So far we’ve had an inexpensive school holiday. We’ve stayed local and enjoyed play dates, trips to the park or library. We’re often put off going further afield as the cost of days out can really add up. However it is possible to save money on days out and there is plenty of advice from money saving expert Sarah Willingham on Morrisons website – just look under M Savers/Savers Summer for lots of inspiration.
Cheap activities
Your local council will have loads of great activities planned all summer. Some will be free, and others much cheaper than the private options. Go to the website of your local district council and they will have a full list of summer activities. Options range from every sport you can imagine to dance classes and movie making. Prices vary from council to council.
Top tip! If its OFSTED approved then you can pay with childcare vouchers saving you a small fortune.
Free days out
There are lots of amazing places to visit in the UK that kids will love and they are free. Check out the Morrisons/Play England Play Map with nearly 4,000 free or very low cost play activities for you and the family to enjoy this summer. If it’s a rainy day then head to one of the many free museums in the UK, many of which offer free activity days during the summer holidays.
Use vouchers
Never buy anything online without searching for a voucher first. If there’s a specific theme park or pricey attraction that you (or the kids!) want to visit do a quick internet search before booking anything. There are loads of amazing online deals to take advantage of. For example, a quick search for ‘Alton Towers voucher’ brought up loads of 2 for 1 offers. Keep an eye out for the 2 for 1 deals in national newspapers or on the back of car parking or train tickets. Tell family and friends without children to save anything they see for you and your kids.
Don’t over spend when you get there
Food is expensive almost everywhere when eating out, especially with the whole family in tow. Take a picnic. My kids love a picnic. They help me make the sandwiches, bake cakes, slice fruit. Best of all, for some reason they love to wrap it and put everything in little bags they’ve made. They would always rather have food THEY’VE made at home. This summer the kids are excited about trying out the new M Savers summer recipes – and so am I!
Giveaway:
Morrisons have kindly offered one reader of the gingerbread house a £20 Morrisons voucher so they can try out the M Savers range for themselves!
To enter the giveaway (mandatory) please leave a comment telling me your best tip for saving money during the school holidays.
For an extra entry tell others about the competition using the Retweet button below or tweet this message: I want to save money and win a £20 Morrisons voucher @gingerbread_mum http://tinyurl.com/cp9adlf
For a final entry subscribe to the gingerbread house or follow me via Networked Blogs. I have some exciting competitions coming up and I would hate for you to miss out!
The Rules:
The competition closes at 8pm on August 29th and is open to UK residents only. The winner will be selected at random and contacted using the email address or twitter name supplied and announced on this blog post. If the winner does not reply within 3 days the competition will be redrawn. Good luck!
[ad#comp]
***** The winner is Natalie Lee *****
ashleigh
August 21, 2012 at 5:07 pmFind things to do that are fun but free – we spent alot of time at the park or free musuems. Also doing arts and crafts activities like cutting pictures out the argos catologue – kept the kids amused for ages for free! Also look out for local events that are free x
ashleigh
August 21, 2012 at 5:07 pmi have tweeted as @ashlallan
Carolin
August 21, 2012 at 8:26 pmTake drinks and snacks with you instead of buying them while you are out and about!
Carolin
August 21, 2012 at 8:27 pmI have tweeted as @caro_mad x
Christina Marriott
August 21, 2012 at 8:54 pmShare cars when going on a longer trip to save money on petrol and share travelling costs 🙂
Christina Marriott
August 21, 2012 at 8:56 pmI have tweeted the competition as @chrissy4116 and here is my tweet link:
https://twitter.com/chrissy4116/status/238001369339011074
Christina Marriott
August 21, 2012 at 8:57 pmI follow you via networked blogs as Christina Marriott 🙂
enrico savorelli
August 21, 2012 at 8:59 pmuse only 1 credit card so you always know how much you owe
emma cella
August 21, 2012 at 9:04 pmGet the kids to head outdoors and enjoy a sunny winter’s day. Take a picnic, hit the bike paths or go on some new bush walks.
On a rainy day, have a movie afternoon at home. Rent some DVDs, put on some popcorn and invite the kids’ friends over.
You could also play board games or teach them card games.
emma cella
August 21, 2012 at 9:05 pmI follow you via networked blogs
emma cella
August 21, 2012 at 9:05 pmI have tweeted the competition as @handbag2000
anthony harrington
August 21, 2012 at 9:06 pmalways worth checking your local library for events, many have childrens story telling and other activities, it is also invaluable for giving info on other activities and events in you local area.
