Now the summer holidays have commenced, you may already feel the strain on your purse strings and with 6 more weeks to go it may seem like conquering the impossible to keep the children entertained without breaking the bank!
We understand how financially hard summer holidays can be, so to make it easier we have scoured the internet for some exciting and low-cost ways to entertain the children during the next few weeks. Our favourite finds range from free cinema tickets to exciting festivals and interesting museums up and down the country.
Free and low-cost Cinema tickets
Have you noticed cinema ticket prices have increased lately? A seemingly inexpensive trip to the cinema can nearly cost as much as a weekly food shop!
Luckily various cinemas have created a ‘child friendly’ budget ticket for youngsters to enjoy.
Show Film First have fantastic free offers and release tickets on a regular basis. The best way to find these tickets is through their website, but you need to be quick – they operate on a first come first serve basis (so no slow coaches here).
Odeon are offering family tickets at selected cinemas where adults pay kids prices, and tickets as low as £2.75. Vue Cinemas are offering “Big Short” showings if your children are too young for a full-length movie. These shorts have a maximum duration of 60 minutes, and start at only £3.99, offering a good alternative for younger kids.
Festivals
Up and down the country throughout July and August there are various attractions and festivals taking place.
Starting with The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, showcasing the single biggest celebration of arts and culture on the planet – this is one not to be missed!
To The British Firework Championships in Plymouth offering a spectacular evening display of loud bangs and exciting colours.
The wide variety is sure to suit all families and provide a fun day or night of great entertainment.
Free Museums
If you would like to include an educational and insightful day trip into the summer holiday agenda then look no further. Over 200 museums and attractions are open throughout Britain to the public for free, giving everyone the opportunity to explore an alternative day out.
For history buffs the National Museum Cardiff is the place to explore on a rainy day. Offering incredible marine specimens and the Evolution of Wales from early periods right up to the present day – this is a little treasure that shouldn’t be missed.
Who would have thought the humble marble would have its own museum? The House of Marbles near Exeter gives the opportunity to see how glass marbles are made with the fun of using the interactive marble runs – including the largest run in the UK!
Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art will not suit everyone’s tastes, but for the budding artist who enjoys high concept art this will be your type of place. The gallery is set in an iconic Glaswegian building which is sure to take your breath away from the in and outside.
Finally, if you live in London or fancy a trip to the capital, there are a plethora of museums that will suit anyone’s tastes. Perhaps your children want to indulge in their curiosity at the Science Museum or maybe you want a more cultural experience at the V&A. There is enough choice to ensure a great day out.
We hope these ideas give you some inspiration on how to enjoy the summer holidays on a low cost budget, why not give some of them a go!