When the kids are breaking up for summer, mums all over the country start to fret about how hard their bank balance is going to get hit.
Parenting on Female First
Trying to keep the kids entertained can often be really expensive but there are ways to cut the costs and still have plenty of fun.
Lloyd’s Banking Group has put together some tips so that you can keep the kids entertained without getting a call from your bank manager!
1. Stay Local
Discover events that are happening in your local community to entertain the children to help cut down on travel costs.
2. Save Change
Put loose change in a bottle each week to collect for the school holidays, you’ll be surprised at how much you can save!
3. Free Activities
Visit free museums and art galleries in your city with the children and take packed lunches – this way you can have fun and keep the costs to a minimum whilst learning something new.
4. Cut Coupons
Collect tokens from cereal packs and other household goods for days out at theme parks. Also, it’s worth checking online for any voucher codes which will reduce admission costs to attractions.
5. Group Savings
If you’re going further afield for a day out, check for group savings on rail travel. If you’re going out with other families it might be cheaper to travel together and buy a group ticket rather than individual fares.
6. Full Tummies
Take the children to the movies on a full stomach – that stops them wanting expensive snacks at the counter, and, if you do really need to provide snacks and drinks, then buy them at the supermarket and take them along with you.
7. Home Parties
Set up parties at home for your children and their friends with cost-effective creative activities such as tie-dying, creating a scrap book, cooking etc.
8. Get Some Fresh Air
Take the children for a bike ride or long walk, with a packed lunch. Set up a treasure hunt or a nature trail to get them to appreciate the great outdoors, (and all for free!).
9. Get in the Garden
Encourage children to grow their own vegetables in the garden – not only is this cheap, but it also teaches them the value of the environment and can inspire a hobby!
10. Shop Around
If you’re going away make sure you shop around for family travel insurance to cover any expensive and unexpected costs during a family holiday.