If you’re a parent, you’ll know how difficult it can be keeping your kids active in a fun, safe and somewhat inexpensive environment.
Parenting on Female First
We all know that summer holidays are fast approaching, and it’s no secret that kids and parents want to do more than play on the park every day for six whole weeks.
Inspired by this, we’ve put together some top tips and ideas for fun activities that families can enjoy, whilst saving money.
1. The Park
Although the local park’s swing set can be entertaining for a while, it can get boring for kids to do the same thing with the same people.
Why not try a different park, and (if the thought of looking after someone else’s kids is too tiring) invite along a few family members. The change of scenery and people will be refreshing for both you and the kids.
Don’t forget to take along a football, or a bat and ball, to play some family games and have fun.
For those with a car, why not try taking it to the beach. It’s free, and the sea air is guaranteed to knock the kids out for the count, allowing you to catch a good night sleep. You might even catch a tan- it's a win win situation, really.
2. Swimming
It may sound like generic advice, but swimming is great for keeping kids active on rainy days.
Most pools have a viewing area where parents can watch their kids have fun from afar, if you aren’t one for getting your hair wet.
Public pools often put on splash day for the kids, which are run by the council and reduced in price. They usually run between set times, so you can arrange to pick the kids up without having to stay by the pool side.
3. Theme parks
For those parents feeling a little more adventurous, this day out can be surprisingly cheap.
Look out for coupons on the back of bus tickets or on the side of cereal boxes. These have different offers, but usually allow 2 for 1 entry into theme parks like Alton Towers and Camelot.
They also allow entry into attractions such as Legoland, and the Sea-life Centre, which is perfect those with younger children.
Make some sandwiches before you go, so you can enjoy some lunch without paying theme park prices.
Also, try ringing the park or attraction for advice on cheap travel, if you don’t have a car.
4. Fun days
The six weeks holidays can be quite long and boring, and your local council probably knows this. They often put on free activities and fun days in their area, which can involve anything from crafts to tree climbing.
Try checking your local council’s website, or a local community news website, where you’ll be able to find details of the events in your area.
Alternatively, if it’s raining, go to the local recreation centre and see what activity days they have on for kids over the summer.
5. Nature Walks
Although you might not be the outdoorsy type, your kids almost definitely are, so keep reading.
Nature walks can be fun for both parents and kids. There’s always a nature trail or park close, but a little research on where to find the best ones might be required.
A good tip is to do some research on the different nature and wildlife you can find in the area, and then make a checklist for the kids to carry out. This will keep them active and interested, and you might just learn something along the way.
Take some sandwiches and snacks, and have a picnic while you’re there. Remember to take a camera so that the kids can take some snaps of the wildlife they find.
6. The Garden
And finally, you might not know it yet, but the garden might just be the perfect place to hold activities for your kids.
Kids love anything that involves an element of competition, so why not get some old things from around the house and make an assault course. It will keep them active for hours, as they try to beat their friends, or even their own time.
Use your imagination, and don’t just try things like throwing a ball in a bucket, hopping through a hoop, or running on the spot.
Alternatively, visit your local pound shop and buy some cheap craft materials. Have the kids make something or draw pictures outside.
Even if they’re not being fully active, you can be safe in the knowledge that they’re still getting fresh air, and aren’t running up your electricity bill in front of the TV.
By Emma Cocker
Tagged in Parenting Parenting Tips