School holidays are looming...eek!

[Misty9]

It's my first summer holiday as a lone parent and I can't avoid thinking about it anymore, so what are your recommendations and top tips for surviving?! What days out work as a lone parent where you're not so bored you'd chew your own arm off? (See: playgrounds) we're home all summer but ex will have them 50% of the time.

I never stayed in. Pack lunches made in the morning, then off out somewhere. Parks, the beach, museums, swimming, outdoor splash parks, anywhere. I follow loads of different local pages that advertise things on during summer. If theres an event on, we are there!

I always go to Butlins for a week in summer. Phone a couple of days before and get a much better deal than online. Kids are entertained all day and night. Easy.

If we do stay in, having friends over entertains them. More kids is easier. I have crafts going on. Plate and cup painting, rock decorating, board games out. Movie afternoon.

I have a pack of crafts items that if i was stop and searched would make me look like a seriel killer with stuff in for the woods to make fairy doors, wands, nature bracelets etc.

How old are they?

Get out. Slow start. Pack lunch out about ten until three. Parks. Walks. Paddling pool places where you pay once and can go back all year we have 4 of those places. Kids am at the cinema.

At home painting in the garden cooking and craft if you dare.

Depending on their age they just want to be with you doing stuff. Doesn't have to be expensive.

Great ideas so far. They're 5 and 7 but the 7 year old is very challenging and doesn't cope well with doing too much. Butlins or similar is an interesting idea...might try calling up although we live in a majorly touristy part of the UK so places are likely booked up.

Oh and the 7 year old hates water

Look online for all the free stuff available - library, local museums, wildlife centres, forests, etc see what's on offer at leisure centres, swop with other parents for a day off. Pack a picnic and head to the countryside, got any older neighbours? They might love kids "helping" them garden or whatever. I miss those days

Sign up for the summer reading challenge at the local library.
Do you have any National Trust properties near by? They always run activities in the holidays and the majority have great play areas. You can pay for annual membership monthly.

Argh pre and post school was stressful enough today so now I'm really dreading it! I have just booked a haven holiday for one of the weekends so hopefully that'll go down well.