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Holiday hacks Hol day ha LIFE ADMIN LIFE ADMIN

Smar t ideas for a summer that’s big on fun and low on cost

Great memories at

great value – what more could you want? Try these tips out wherever the sun takes you. You’ll save pennies, while still enjoying the things you love. BORROW, DON’T BUY

Sites like Fatllama.com and Libraryofthings.co.uk allow you to borrow almost anything, at a fraction of the cost of buying it new and without needing to store it. From tents and sleeping bags, so you can set up camp in your garden, to a sewing machine, so you can patch up any summer outfits.

COOL FUEL

Make day trips in the car a little more affordable with apps like Petrol Prices, which compare the price of fuel so you can find the best deals for your drive.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Relive a blockbuster from the comfort of your couch. Dress up as the characters and prepare a themed snack according to the movie choice (Harry Potterstyle Butterbeer popcorn, anyone?). Make tickets using card – kids will enjoy presenting theirs for ‘entry’ – then add throws, dim the lights and it’s showtime!

SUMMIT UP

Elevate your walk by switching it up for a hike. Apps like AllTrails (Android and iOS) make exploring outdoors less daunting – they even buzz if you wander the wrong way!

BOTTLE IT UP

There’s nothing better than sipping ice-cold water on a hot day. Fill an empty bottle ¾ with water, then pop it in the freezer overnight. Take it out with you: it will defrost over the day, so you’ll always have cool water.

BIRD’S THE WORD

Check out RSPB’s Wild Challenge online (rspb.org. uk) and win prizes when you complete activities, such as building a hedgehog cafe, birdwatching and litter picking, many of which you can do for free locally.

ICE ICE SAVE-Y

The sound of the ice cream van can be bad news for your wallet, so keep little tums full for cheaper by packing homemade ice cream sandwiches. Although we can’t guarantee they won’t melt, give your cool box the best chance to stay frozen by lining it with foil to reflect the heat away and keep the cold in. If you need some recipe inspiration, we love tes.co/ice creamsandwiches.

GRAB AND GO

Swap a mega day trip for a wander to a local green space and make it easy by keeping a ‘bucket of fun’ by your door to take with you at a moment’s notice. Pack towels, sun cream and ball games, as well as snacks and juice boxes, to save on buying them when you’re out.

CHECK IT OUT

With quiet nooks to read and more books than you can imagine, libraries are unsung heroes. And they’re often free to join. Many have activities during the holidays, like knitting, crafting or art classes. See websites or bulletin boards for updates.

FOREST FUN

Forest School is a teaching method that develops confidence in children by encouraging exploration of the natural world by splashing in puddles and making dens. Carry on the free fun into weekends and holidays with some mud paint. All you need is mud, food colouring and water. Then let them grab some paper and brushes and get creative. Find mud paint recipes on Pinterest. brushes and get e ive ind mud i cipes on Pinterest