The summer holidays are here (!!!!) and I know how difficult it can be to keep kids occupied without breaking the bank. So, I’ve compiled a list of possible cheap and free days out that will be fun for all the family.

Parks:

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with the park. There’s swings and slides to keep the kids occupied for a few hours, giving you the chance to sit back, relax and maybe even soak up some sun (which is something you should make the most of as sunshine is very limited in the UK!!). Even if the playground is quite packed, there’s still some fun activities you can do, such as playing catch, tag or riding your bikes, so both you and your child can get your daily dose of physical activity.

 

 

 

Museums:

Even though it’s the summer holiday, it’s a good idea to keep your child’s brain active. There’s a whole range of national museums around the country with little artefacts and pieces of history for the family to discover and the best thing is admission is free. Museums offer a unique learning experience through interactive exhibits and hands-on play giving children the ability to take ownership of their own learning and develop and explore their own curiosities.

 

 

 

Nature Walks:

In this age of modern technology, nature can often be neglected. Going on a nature walk allows you to clear your thoughts and live in the moment. The walking will tire your child out without them realising and they get the chance to explore a new environment which they may not be used to. Nature walks can be quite relaxing for everyone and research has shown that taking part in them can have many health benefits, such as boosting your immune system, reducing the risk of developing breast cancer and improving age-related memory decline.

 

 

 

Library:

I remember when I was younger, I used to get so excited going to the library, not only because books gave me the chance to escape reality, but having a library card and being able to loan a book gave me a sense of responsibility. I could spend hours on the little beanbags immersed in the pages of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory or A Series of Unfortunate Events. Nowadays, we have eBooks, but let’s be honest, it’s not the same as being able to turn the dog-eared pages of a real book. As I said before, it’s important to keep your kids brain active over the summer and research shows that reading actually aids in brain development, especially in your child’s first five years of life. Over the summer holidays, libraries may also host free activities for children to get involved with to keep them occupied.

 

 

Beach:

Here in the UK we’re not always blessed with the best weather, but on the days that we are, taking a trip to your local beach is a great way to enjoy it. Why not take a little picnic to enjoy, or if you want to have the full beach experience, treat yourself to a traditional fish & chips. If you don’t fancy taking a dip in the sea then you can make sandcastles or even play frisbee, the possibilities are endless. Just make sure you stay protected and wear a minimum of factor 30 sun tan lotion.¹

 

 

 

I hope this list has helped inspire you on how to keep your little ones occupied this summer and prevent them from saying those dreaded words, ‘I’m bored’. If you have any more suggestions or ideas for free days out, comment them below and feel free to share this blog post if you think it will help a fellow parent out.

¹ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/