Ideas needed for free things to do with kids over summer

[JoshandJamie]

Anyone have any good ideas of free things to do with kids over summer - either places to go or things to do at home? Also, does anyone know of any websites that list these kind of things? I know quite a few websites that list places to go with kids but they're not specifically free.

It depends where you live and how old the kids are. When mine were younger we did day trips to different places like a nearby lake, a different park each week with a picnic, down to a river to collect pebbles, we were students so very skint and the kids had a great time. We visited all teh different playgrounds and forests etc , all outdoors stuff and by the end of the trip they were tired out and quite happy to go home to get washed and put to bed. We always collected things we found on the way and then we made collage painting pictures etc on rainy days.

I agree with admylin that outdoors stuff is great - if your children are old enough and interested, you could take a field guide with you and try to identify plants, insects etc.

Libraries often organise free or very cheap activities, but you may have to book in advance. They also may have information about other free activities in your area, especially if your local council runs any. (And you can borrow books about any interesting wildlife you found on walks).

this is quite a useful site if you are in London here