RACHEL SMITH
August 21, 2012 at 9:11 pmI always make the most of local children’s centres during the holidays. They tend to have a whole bunch of free activities for all ages. I make sure I ring and book them as soon as I get the booklet as things tend to get very booked up!
RACHEL SMITH
August 21, 2012 at 9:13 pmI tend to make full use of children’s centres locally during the holidays. They tend to have a whole bunch of activities for a wide age range of children. They do get booked up so as soon as I get the info, I ring up and book things. Most activities are free and if there is a charge, its no more than £1 per family so very good!
Lauren
August 21, 2012 at 9:18 pmIt’s always worth reading local newspapers to find out the dates of fetes/events that kids can go to for free.
hazel
August 21, 2012 at 9:19 pmInstead of filling your paddling pool with water, fold a large sheet of plastic in half, tape two of the edges fully, throw in some glitter, tape the thrid edge up nearly all the way, use your hosepipe to fill the plastic pouch up and tape the edge up fully. You now have a cool water blob play mat that kids can play on for hours, and it didnt cost the earth to fill it, or re-fill it when it gets too cold. The kids play on top of it for hours on end!
Katy Lo
August 21, 2012 at 9:23 pmSign up to money saving websites such as Martin Lewis (moneysavingexpert.com) for restaurant vouchers, free days out, discounted cinema tickets and loads more!
kathleen hooper
August 21, 2012 at 9:34 pmI always take a picnic, including drinks and snacks. It saves a fortune instead of buying meals out
Hannah
August 21, 2012 at 9:35 pmwe go to free places like museums – I can also recommend the roman ruins at caerleon in south wales near cardiff – they had an outdoor area where they show kids what life was like in the army and they get to have a go with a sword and shield, theres fun games and quizzes – our 5 yr old loved it – very interactive! plus museums and these attractions always seems to offer free colour/gluing/sticking!
Geraldine Roe
August 21, 2012 at 9:40 pmPicnics are always fun! Especially if you doa bit of baking first and take the goodies with you!
Kirsty Fox
August 21, 2012 at 9:49 pmWe love to go to local Wildlife Reserves as they are free and there is always lots for the kids to do and see, although they do have a donations box and we always pop some money in!
Kirsty Fox
August 21, 2012 at 9:50 pmI have tweeted – @bloomingfox
Dale Arnold
August 21, 2012 at 9:51 pmDont go to the toilet at home in the morning, wait till you get to work and use their water and toilet tissue 🙂
Thursday
August 26, 2012 at 6:50 pmI love it!!!
you made me laugh more than imagining the incredulous looks on my kids faces if I tried that ‘Water Blob Playmat’ idea!!!
Kirsty Fox
August 21, 2012 at 9:51 pmI subscribe via email
lesley
August 21, 2012 at 9:52 pmapart from the always pack a picnic and check for discounts from all sources such as advertising leaflets internet etc try getting together with friends and asking for group discounts not everywhere mention group discounts but most places will give some sort of discount
Gem D
August 21, 2012 at 9:53 pmMake the most of the outdoors, even if its raining grab your water proofs and wellies and get splashing
Elaine Livingstone
August 21, 2012 at 10:27 pmmake full use of free places like parks and museums, and always take your food and juice with you.
Elaine Livingstone
August 21, 2012 at 10:29 pmtweeted @pooohbear2811
Dorothee Archambault
August 21, 2012 at 10:31 pmTo save money I actually send the kids to France, to my parents and my in laws…
@Dorothee77
Thursday
August 26, 2012 at 6:51 pm🙂 Hey I used to do that too!!
Then the family moved back to the UK!!
Dorothee Archambault
August 21, 2012 at 10:32 pmI have tweeted
@Dorothee77
Dorothee Archambault
August 21, 2012 at 10:33 pmI follow you via Networked blogs
@Dorothee77
mellissa williams
August 21, 2012 at 10:51 pmDon’t have kids lol
Seriously look around for 2 for 1 vouchers, and cheap or free things to do, for example take a picnic to the park and feed the ducks, bake a cake with the kids or teach them to make a pizza, go to the cinema when offers are on , e.g Sunday morning, Orange Wednesdays etc. Go to the beach and teach them how to make the best sandcastle or how to body board
mellissa williams
August 21, 2012 at 10:53 pmtweeted melandjake99
Amelia Kennedy
August 21, 2012 at 11:08 pmSave £1/£2 coins in a whisky jar for those special days out … it soon mounts up!
