With half term fast approaching, many parents will have begun to contemplate how they’re going to keep their little darlings entertained for the week.
Parenting on Female First
Seeing as staycations are becoming the new vacations, with figures showing a six per cent rise from last year to 41 per cent opting to stay closer to home, many families are likely to be planning excursions in the UK this year.
Whilst staying at home is definitely cheaper than going abroad, costs can mount up. It’s estimated that families nationwide spend a staggering total of £3.4 billion on looking after the kids during the half-term holidays, which equates to £463 per household.
Natasha-Rachel Smith, Consumer Affairs Editor for TopCashback, said: “Visiting several attractions during a week can get costly so, whilst the kids are on their school break, it's now time for their parents to get educated; with a bit of savvy know-how mums and dads can still keep their children entertained at a fraction of the normal cost.”
For those looking to cut down on costs, UK site TopCashback, is offering users printable discount vouchers to save 20 per cent off hundreds of attractions across the UK. Activities are plentiful and family attractions abundant – here are some top picks:
Stadium Tours
Those with sports enthusiasts in the family can take advantage of a range of stadium tours. Visitors get a true match-day experience, exploring behind the scenes and gaining access to the changing rooms and tunnels. TopCashback users can get 20 per cent off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Wembley stadium tours. Alternately if the kids are keener on rugby, cricket, golf or tennis there are additional discount offers for the World Rugby Museum, Lords Tour, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and the British Golf Museum.
In the Capital
There is also plenty on offer for those that enjoy exploring and will be in London during half term. City Cruises and Golden tours are a fun, interactive way for the kids to learn about the city. If, however, parents think they would be more interested in brushing up on their Harry Potter knowledge, they can sign up to a Harry Potter walking or bus tour.
Sea Life Centres
For those with children that love exploring all things under the sea, there are a handful of sea life centres to choose from. The Sea Life Centre in Birmingham has over 5,000 creatures on display including the UK’s first Hammerhead Sharks. There is also a 360 degree underwater tunnel and an interactive pool where kids can hold a crab or even touch a starfish. Members can also get discounted entry at Sea Life Centres in Blackpool, Scarborough and Loch Lomond.
Animal Adventure
If the kids love being plunged in to different worlds, a visit to the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Manchester or the Blackbrook Zoological Park would be great choices. Spending a day in the animal kingdom with over 300 species of birds and animals would definitely keep the little ones entertained for a while. It's home to Staffordshire Zoo, which is one of the finest penguin enclosures in Europe, and a free flight aviary where visitors can see their winged friends fly right over their heads.
Natasha added: “A 20% discount can result in significant savings for a family of four, which can help pay for food, travel or those debatable must-have gift shop items the children will no doubt be batting their eyes at you for.
“And with the recent estimate that each child costs £222,000 to raise, parents can always use a helping hand.”
For more information and great savings go to www.topcashback.co.uk/
Share your money-saving tips for half term in the comments wih us below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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