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Parenting

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Cheap summer holiday activities for kids?

6 replies

busybeemama78 · Today 10:01

Does anyone have any free/cheap activities to keep kids entertained over the summer holidays? Getting them outside would be a bonus!

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AbleMind · Today 10:05

Look for cheap archery and badminton sets
We got ours from aldi
Kept the kids occupied, you can join in if you want
Good for developing loads of skills

doubletroublemummy34 · Today 10:10

I’ve been in the same boat trying to find things to do that don’t cost a fortune, and one thing that’s actually worked really well for us is getting involved in this free gardening competition called 'Top of the Plots'. I honestly didn’t know if my two would be into it, but they’ve surprised me - they’ve really taken ownership of “their” little patch and it’s been a nice way to coax them outside without any battles.

It’s super low‑pressure, gives them something to potter with when they’re bored, and it’s been a good excuse for us to spend a bit of time together doing something that isn’t screen‑related. The fact there are prizes has definitely kept them motivated, but even without that it’s been a lovely (and totally free) way to fill a few hours over the holidays.
Link is here form.jotform.com/261043606947055

Two other things that have gone down well for us:
Nature treasure hunts - I just jot down a quick list (feather, smooth stone, something yellow, etc.) and they run around the park like it’s a mission. Costs nothing and burns loads of energy.
Park “Olympics” - silly little challenges like long jump, timed sprints, frisbee accuracy, or who can build the best stick sculpture. They take it way more seriously than I expected haha.

Tonissister · Today 10:22

Buy a paddling pool. Find a shady spot, fill it with water and add lots of toys that pour and squirt and bubble. DC and their friends would play in this for hours.

Or fill an old baby bath/washing up bowl with cool water and toys and put it on low blocks so toddlers can play with it but are not in danger of falling in.

Older kids like nerf gun water games.

Create a scavenger hunt of things they need to find or spot outside (in a shady wood if it'shot like this, but otherwise, anywhere.) A feather, white pebble, fircone, acorn, specific leaf, fruit, herb flower (from their own garden) specific insects, animals, colours of car etc. Some items to bring back, some to sketch on paper etc. Anyone who completes the hunt gets an ice lolly or icepop. Don't make it too easy or too hard.

Pokemon Go if that still exists. It got couch potato DS2 skipping around outside one summer.

Making mocktails/smoothies/slushies/ice lollies

If you have a stream nearby: Mudslides, dam building, paddling.

Create some summer challenges that suit their personalities. if they are bookish, read 3-10 books (according to whether they are bookworms or not) and write reviews of them. Or write a book. Help them come up with a world, a few characters, a problem they must overcome, and leave them to it.

If they are sporty/physical
Learn to do X number of pressups or lengths of a swimming pool or cycle (somewhere safe) a certain distance, or learn a difficult dance routine/style. Let them build up slowly and draw charts to mark their progress.

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Tonissister · Today 10:23

Frisbee

Ball games in the park.

Evening picnic in the park when it has cooled off a bit.

Littlecreaturesinthegarden · Today 11:14

Depends on the age. Mine is 5 and it’s a breeze as he just wants to be out on his bike, go to the beach (we live right on the coast) or play at home/in the garden. It’s a Mumsnet favourite word but mine really does like to just potter about.

I’m going to miss these days when he’s older and life gets more expensive. I can only hope he’ll still like to potter when he’s 12 🙏🏻

mindutopia · Today 11:32

We do lots of playgrounds/walks with picnics and we spend a lot of time at local rivers splashing about (also with a picnic).

It’s not free, but National Trust is great if you have a few nearby. I think we pay £15 and if we do it twice a month, £7.50 ish is a cheap day out for 4. We bring lunch, but do buy coffee and ice creams.

Free museums are also great. We have a few nearby and they aren’t super exciting but they are good enough for a once a year visit.

We also do a lot of beach days.

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