Peter Town
August 21, 2012 at 11:10 pmPress a slightly damp flannel against your face and neck before applying moisturiser. Also apply with very slightly damp hands. Both these things mean you can use a little less product each time (meaning your item lasts longer) and also make the product easier and smoother to apply.
Evona Teh
August 21, 2012 at 11:10 pmPlan ahead and look out for any travel offers over the holiday. Get a family ticket travel ticket and get 50% off admission to places with valid travel tickets. I usually makes some home-made fresh sandwiches in the morning and bring along some snacks such as fruits and crisp. We would then get some hot drinks or ice-cream when we get to attraction place. This way, travelling would be so much affordable and fun =)
John Mills
August 21, 2012 at 11:11 pmGo geocaching. Kids love it, it’s good exercise and its freeeee!!!
kady newell
August 21, 2012 at 11:19 pmI always try and save money wherever possible – for days out pick places that are free – local museums often have workshop days where there’s colouring & learning for the kids, visit a local petstore – there’s a big place near us that we take our son too, they have allsorts and it even entertains the adults!
kady newell
August 21, 2012 at 11:21 pmtweeted from @piinkribbons
skellybob
August 21, 2012 at 11:30 pmAdd a handful of lentils to mince dishes (spag bol etc) to make the meat go further. Also works with grated carrot. Also very healthy! Extra money and extra healthy kids for the holidays.
Rachel Murray
August 21, 2012 at 11:56 pmBest Money Saving Tip:
Check out all the main supermarkets and when they roughly put out the reduced items.
Most reduced items can be frozen when you get home so you save on so much money – as long as you buy things you would normally buy lol.
I’ve bought fresh meats in the past for as little as 30p! and it’s been enough to feed my family of 4!
I’ve learnt that Asda start reducing in the morning, Tesco Start reducing at night and Sainsburys start around ‘home time’ from work.
Veronica brown
August 22, 2012 at 12:32 amTake a picnic, it saves a fortune on eating out.
Rainie Bish
August 22, 2012 at 12:55 amWe search the internet for local free activities/place to visit and always take our own food & drink.
Rainie Bish
August 22, 2012 at 12:57 amI have tweeted the competition details & links
https://twitter.com/cqbish/status/238062050700562433
@cqbish
Rainie Bish
August 22, 2012 at 12:58 amI am already subscribed to your emails
Natalie Lee
August 22, 2012 at 2:50 amI always say bring your own food or drinks as well to any outdoor activity and also a nice way for an extra treat is to put your spare pence in a jar especially every so often and use that for extra special things to do with the kids
Liquiddemize@gmail.com
Natalie Lee
August 22, 2012 at 2:51 amAlso Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/Novasilence/status/238089989177630720
Natalie Lee
August 22, 2012 at 2:52 amAlso following via Networked blogs as Natalie
EMMA WALTERS
August 22, 2012 at 8:34 amwe try & make the most of local museums, they always have something to entertain the kids on in the hols 🙂
@emmav6
EMMA WALTERS
August 22, 2012 at 8:35 amtweeted too 🙂
@emmav6
EMMA WALTERS
August 22, 2012 at 8:36 amfolllow via networked blogs
emma walters
ANJU
August 28, 2012 at 3:26 pmAlways take a packed lunch wherever you go.
jennie jackson
August 22, 2012 at 9:33 amI love the various voucher Apps on the iphone. Where ever you go, it scans the restaurants / activities in your area and lets you know any discounts. Then all you need to do is show your phone to claim the deal
Hilda Hazel Wright
August 22, 2012 at 10:25 amThere are so many places locally to enjoy for free, its just a matter of finding them! Ask around! Riverside picnics perfect for paddling, different parks to visit, caves and woods to explore. Take a rope and make a ropeswing, put up a hammock and spend the afternoon fighting over it, make a den, do a treasure hunt. Turn everything into an adventure!
Hilda Hazel Wright
August 22, 2012 at 10:27 amI have tweeted about the competition!
Hilda Hazel Wright
August 22, 2012 at 10:27 amI’m already subscribed to your blog.
ps. left the @WrightyH off my last comment! oops!
cheryl lovell
August 22, 2012 at 11:23 amMy best tip is to save up points from large retailers which can be exchanged for goods/food (picnics!) or days out. Well worth doing this
Camilla Y
August 22, 2012 at 12:27 pmIf you have a smartphone, make sure you download the Vouchercloud app for great deals, particularly on dining out, such as 2 for 1 on meals and large discounts!
