Family Matters summer edition 2023

Low/no cost ideas for things to do this summer

You don’t need expensive toys or trips to make the summer holidays fun! There are plenty of budget friendly things you can do over the summer holidays that won’t break the bank! Here are a couple of low/no cost ideas to help you have a memorable summer.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

If the weather isn’t playing ball or you don’t have a safe outdoor space for the kids to run around in, why not set them up a little crafting station? You don’t even need to go out and buy anything (though you can pick up craft supplies fairly cheaply from budget stores), just use everyday household items, like toilet roll tubes or things like leaves and pinecones from outside. You can make a variety of items, like houses, rockets or bird feeders!

CREATE A FORT

Whether you have a garden or not, you can easily make a fort out of blankets or cardboard or other household items (just make sure it's safe!) and let the kids hang out in their own creations. Whether they ch0ose to play at being knights or royalty or just sit in it with their game console, it will keep them entertained and you can make a game out of cleaning up afterwards.

PUT ON A PLAY

Do the kids have a favourite book or TV show? Or maybe you could get them to use their imaginations and come up with something original. Help them create some props and then let them rehearse it and perform for you later on! You can even invite friends and family.

VISIT A MUSEUM

Did you know that lots of museums offer free or discounted entry during school holidays? In Bath and North East Somerset, you can get free and discounted entry to several museums by signing up to a Discovery Card which allows local families access to attractions in the area. There are similar schemes all over the UK, so take a look at what is available and learn more about your community.

BAKING OR COOKING

Why not get the kids to help with making dinner, that way you aren’t buying anything extra and they can learn a life skill. If you have things like flour already at home, you can get them to do a bit of baking or creating their own ornaments. In the hot weather, you could get them to make their own ice lollies, moulds are available fairly cheaply at super markets and other stores, and you will only need a bit of juice and some water!