Cheap and Free Things to Do These School Holidays on a Budget

The first long summer holiday after my eldest started school, I panicked about how to fill six weeks without either spending a fortune or losing my mind. What I slowly learned is that children remember the simple things, the den in the woods, the library reading challenge, the afternoon at the park with friends, far more than the expensive days out. Here is a practical roundup of cheap and free ways to get through the holidays happily.

Make the Most of Free Local Resources

• Libraries: free to join, brilliant for rainy days, and many run free events and a summer reading challenge to keep children reading and motivated
• Parks and green spaces: playgrounds, open space to run around, and often free events or splash areas in summer
• Woods, beaches and nature spots: free adventures, den building, rock pooling, puddle jumping and scavenger hunts cost nothing
• Museums and galleries: many are free to enter, and some run free family activities and trails in the holidays

Look for Local Schemes and Free Activities

There is often more going on locally than parents realise, much of it free or low cost:

• Check your council's website and social media for free or cheap holiday events and activities
• If your child is eligible for benefits-related free school meals, look into the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which offers free holiday club places with activities and a meal
• Local churches, community centres and charities frequently run low-cost play schemes and events
• Some cinemas, theatres and attractions offer cheap tickets or special family days in the holidays
• National Trust, Wildlife Trusts and similar sometimes run free or low-cost family events; check what is near you

Cheap Days Out That Feel Special

• A picnic somewhere new turns an ordinary lunch into an outing
• A bus or train ride to a nearby town can be an adventure in itself for younger children
• Feeding-the-ducks, pond dipping or a nature walk with a checklist keeps little ones happily busy
• A trip to a local market, harbour or farm shop can be cheap and full of interest

Simple Ideas for Home

Some of the best holiday days never leave the house or garden:

• Baking together, which doubles as an activity and a snack
• Building a den indoors, or a camp in the garden
• Arts, crafts and junk modelling from the recycling box
• Water play, paddling pools and garden games on warm days
• A film afternoon with homemade popcorn as a treat
• Getting children to help plan and cook a simple meal

Team Up With Other Families

Sharing the load makes holidays cheaper and easier. Arrange to meet friends at the park, take turns hosting playdates, or swap childcare with another family so everyone gets a break. Children are often happiest simply playing with friends, and it costs nothing.

Keeping the Holiday Plans Straight

Between library challenges, free council events, HAF sessions and meet-ups with friends, the holidays involve juggling a surprising number of dates and sign-ups. My School Agent can pull the emails and reminders about holiday clubs and activities into a daily briefing and shared calendar, so booking windows and events do not slip past. The holidays do not have to be expensive to be happy. A mix of free local resources, a few cheap outings and plenty of simple time together usually makes for the memories children treasure most, and the bank balance thanks you too.