For those grandparents, parents, friends and relatives who all pitch in to help with childcare during the endless summer holidays, it can be a real challenge coming up with activities that don’t cost a fortune.
Together with my little helpers, we have come up with 20 ideas for fun and purse-friendly things to do.
I’d love to hear your suggestions too!
- On a sunny day and using an old oilcloth tablecloth or plastic sheet, create a garden ‘slide’ with water and washing up liquid.
- Find out what exhibitions are on at your local museums/art galleries/National Trust and choose your favourite. We’re going to the portrait exhibition at Attingham Park and the Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition at Liverpool museum.
- Create your own artwork or sculpture inspired by your visit. Be as creative as possible with colour and materials.
- Travel by train somewhere new (if you get a Friends & Family railcard, this reduces the cost).
- Create an obstacle course in the garden.
- Climb a hill and take a photograph at the top.
- Create a mosaic collage of the picture taken above using different coloured papers and/or cuttings from magazines.
- Have a board games tournament. One of our new favourites is Genius Squares – it’s kept my children (and me!) amused for ages and you can’t beat the old favourite Cranium.
- Play tennis or badminton at your local park/leisure centre.
- Ride bikes along quiet local roads or paths and reward yourselves with an ice cream from a shop on route.
- Make Chocolate Apples: add a lolly stick to small apples and coat in melted chocolate.
- Take a picnic to the seaside. Paddle amongst the waves, play ball, balance stones, create sand sculpture and look for life in rockpools.
- Paint faces with a festival vibe.
- Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge at your local library.
- Put on their favourite tunes and get household chores done together.
- Draw ‘alien animals’: each person has a piece of paper. Start by drawing hair/hat then fold over to hide it and pass on, then draw a head etc. Laugh at what curious creatures you create when you unfold each piece of paper.
- Create a pot or hanging basket and encourage them to water it and deadhead the flowers over the summer.
- Contact your local leisure centre to find out about their planned summer events. They often hold sports activity days and fun swims during the holidays.
- Snuggle under a blanket together and watch your favourite family film.
- Make Rocky Road Cookies (recipe below).
Rocky Road Cookies
This recipe is taken from my favourite of our cookbooks; Fantastic Food for Less.
It’s packed with loads of really delicious meals, which cost little to make.
To find out more click here.
Have a wonderful time creating lasting memories!
#ChildrensActivities
#WhatToDoInSummer
#Bake
