Seven Affordable Days Out For the Summer Holidays
The lovely long summer holidays are here; which means time off with your children to make memories in the sunshine, and/or rain! The cost of filling the summer break with activities, adventures and general entertainment for your little ones can soon add up, not to mention if you need to occupy more than one age-group!
Of course, staying home has plenty to offer, as does visiting your local park and if you’re lucky enough, a local beach, but to keep things varied (for both you and your children!), we have done a little research and put together seven different, but affordable (and sometimes free), family-friendly days out across the country.
Your local animal sanctuary:
Animal sanctuaries are filled with rescued animals and are often charity-led. Therefore, they typically ask for a donation rather than charging a set ticket price per person. Meaning you and your family can support a local charity and visit some animals, without the hefty price tag. Redwings Horse Sanctuary have 1,500 friendly horses and donkeys across their six visitor sites across the UK.
Your local library:
Check your local council’s website for information on their activities taking place in your local library. Often free or low cost, activities can range from singing to reading challenges, and are suitable for a variety of ages. Find your nearest library here.
The Natural History Museum – London:
There are plenty of museums all around the UK, some don’t charge an entry fee at all, whereas some do charge a small fee. The Natural History Museum London is free of charge and all age groups will be able to appreciate the range of displays it has to offer. Parts of the museum will appeal to different senses too, so even your littlest ones will enjoy a day out here! Pre-book your visit here.
Your local fete:
Keep an eye out for your nearby village fetes, these often provide an afternoon of family fun, come rain or shine! Often featuring stalls, games, bouncy castles, music and we’ve even seen them with mini Crufts style dog shows, they really do have lots to offer and are a staple for the British summer. Not to mention you will be supporting your local community too.
Your local water reservoir:
We have discovered that a lot of water reservoirs in the UK are nature reserves which offer a variety of activities for all ages! Walking, cycling, events and even water sports take place, which are run by the various water companies across the UK. Visit your local water company’s website for more information on their sites, such as Severn Trent and their ten, beautiful visitor sites!
National Trust sites:
If you have a National Trust pass, accessing sites is free, but if you don’t have a pass – some are still free and others charge a small entrance fee. The sites vary in size and what they offer, but visit their website and you’ll see some have woodlands, castles, nature trails, animals, mazes and so much more to occupy children of various ages.
Free festivals:
There are a few festivals in the UK which are free, so you can enjoy live music and family friendly events without forking out for expensive tickets. From the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to Notting Hill Carnival, make sure you check them out. Whilst some aspects will have ticketed options, the free aspects are still worthwhile!
