10 Budget friendly days out

Having a family is wonderful, but it is expensive.  I find myself always accepting free samples and actually using them.  Every penny helps in my family and I am sure for most others.  Entertaining my kids is hard work and  finding fun things for them to do is often expensive and requires a lot of planning.  I thought of 10 budget friendly days out which require minimal planning and cost.

PICNIC

Pack a blanket and a few ball games and head out into a nature area.  Keep picnic food simple and easy to eat.  Think finger foods and you will be on the right track.  Try not to take along foods like cakes or sweets that attract the insects or can melt if it is warm.  Fruit, juice and sandwiches or pitas work well.  Pack light!

BEACH

If you are near the beach you have a perfect spot to go out to.  You may need to pay for parking, but besides that it is a free entertainment for most of the day.  Choose your day.  You do not want to go in the wind or rain and remember that weekends and holidays may be crowded.  Pack a small basket of toys for the beach like a ball, buckets and spades, toy diggers and cars, perhaps a net and some rock pool shoes.  Take a beach brolly if you think you will be there for most of the day, as well as towels, costumes, hats, chair and sun cream.

BIKE RIDES

A bike ride with your family can be relaxing and adventurous.  Choose a pace that suits your little ones.  Bike Helmets are compulsory for your children and babies, and set a good example by always wearing yours.  Choose a trail away from traffic and pack small snacks and lots of water.

PARK

A day out at a park can be so restful, like a mini-holiday.  But plan ahead.  Choose your day and choose the spot you want to be carefully.  Make sure you have some shade.  Bring a blanket, a few games, books to read, a picnic to share.  Choose a spot close enough to the play equipment, but far away enough from the noise.  Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, seed pods, flowers and sticks that you find. Study insects and other interesting creatures you find.

COLLAGE COLLECTING

Find a nature area you like to walk in.  Take along a bag and a magnifying glass.  Collect seeds, sticks, leaves, pods, rocks and stones.  Study everything with the magnifying glass when you get home.  Draw a picture on some card (e.g. a large butterfly) and then arrange your collection into different colours or shades to create your picture.

TOP WALKS

Buy a book on the Top Walks in your area.  Choose one that suits your needs and fitness and your children will manage.  Decide if you need to take a pram or sling with you and decide how long you want to be out for.  Take along sun cream, hats, water and snacks.  Dress for the terrain and weather.

MUSEUMS

Many museums have free entry or are affordable.  This is a great day out for toddlers or older children especially if they have a specific interest in something.  Choose the venue according to your child’s interests such as space, dinosaurs, dolls or transport.

LAKES - FISHING, FEEDING DUCKS, BOATING

Find an area near by that has lakes and find out what you can do there.  Fishing is great fun for little boys and all children love paddle boats.   Take old bread for feeding the ducks.

LIBRARY

Visit your local library.  Whatever the weather you do this.  For a small fee you can join the library and take out books your children will enjoy.  Most libraries have activities for young children on a weekly basis like story telling, puppet shows or art and craft times.  Find out what is happening and go along for a fun morning.  It’s also a great way to meet other parents in your area.

PARADE OR EVENTS

Look out for Parades or an event in your town.  Children love the festive atmosphere and the colour, music and creative spirit at events like this.  Most are free to go along and just watch from the side of the road.  They could even dress up if appropriate and be part of the day.

Entertaining your children should be fun and exciting and doesn’t necessarily need to cost the earth.  It just takes some planning and keeping an eye out as to what is going on in your local area.