Finally all kids in the UK seem to be off school – for a whole 6 weeks (or more).
Whilst Bishop's Move is a removals and storage company we are also a family firm with currently the 5th and 6th generation working within the Group. We understand the value of family and also the pressures that summer holidays can sometimes bring. Keeping your family entertained and happy during this time can be quite a challenge, but the summer holidays is a time to treasure and enjoy. With this in mind we've put together some great ideas for summer fun with the family.
Some Free Fun Ideas
- Go on a Picnic
You can do this lots of times over the Summer holidays, just pack some easy to eat food, drink and a blanket into a bag and head off for a lunch-time adventure. Choose a different location each time, from a field with a footpath running through it or a woodland trail or even the local playground. Children of all ages will love exploring a new place, chasing butterflies and grasshoppers or climbing trees and playing hide and seek – and the best bit is you are getting them outside to run some energy off.
- Go to the Beach
No location in the UK is further than 84 miles from a beach, which is roughly 1-2 hours at tops in a car. Our advice is to get going quite early in the morning so that you arrive before the crowds. VisitBritain.com has a great list of beaches, all noted for their sea quality and scenery.
- Get Crafty.
Have some fun outdoors with just a little craft work and imagination. Scavenge the garden for twigs, leaves and flowers to make a house for fairy-folk, tie stones together to make a natural necklace or make a bird feeder out of an old plastic bottle, some twigs and string. Checkout spoonful.com for 20 creative ideas – perfect for all ages.
- Experience some Culture
All national museums in the UK have free admissions (although their may be fees for special exhibits). The National Gallery in London has free family events throughout the summer from performance story telling to children's workshops. The National Museum of Scotland also has a summer full of activities for children including dressing-up and natural make and takes.
- Go Swimming
Whilst the government free swim initiative may have been axed, leisure centre operators Better are still offering free swimming for under 16s during the summer holidays before 10am and then just £1 thereafter. Whilst other leisure centres, such as Harpers Health and Fitness offer taster swimming lesson for free.
- Enjoy a festival or carnival
There are numerous free festivals up and down the UK this summer offering everything from music and poetry recitals to circus training and craft workshops. The moneysavingexpert.com has a great list of free festivals and carnivals by UK area.
Other Good Deals
- Supermarket Offers
Between the 24th July and 13th August, Sainsbury's customers can exchange Nectar points in store for a voucher worth double their value which can be redeemed at participating attractions. See Sainsbury's for more details. Whilst Tesco Clubcard holders can benefit from 2 for 1 voucher entries to 27 of the UK’s Top Attractions with the Merlin Entertainments Group. This includes Legoland, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and many more. Visit tesco.com/clubcard/deals/ for the full list.
- Money Saving Deals
The Money Saving Expert is always a good resource for the latest deals to restaurants, cinemas, theme parks and zoos. And we definitely recommend checking the site before you book tickets to any of the more popular destinations.
If you are using the summer holidays as an opportunity to move house, make sure you read our Guide to Moving with Kids and help prepare them for the new experience they are about to have.
And remember, you don't have to do something monumental every day. Children need to learn to entertain themselves a little plus enjoy the “downtime” from school – but whatever activity you try, have a fun family summer.
