School Holidays on a Budget: Fun and Affordable Activities for Kids
Worried about keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays without breaking the bank? You’re not alone! School holidays on a budget can be challenging. A recent survey by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles* revealed that:
- 77% of UK parents want to take their kids on outings at least every two weeks.
- The cost of activities (52%) and finding affordable day trips (50%) are the biggest concerns.
- The average UK family spends £93 on a single day out, with some spending over £400 across the summer holidays!
But fear not! We have been working hard in the background with Volkswagen to support parents. Here are our top tips for creating memorable and enriching experiences without blowing the budget:
Embrace the Great Outdoors (Free!)
- Explore parks, forests, and beaches. Pack a picnic, go on a nature scavenger hunt, or have a frisbee game.
- Family bike rides and swims at local pools are great for hot days.
Explore Your Community (Mostly Free!)
- Check out free or low-cost events like concerts in the park, farmers markets, or cultural festivals.
The Power of Playdates (Free!)
- Plan playdates with friends or family with similar-aged kids. Rotating hosting duties keeps costs down and fosters fun playtime.
Embrace the Staycation (Mostly Free!)
- Explore your own city or town. Visit historical landmarks, free admission days at local attractions, or have backyard camping adventures.
- For larger families, consider a zoo or aquarium membership with discounts for multiple children.
Indoor Fun for Rainy Days (Mostly Free!)
- Get crafty with recycled materials! Build, decorate, or make costumes using cardboard boxes, egg cartons, or toilet paper rolls. Take a look here for some ideas.
- Theme park adventures at home! Choose a theme (pirates, dinosaurs, princesses) and create a themed day with decorations, costumes, snacks, and DIY crafts.
- Many museums offer free admission days and family exhibits. Explore historical landmarks or ignite creativity at an art gallery. Pack a lunch for a full day out.
- Libraries are a treasure trove! Attend story time events, borrow books and audiobooks, or participate in educational programs.
Traveling on a Budget
- Keep it local – minimise fuel costs and avoid back-seat boredom!
- Travel as one – save money by heading out in one car. Vehicles with large seating capacities like the Volkswagen Multivan are perfect for families.
- Pack the essentials – minimise spending on the day by having picnic supplies, beach toys, entertainment options, and outdoor gear readily available.
Remember: Involve the kids in planning! Let them choose activities and explore their interests.
Looking for more inspiration? Watch our full video above for additional cost-saving tips! We know that school holidays on a budget can be challenging and we are here to help!
- Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK parents, conducted in June 2024, commissioned by
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
0 Comments