Karen Barrett
August 22, 2012 at 2:54 pmI research thoroughly all the free and inexpensive activities that are going on in my local area and within easy travelling distance. I use the internet, local papers, library, UCAN centre, Clinic and word of mouth. I also enter every competition to try to win tickets, I have been successful and we have been to Eureka! and the Theatre.
Karen Barrett
August 22, 2012 at 2:56 pmTweeted
https://twitter.com/chocolateonemse/status/238273291041779712
@chocolateonemse
Karen Barrett
August 22, 2012 at 2:57 pmI subscribe to your blog via email
Thank you
Kevin Sephton
August 22, 2012 at 3:34 pmLocal free activities for the kids and be sure to take a packed lunch to avoid paying over inflated food/drink costs.
Samantha Hannah
August 22, 2012 at 5:09 pmMake your own ice lollies. You can use a range of items – fruit juice, cordial, yoghurt, fresh fruit, condensed milk, fromage frais (just stick your lolly stick in the pot and freeze!) and many more. Fun to make with the kids, refreshing and cheaper than buying them!
Going to a fringe festival? Edinburgh Fringe, Brighton Fringe and many others have comedy, theatre, magic, cabaret and childrens shows for you to see. Don’t pay for expensive tickets. Many of these festivals operate ‘free fringes’ where shows are completely free to ensure the performer/company gets audiences in to see their work. There are more and more kids shows added to the free fringe every year.
Jamie
August 22, 2012 at 5:20 pmMake Sandwiches or take lunch instead of buying or cooking a heavy meal as you don’t need to have two large meals a day
Jamie
August 22, 2012 at 5:22 pmTweed
https://twitter.com/Jamiecomps/status/238309985522692097
@Jamiecomps
Clare Wilson
August 22, 2012 at 5:41 pmBuy lollies from the supermarket. We buy a big box (10 lollies for £2) from Tesco or Morrisons etc before heading to the park and then share them with their friends. Next time another mother buys the box. The children are just as happy with their 20p lollies as a £2 + ice-cream from the park kiosk.
We also make up games such as treasure hunts around the house and garden, putting out clues and “treasure” the night before. Great fun and can last for ages.
Lou @ Bloggomy
August 22, 2012 at 11:38 pmMy best tip is to plan ahead and take a packed lunch wherever you go to save on eating out costs @Bobbity666
Lou @ Bloggomy
August 22, 2012 at 11:39 pmTweeted comp as @Bobbity666
Attachment Mummy
August 23, 2012 at 12:26 amIf you are near a supermarket on your day out, nip in to buy a multipack of ice creams/lollies for a a pound or two, rather than spending three times that on individual ones from a small shop or ice cream van. Saves pennies for the time you have to use the expensive ice cream van!
Attachment Mummy
August 23, 2012 at 12:33 amhave tweeted 🙂
Isabelle Smith
August 23, 2012 at 2:36 amtake pack lunches out , even to town if your shopping with the kids
Richard Sollick
August 23, 2012 at 8:27 amTake a packed lunch with you and look online for entry offers before you go out anywhere
mary chez
August 23, 2012 at 6:20 pmOn days out we always take our own food…Either a packed lunch or a proper picnic depending on where we are going..and also look out for discount vouchers
Claire D
August 23, 2012 at 6:22 pmFind out what to do for free in your area, there is loads
mary chez
August 23, 2012 at 6:24 pmHave tweeted ( @boo1003 )
mary chez
August 23, 2012 at 6:26 pmAlso following via Networked Blogs
Miranda Gunn
August 23, 2012 at 10:13 pmI like to go to tescos near closing time and buy bread, cakes, meat, vege and all reduced to next to nothing! Plus use clubcard vouchers when they come around and get money off that too!
