Half-term is an exciting time for children; time off school and plenty of fun with egg hunts and chocolate. However, it can also be stressful for parents who need to find activities to keep their kids entertained. There are some bank holidays to enjoy as a family, but entertaining the children and doing things as a family doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity and some know-how, you can save money during half-term and still have a great time with your kids. We’ll explore some tips and ideas for saving money during the break from school this Easter.
- Plan ahead
Planning ahead is key to saving money during the half-term. Make a list of activities that you and your children would like to do during the week, and research the costs of each activity. Look for free or low-cost activities in your local area, such as parks, museums, and community centres. As part of your planning, you could even consider something like getting a tastecard membership, to get money off attractions, as well as restaurants. So if you’re like me and planning a trip up to London, then you could look for some lunch deals London to eat out at an affordable price, as there are a lot of places that do 2 for 1 deals. Make sure that you check for discounts or special offers, such as group discounts or family tickets.
- Make use of your local library
Your local library is a great resource for free activities during half-term. Many libraries offer storytimes, craft sessions, and other events for children. You can also borrow books, DVDs, and other resources to keep your children entertained at home.
- Have a movie day at home
Instead of going to the cinema, why not have a movie day at home? You can borrow DVDs from your local library, or stream movies online. Pop some popcorn and make it a cosy day in with your children.
- Get outside
Spending time outdoors is a great way to save money during half-term. Visit your local park, go for a bike ride, or take a walk along the beach. You can also pack a picnic and enjoy a day out in nature. There are a lot of egg hunt trails over Easter so look out for those to get outside and enjoy some choccy!
- Get creative
Children love to get creative, and there are plenty of low-cost activities you can do at home. Set up a craft station with supplies such as paints, paper, and glue. You can also make homemade playdough or slime, or create your own board games.
- Cook together
Cooking with your children is a fun and educational activity that can also save you money. Teach your children how to make their favourite meals, or try out new recipes together. You can also bake cookies or other treats for a special half-term treat.
- Visit free museums
Many museums offer free entry for children, and some also offer free entry for adults. Use half-term as an opportunity to visit museums and galleries in your local area. You can also check for special exhibitions or events that may be happening during half-term.
- Have a family game night
A family game night is a great way to spend quality time together without spending a lot of money. Dust off your favourite board games, or try out new games that your children may enjoy. You can also have a movie or game marathon, and make it a fun family event.
- Take advantage of free trials
Many attractions, such as theme parks and zoos, offer free trials or discounted tickets during half-term. Check online for any deals or promotions that may be available. Just be sure to cancel any subscriptions or memberships before the trial period ends.
There are plenty of ways to save money during half-term with children. By planning ahead and getting creative, you can keep your children entertained without breaking the bank. Use these tips as a starting point, and don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with your own ideas for fun and low-cost activities.
*collaborative post
