upcoming events like outdoor concerts, children’s theatre shows, storytelling hours and more.
Many historic sites, zoos and farms also offer free or discounted admission for children during the summer months. Pack a picnic and make a day trip out of visiting an attraction on a budget-friendly day. Getting out and about for free local activities can keep the whole family entertained without spending much at all.
Plan Affordable Day Trips
Day trips to child-friendly destinations can make for memorable summer experiences without accommodation costs. Research places within driving distance from your home that offer outdoor adventures, educational activities and family fun.
National Trust sites, theme parks like Alton Towers, outdoor parks and animal parks can often be done affordably as day visits. Pack snacks and a picnic lunch to further save on costs. When planning your route, look for petrol stations along the way that offer the best fuel prices as well to keep transportation costs low.
Craft Your Own Summer Camp Experience
Rather than paying for costly summer camps, get creative and develop your own camp experience at home. Plan themed days and weeks with fun educational activities focused on science, art, nature, music or sports. Dig out any unused sports equipment, craft supplies and board games for plenty of entertainment.
Incorporate day trips that tie into the themes like visiting museums or hiking in nature reserves. Encourage reading by holding a summer reading challenge. Schedule summer movie nights at home with popcorn and pyjamas. Developing your own summer camp programme takes planning but saves substantially on childcare costs.
Take Advantage of Discounts
From travel to dining, look for ways to save through membership schemes and discounts. Many attractions like zoos and theme parks offer annual passes that can pay for themselves in just a few visits. Kids eat free deals at restaurants can also help cut dining costs.
Sites like National Rail and The Trainline offer substantial discounts on train tickets when booked in advance. Consider a family membership for the National Trust or English Heritage to get free access to hundreds of sites. Taking advantage of any available discounts makes summer holidays more affordable.
With creativity and advance planning, you can craft summer holiday fun that keeps the kids delighted but doesn’t make a dent in your wallet. Follow these tips to maximise free activities, score discounts and stretch your budget further during the long summer break.