Boo Roo and Tigger Too - Sarah Anguish
August 23, 2012 at 10:24 pmJoin forces with your friends on days out and take advantage of group discounts
@littleboo_21
Boo Roo and Tigger Too - Sarah Anguish
August 23, 2012 at 10:24 pmTweeted too
@littleboo_21
esther james
August 24, 2012 at 8:56 amtake a packed lunch when you go out for the day. It will save you a fortune @esthermate
esther james
August 24, 2012 at 8:58 amtweeted @esthermate
wet
esther james
August 24, 2012 at 8:58 amI subscribe by email
laura stewart
August 24, 2012 at 10:42 ampicnic
Janet Coverdale
August 24, 2012 at 11:56 amlook in your local newspaper they have free acticities for children, there always the park or a nature trail which my children love, ask them to find several items and it keeps them occupied for hours and the are getting the fresh air and exercise
claire griffiths
August 24, 2012 at 3:28 pmtop up a pre paid card so you never over spend 🙂
Louise m
August 24, 2012 at 3:28 pmAlways look for special offers and 2 for 1 discounts and keep an eye out for free activities x
claire griffiths
August 24, 2012 at 3:30 pmfolowing on twitter and re tweeted @gothlass88 🙂
Louise m
August 24, 2012 at 3:31 pmHave tweeted as @loumathema and subscribed x
Rachel Finn
August 24, 2012 at 8:44 pmMake pack lunches instead of taking the kids to mcds or other fast food places
olivia kirby
August 24, 2012 at 8:46 pmHave a picnic lunch at the park and feed the ducks with the leftovers!
olivia kirby
August 24, 2012 at 8:47 pmI tweeted as @olivia280177
olivia kirby
August 24, 2012 at 8:48 pmI subscribe by email
Richard R
August 25, 2012 at 1:44 amUse printable vouchers from the internet
Katherine De Riera
August 25, 2012 at 7:24 amTo save money during holidays I take the kids to different parks because you don’t have to pay to enter and where I live there are several large really lovely parks within walking/driving distance. Each one is unique and so the kids never get bored! Free days out are fab! X
Katherine De Riera
August 25, 2012 at 7:26 amTweeted as @sweetie_tweeter
Katherine De Riera
August 25, 2012 at 7:27 amHave subscribed to your blog via email!
Thankyou for the fab competition! X
Pauline Wilson
August 25, 2012 at 5:00 pmMaking your own packed lunches saves a fortune rather than buying them, same goes with ice cream cones – buying a box of them is so much cheaper than ice cream vans and just as yummy
Sarah Morris
August 25, 2012 at 5:20 pmAlways check the local council magazines or newspapers for free activities for the kids, there are usually lots of things going on during the summer holidays, also check voucher websites before taking kids out for a bite to eat, so many offers are available online now and every penny saved helps.
Susie M
August 25, 2012 at 5:30 pmKeep your eyes peeled in the sales for really cheap craft kits and other indoor activities. Stash them away for a rainy day so you won’t be tempted to spend a lot of money on entertainment.
James Wilson
August 25, 2012 at 6:32 pmPlan what meals to have throughout the week and buy only what you need to reduce wasted food.
Christine Reid
August 25, 2012 at 7:56 pmI try to buy a Merlin card when they are on offer for each adult. Then only ever have the childrens cost to pay. Plus no need don`t queue
Aimee R
August 25, 2012 at 8:25 pmMy tip: If there’s somewhere you enjoy visiting often (theme parks, the zoo, a museum etc. ) then it could be worth signing up for a membership to save money plus receive extra benefits and discounts.
Aimee R
August 25, 2012 at 8:25 pmtweeted @CaveBake
Aimee R
August 25, 2012 at 8:26 pmsubscribed via networked blogs 🙂
victoriab
August 25, 2012 at 8:51 pmLook for the kids movies being shown for around £1 on weekends and holidays.
Solange
August 25, 2012 at 9:19 pmGo to the park, its free and great fun
NICOLA T
August 25, 2012 at 9:34 pmBuy a group ticket on the bus – much cheaper than singles and can have up to 2 adults and 3 kids travel
Fiona
August 25, 2012 at 9:41 pmUse your imagination to have a new adventure without leaving home. A pinic in the dining room fort for example or creating an art gallery in the hallway to surprise gran.
Donna Lawton
August 26, 2012 at 9:30 amMy top tip is the picnic one but as others will be reading this hoping to read more tips I figure I may as well give you all of mine. 🙂
Here are some of the things we’ve done for little money. Charlotte is 3 and a half.
1. Been for picnics (each time the sun shines)
2. Had a picnic on the living room floor each time the rain falls!
3. Used the recycling to make all sorts of objects, dinosaurs, binoculars (two empty loo rolls and string)
4. Taught her origami.
5. Blown up leftover balloons from birthday and bounced them around.
6. Taught her to skip
7. Maypole danced around the washing whirligig thing.
8. Played hide and seek
9. Worked our way through her big pile of colouring books and sticker books.
10. Tidied her room (she happily helped sort her old toys out once told her she would get pennies for them)
11. Walks around the country park
12. Pooled together into a people carrier with other mums to go to Coombe Abbey
13. Drawn pictures for relatives and posted them.
14. Caught two buses there and two back to visit my mum (Charlotte sees that as an adventure. I have a free bus pass due to disability so its free)
15. Teddy bears picnic in the garden.
16. Play dates with other mums at the park
17. ….and so on and so on.
