Alice Beer's secrets to free days out this half term
It’s the first day of half-term, but for millions of parents it’s set to be one of the most stressful in memory. With the cost-of-living crisis putting more pressure on parent’s finances, how are you meant to find spare cash to keep the little ones happy and entertained?
Alice Beer is here to make sure you make great memories this half term, without breaking the bank, as she shares her secret to finding days out for free.
The library
Local libraries are so much more than just a book lending service, and provide many free activities for children.
Craft and play sessions - from Lego to crafting many libraries provide fun activities.
Book readings - this is a great way to entertain your child when they listen to someone read their favourite novel.
Local activities - the library is also the font of all knowledge for what is going on in your neighbourhood.
Local archives - perhaps you are curious about the history of where you live. Many libraries have books, maps, newspapers and photographs of your local town from years ago.
Toy libraries
There are more than 1,000 toy libraries across the UK, and they can usually be found by just googling them in your local town
The concept is simple, instead of borrowing books, you can pick and choose toys to borrow from the library.
They typically offer toys for all age groups and many run ‘stay and play’ sessions so children can spend time with a variety of toys.
For example Pimlico toy library has 1,500 toys washed, checked and ready for home loan. As well offering school holiday activities for 0 - 11 year olds so they can play with others.
The library of things
The library of things is a concept up and down the country for people wanting to try their hand at a new skill or project but can’t spend the money on the new equipment.
It is full of not just useful things but fun things that can expand your horizons this half term.
You simply browse the website, find your nearest kiosk and reserve the thing you want.
From a projector so you can have a cinema night at home, or a pasta machine so you and the kids can learn how to make fresh pasta.
Olio - App for free toys and food
Olio are encouraging people across the country to clear out their old toys and games during the half term break and upload them to the app for neighbours to pick up for free.
In the last 30 days olio has seen parents list over 28,000 toys and games for free on the app.
It is a great app to use to swap toys, and pick up free food that would otherwise be going to waste.
If you want to do a fun activity but are stuck for ideas?
Event apps are a great place to look if you are really stuck for ideas and want to know what is going on around you.
Eventbrite - there is something for everyone on eventbrite. There are 5.4 million events in nearly 180 countries. From comedy improvisation session in Malmesbury to children's theatre in Warminster.”
Loyal free - local businesses and events promote deals here which when you sign up you can take advantage of.
Wowcher - through this website you can get some excellent deals for example half price Byob pottery making and painting in London Bridge for half price.
Geocaching
It is a worldwide treasure hunt in the countryside and in cities. You can be the treasure seeker or the treasure hider. It is a completely free activity which is great for all age groups. You go on the app and can see where the treasure is. It might be a little note under a parking metre or in the countryside it might be painted on a stone under a tree. It gets everyone outside in the fresh air.
Check your phone supplier for deals:
Cinema tickets, meal deals and discounts for attractions are offered as perks from many of the mobile providers. Go online to see what you could be taking advantage of. At the moment O2 are offering 20% off the climb in 02, Vodafone are offering up to 50% off family days out with the kids from theme parks to aquariums.”
Many supermarkets are feeding children for free.
This half term many big supermarkets are offering free hot meals for children. Asda are offering free breakfast, Tesco are also offering free hot meals and as well as Morrisons where kids eat for free all day. Also Yo Sushi and Bella Italia are giving children free meals, when adults eat.