Summer holiday activities for children

While it’s always nice to be able to introduce children to new experiences during the break it can also be tricky to plan stimulating activities for all the family to enjoy. Today we’re sharing some summer holiday activities for children which you might like to try with your family. There’s a mix of free and paid-for ideas, so you’ll hopefully find some inspiration that helps you stretch your budget while enjoying a summer of fun.

The great outdoors

Visit the park

Here’s a handy page where you can search for award-winning parks near you – and they’re free! See Green Flag awards to find your nearest park.

Become a nature detective

Complete totally free Woodland Trust activities from a choice of about 100 from its website for outdoor and indoor fun with nature. Activities include downloadable guides for outdoor fun making squirrel-proof bird feeders and more, and if the weather lets you down, there are craft activities such as colouring sheets. See  Woodland Trust for the full info.

English Heritage kids go free

If you’re already an English Heritage member, you can get free entry for up to six children (up to 18 years and within the family group) accompanied by an adult. See English Heritage for the full details.

Theme parks & attractions

Theme park entrance fees are often just as scary as the rides themselves. Buying tickets on the day could set you back £50, enough to make you scream for the wrong reason.

The main deals for cheap days out include half-price entry to Alton Towers, 2for1s with Kellogg’s cereal and National Rail tickets, and exchanging Tesco Clubcard vouchers for attraction tickets.

Half-price entry to Alton Towers or Sea Life centres

If you pick up a promotional bottle of Carex handwash (norm £1) or Carex shower gel (norm £1.50), you can use it to get half-price tickets at Alton Towers or Sea Life centres until 31 May 2019.

See Half-price entry to Alton Towers for the full details.

2 for1 with £3ish cereal

Look for promotional packs of Kellogg’s cereal and snacks, including Rice Krispies, Frosties, Crunchy Nut and Squares (£2ish-£4ish in supermarkets) to get a ‘free’ adult entry voucher for 30 Merlin theme parks and attractions.

Free outdoor sports

Free Junior Parkrun

Children aged 4-14 can take part in weekly timed 2K runs in parks all over the UK on Sunday mornings.

Children any age are also welcome at the weekly timed 5K runs on Saturday mornings, but these are usually busier – the advantage is the whole family can run (even the dog) and prams are welcome, too.

For the full details, including other free outdoor classes kids can get involved in, see Outdoor fitness.

Free ‘Swim Safe’ sessions

Children aged 7-14 can take part in open water ‘Swim Safe’ sessions running in 20 open-water locations in England and Wales from June to September.

The programme, run by ASA-qualified swimming teachers, will include 30-minutes of open water swimming, along with advice on water safety from qualified lifeguards. For the full details see Swim Safe.

For more summer activities to do with your children Money Saving Expert have compiled a list of deals and discounts to make a family day out cheaper.

If you are considering fostering or know someone that is please contact us by calling +44 1702 59 77 97 or sending an email to info@fw-fostering.co.uk