These are just some of the things but I posted them in the hope they may inspire others in ways to entertain for nothing. x
Donna Lawton
August 26, 2012 at 9:31 amSorry for the extra comment but I forgot to say that I have tweeted as @libertygirly and followed network blogs and reader as Donna Lawton. x
angelamorgan66@btinternet.com
August 26, 2012 at 12:22 pmlook through holiday brochures and dream
siobhan marie
August 26, 2012 at 3:02 pmmake up new adventures where you dont have to splash the cash and treat them maybe 1 time a week to something that does cost x
siobhan marie
August 26, 2012 at 3:02 pmsuscribed to the gingerbread hose via google reader
siobhan marie
annelouise hall
August 26, 2012 at 7:18 pmi go onto magicefreebiesuk.co.uk every day to get the best deals and freebies.. also vouchercodes.co.uk and freestuff.co.uk these are all great money saving vouchers plus freebies! i save about 89.87£ a month!
Faye Stokes
August 26, 2012 at 10:13 pmIf it’s allowed, take a picnic with you wherever you go!
Paul Quinn
August 27, 2012 at 12:00 amGo on a diet – it’s saving me a fortune in shopping bills!
Emma Jackson
August 27, 2012 at 8:24 amBeing more creative about finding ways to entertain the kids. We’ve done things like nature walks, jam-jar fishing for tiddlers, organizing a scavenger hunt etc. Also, picking what to do out of a jar of ideas makes it more fun and spontaneous 🙂
Victoria Smith
August 27, 2012 at 8:57 amAlways search online for deals/vouchers before you go – you can save a fortune just by spending a little “prepping” time
Alison
August 27, 2012 at 9:33 amAlways take a packed lunch, saves a fortune. There are lots of free events over the summer, check local press and newspapers. Museums are free as well
Lucy
August 27, 2012 at 12:38 pmWe usually have a couple of outings to zoo/theme park with my son’s classmates and families… It’s usually pretty easy to get a group together and qualify for group booking discounts.
Amanda H
August 27, 2012 at 1:07 pmAlways check the attractions website instead of turning up on the day, most places give discount for buying in advance.
Leanne McLoughlin
August 27, 2012 at 1:20 pmGo online before any trip out – you’ll always find discount vouchers that you can print of to use in restaurants, theme parks etc.
zoe campbell
August 27, 2012 at 1:30 pmTake snacks and drinks wherever you go. Simple but will save a fortune especially in theme parks and attractions
Leanne McLoughlin
August 27, 2012 at 1:31 pmTweeted @second_time_mum
Leanne McLoughlin
August 27, 2012 at 1:35 pmFollowing via Networked Blogs
sheila
August 27, 2012 at 1:35 pmWe always search the internet for vouchers for Restaurants, travel or theme parks!! They save us a fortune and worth the time spent looking x
Debbie Purvis
August 27, 2012 at 3:03 pmTake the kids to the beach / park with a picnic, hunt for bugs, play hide and seek and other games!
Kevin Devine
August 27, 2012 at 5:38 pmMy best tip for saving money during the school holidays to Take a picnic to the park for a cheap day out
Clare Martin
August 27, 2012 at 8:36 pmTake a picnic when you go out for a day trip, it saves so much money!
Jennifer Turnbull
August 27, 2012 at 9:38 pmDays out at the beach or park can be more fun if you go with a friend and their children. The kids have someone to play with and aren’t wanting to do activities that cost money, you can car share and you can take different picnic items with you.
Hazel Rush
August 27, 2012 at 10:15 pmGo for family bike rides it’s free and you can make a day of it
Hazel Rush
August 27, 2012 at 10:18 pmI’ve tweeted
@Hazelrush54
Cathryn Bowen
August 27, 2012 at 10:26 pmtry ebay for cheaper tickets 0r 2 for 1 is another bargain
Robyn Logan Clarke
August 27, 2012 at 11:08 pmWin a competition like this 🙂
I’ll save £20 off my weekly shop or perhaps use it to by picnic foods and have a catered for day out.
