Keeping the kids entertained on the long, sometimes cold and wet half-term afternoons can be a struggle for some – especially for those families on a budget.
QuidMarket, the short term loans specialists, have some suggestions for free/cheap events and days out for all the family to enjoy this half term.
Trust us
If you’re ever struggling for something different then look no further than the National Trust website. They have a dedicated section for this October Half Term holidays, from outdoor rambling, treasure hunting or even indoor activities for those rainy days.
And, with it being Halloween this half term why not try pumpkin carving at a Halloween “spooky storytelling”. Just head over to the National Trust website to find a fun activity near you.
Find a freebie
During half term you can find many free days out – a lot of museums, galleries and other public places open their doors for free. Take a look online to find something near you.
If you are struggling to find somewhere local enough to travel to, then maybe think about a day out in the local park or a walk in the countryside. Autumn is a fantastic time to get closer to nature with a walk in the woods and a picnic or packed lunch.
Collect leaves and twigs to bring home and paint or make a collage. A lot of the activities we all enjoyed as children are all too rapidly being replaced with technology or gadgets so we often forget just getting outside with the children can be just as enjoyable, if not more so, than being sat at home watching the latest youtube channel!
Go local
You might be surprised what’s available on your doorstep – with thousands of museums, theme parks, castles and zoos dotted around the UK there’s bound to be something for your family to enjoy – and you never know, you might even be able to leave the car at home and walk.
Last summer, car retailer Inchcape released an interactive map of the UK detailing all the major tourist attractions, how much it costs for entry and parking etc. and is a great tool to help plan your half term days out.
They also took the time to put together this amazing graphic showing the average costs for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) to visit the relevant attractions.
Other tips
• Planning
o Of course, by planning in advance and pre-booking your tickets online or over the phone can also save money. By waiting and paying on the door you will often pay significantly more
• Vouchers and coupons
o There are various voucher website that can also help you save on tickets, with options for Legoland, Kew Gardens, Warwick Castle, Bristol Zoo, Alton Towers amongst others
• Watch a film
o Going to the cinema doesn’t have to cost the earth. Take a look online to find some great deals for the school holidays – from cheap or free children’s tickets with full paying adults to family packages, get in touch with your local cinema and find out what offers they have this half term
• Get bowled over
o Similar to cinemas, you will often find some great school holiday offers at your local ten-pin bowling centre. Quite often you will get some meal deals and cheaper rates – and of course, it is weatherproof!!
• Sports
o Check with your local sports club (or even your child’s school) for some fun sporting activities during the half-term holidays. You never know, you might find something your child takes to and can continue after the holidays.
o The National Trust has hundreds of miles of cycle tracks throughout the country for all the family.
o Check out your local council website for some free/cheap half term activities at your local leisure centre or swimming pool – again, is easy on the purse strings but also weatherproof!