Robyn Logan Clarke
August 27, 2012 at 11:08 pmTweeted @robynlclarke
https://twitter.com/robynlclarke/status/240209136376242176
jessica cook
August 28, 2012 at 8:46 ambook tickets online in advance to cut the cost xx
have tweeted: @jessiica_faye
Gemma Poulding
August 28, 2012 at 9:28 amEntering competitions for family days out
Christine Clarke
August 28, 2012 at 10:07 amtry to use vouchers for days out f
katherine grieve
August 28, 2012 at 10:44 amMuseums, free, fun and educational!
Monica
August 28, 2012 at 11:58 amSwap your usual brand products for the “value” ones. They are so much cheaper and more often than not you will not notice any difference in performance
Jo Benham
August 28, 2012 at 12:05 pmcheck you local sport centres, our local ones were doing free swimming for kids in the summer holidays!!
Cheryll H
August 28, 2012 at 12:53 pmCheck local press / free magazines from your area. They often have ideas for free / cheap activities to enjoy with your children. Also don’t forget the old stand-bys – the park, the local beauty spot and the library which, despite my girls having hundreds of books, holds endless fascination for them 🙂
Cheryll H
August 28, 2012 at 12:54 pmI’ve tweeted 🙂 @pipersky1
Cheryll H
August 28, 2012 at 12:54 pmI already subscribe to your newsletter 🙂 @pipersky1
Emma Bradshaw
August 28, 2012 at 1:45 pmGet the voucher cloud app for your mobile so whenever you go anywhere you can check if there is a voucher you can use or somewhere cheap to eat nearby!
Emma Bradshaw
August 28, 2012 at 1:46 pmI have retweeted!
Darius D.
August 28, 2012 at 2:09 pmFor the family day out at the theme park we always use 2 for 1 vouchers.
Tamara Cooke
August 28, 2012 at 2:26 pmUse the Odeon Kids Club, there is a film every day at 11.00 am for between £1.00 and £2.50 per child (depending on location) and one adult goes free per child. It really keeps the cost down for films especially if you take your own popcorn from BM or QS and a carton of pop for the kids, or my kids favourite, the bag of custard doughnuts from the Co-op. Films change every week, they are usually one of the last 3 months releases (Grown ups can make use of the Costas – you deserve it)
Great for rainy days
Tamara Cooke
August 28, 2012 at 2:29 pmWith all the pre/during/post Olympic hype, try out the free canoeing and kyaking sessions, they are on all over the place and kids over 8 can go in on their own, kids under 8 have to go in a double with an adult – it’s a great excuse to have a massive amount of fun for £0.00 do an internet search – it’s one of those things you find out after it has happened!
Kelly Wiffin
August 28, 2012 at 2:41 pmMake sure that you only buy what you normally use! Own brands are just as good!
Alexander Smith
August 28, 2012 at 4:47 pmWhy does everything have to be so expensive. The truth is it doesn’t, a nice family picnic and a walk is a great way to spend a few hours together with family and friends. Amazingly it costs nearly nothing to do, yet can fill hours, and can be so much fun. For 7 of us in one picnic cost:
5 miles of car journey, nothing to park, and £9 on food and drink and we had too much for us all.. .we didnt buy value, we just bought smart.
When you put your mind to it, living cheap is possible.
Have a great summer everyone
nicola barter
August 28, 2012 at 5:23 pmshop in charity shops you can get some amazing bargains and some of the stuff is brand new!!
Steve
August 28, 2012 at 6:30 pmBefore buying anything online, check if they are on a cash back website. I took the family to Florida and booked flights, airport transfers and hotel online via a cashback website and received just shy of £100 back.
elizabethyeates555@hotmail.com
August 28, 2012 at 6:46 pmnever go food shopping on an empty stomach! Particularly with the children!
Vakhida
August 28, 2012 at 7:11 pmmy top money saving tip is switching supermarkets for weekly food shop from more expensive one to cheaper budget one and using money off coupons/vouchers where possible…x
Myf
August 28, 2012 at 7:33 pmWhere we live the local park organises all sorts of activities during the summer, most of them free!
Mark Thomas
August 28, 2012 at 8:07 pmBuy in bulk , cheaper in the long run.
lucy vassallo
August 28, 2012 at 8:28 pmlocal park and picnicsaseating out is pricy plus it grt when its sunny outside,thats how i have saved money
Allan
August 28, 2012 at 9:04 pmFamily & Friends Railcard offers great savings if you travel on train with children making day trips much more affordable.
caroline james
August 28, 2012 at 9:06 pmTake a packed lunch and a drink each every time you go out, the money you would spend otherwise is not worth adding up!
Jane
August 28, 2012 at 9:17 pmExplorer Family Ticket on Stagecoach buses allows you to travel all day on all Stagecoach buses in the area – and it is cheaper then individual single or returns.
Lisa Black
August 28, 2012 at 10:17 pmBuy fresh veg and cook a big pot of soup, it will do lunch and dinner for a few days and tastes yummy too 🙂 xxxxx
caroline kelly
August 28, 2012 at 10:46 pmbaking and arts and crafts when the weather is bad, when the sunshine comes out to play it’s voucher saving sites all the way.
Picnics and snack bags are the way to go,
parks, museums and local fetes will make the money flow
Dee
August 29, 2012 at 12:09 amTake small toys, balloons etc to amuse kids on long journeys, so they don’t drive you mad!
rose p
August 29, 2012 at 7:07 amLock them in their bedroom
sarah parker
August 29, 2012 at 7:19 amuse tesco clubcard vouchers for days out 🙂
sarah parker
August 29, 2012 at 7:20 amI have tweeted @snarepuss
antonia richardson
August 29, 2012 at 9:21 amhave fun at home like have a water pistol fight in the garden ,Make Lemonade
Finger Painting, Chalk Drawing And Water Painting ,Camping Indoors ,Balloon Volleyball
ClairejB
August 29, 2012 at 10:00 amTake your kids for a cheap day out at the beach. Take a home made picnic with you (don’t buy expensive ready made sandwiches etc…) and get the kids to help make their own packed lunch. Maybe use a pirate or mermaid theme for their lunches & cut the sandwiches into sailboat shapes or seashells. Be imaginative. When at the beach encourage your kids to look for any interesting shells and collect them. When back at home you can encourage your kids to use the the shells to make some interesting art work which you can proudly put on display! That should keep them busy for a while!
ClairejB
August 29, 2012 at 10:04 amHave tweeted @Madrabbitgirl
Shirley Harpley
August 29, 2012 at 11:55 amGo for walks in the countryside. Make a challege list for things to find to keep the kids amused, ie. find two fir cones, 6 acorns, 2 twigs, 3 white stones and, a feather. And take along a picnic lunch.
Dawn Totton
August 29, 2012 at 11:56 amTake a picnic when going on days out.
David McLuskey
August 29, 2012 at 1:40 pmNever make a purchase until you have TRIPLE check that its the best price – google search engine is your friend!
Chloe Cowling
August 29, 2012 at 2:48 pmWe always look online for vouchers and good free places to go! Taking a packed lunch is vital in keeping the costs down aswell as taking lots of fluids. On a hot day freeze some squash or water so as the day goes on it defrosts but leave the drinks nice and cool and refreshing.
Our children also have a job a day at home in the school holiday this then adds up to pocket money for them to spend, this helps them understand how important money is and they can also buy a treat themselves.
Lynthia
August 29, 2012 at 3:00 pmFill screw top plastic bottles with diluted squash, leaving room for expansion, and freeze. These can be packed with your picnic and will keep it lovely and cool and also provide a cool drink for children later in the day.
Sue Robinson
August 29, 2012 at 3:00 pmRegister for Deal websites such as Groupon and Dealmonster – you often get cut price tickets for things like Strawberry Picking, Steam Train tickets and Birds of Prey Centres. It can save you a fortune on a family day out and by splitting the cost paying for the ticket one week and then the fuel for your day out another it makes it feel easier on your pocket.
Sue Robinson
August 29, 2012 at 3:04 pmI have tweeted
Sue Robinson
August 29, 2012 at 3:04 pmI alreay follow you on Network blogs – srobbo71
sam bailey
August 29, 2012 at 6:25 pmQuidco or any other cash back sites, you can get back £100’s of pounds just by buying online what you would usually do, its easy simple and very effective with massive results. Only yesterday i got £43 back on my car insurance!
Tired Mummy of two
August 29, 2012 at 7:22 pmThe best thing I do is plan the activities that are free in advance so that I know once or twice a week we are doing something fun but free (well apart from parking sometimes). We love Museums and art galleries and living in manchester we have loads nearby. We also do parks, nature reserves and things like nature discoveries where we have a list of things to find. Or the all time favourite is to go on a bear hunt. always take snacks and drinks just in case you are out longer than expected to save spending that little extra.
@tiredmummyoftwo