Have more fun for less this summer
From football to dance-offs, crafts to camping, here’s how to live more without breaking the bank
WITH school holidays, the Euros, the Olympics and (hopefully) sunshine, there’s a brilliant summer ahead of us. But keeping kids entertained without breaking the bank can be a challenge. So we’ve teamed up with TSB and found some great budget ideas to help you enjoy the coming weeks without splashing lots of cash…
RAVE ON
Forget Glastonbury – get the festival vibe for a fraction of the price at a Big Fish Little Fish family rave. Events take place on weekend afternoons at quirky venues, with top DJs bringing all ages together on a dancefloor filled with giant balloons, bubbles and foam. Each rave is different, with everything from hula-hoop demonstrations to interactive light installations. There’s a licensed bar for adults, craft and play areas for younger ravers, plus a babiesonly chillout space.
Tickets from £7 for children; £10 for adults; free for pre-walking infants. bigfishlittlefishevents.com
A WICKET TIME
Want to see world-class sportsmen and women compete at big venues without sky-high ticket prices? The Hundred is an exciting new cricket tournament, played at major grounds across England and Wales during the summer. Two teams play one innings each, made up of just 100 balls. The easy-to-understand matches are fun, fast-paced and have a party-like atmosphere; plus, with adult tickets from £11 and kids aged 3-15 getting in for just a fiver, you’re guaranteed to be bowled over.
thehundred.com
FAN-TASTIC VIEWING
Few things beat watching a big game with a crowd, so take the kids to cheer on their favourite footie teams at a Euro 2024 viewing party. Special fan parks across the country are showing all the action live on giant screens, and while some charge for England games, many other matches will be free. Parks welcoming families include 4TheFans in Brighton and Hastings, Fan City in Sheffield, and Fan Park in Loughborough (family-friendly until 10pm). 4thefans.tv, fancity.co.uk and fanpark.co.uk
MAKE IT FUN
Unleash their creative side at Hobbycraft’s fun craft workshops, taking place at stores nationwide throughout the summer. Lasting around an hour, with all materials provided, children aged three and over can learn to make friendship bracelets, clay animals, collages and slime for just £5 each (£4 until 7 July). Find a workshop near you at classbento.co.uk/hobbycraft/home
GET LOST IN A BOOK
Public libraries across the country are inviting bookworms aged 4-11 to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Visit your local library for a free collector’s pack and great book recommendations; reach your reading goals and earn digital rewards. No library nearby? No problem: kids can get involved online. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
LET IT GROW
Fresh air, free food, dirt… what’s not to love about growing your own? Encourage the kids out into the garden to grow something from seed, from carrots and tomatoes to strawberries. Then inspire their green fingers further with a free Little Seedlings workshop – learning all about wildlife, plants and the environment – at Dobbies garden centres nationwide.
For kids aged 4-10. events.dobbies.com
CANVAS OPINION
Kids love camping – and it’s one of the cheapest ways to go on holiday, with most sites charging just £10-30 per night for a pitch. Tents and gear are usually easy to borrow if you don’t have your own, and you don’t have to travel far to give little ones an “in-tents” experience. Pitching up for a sleepover and midnight feast in the back garden with their friends can be just as thrilling (plus they can run inside if it rains!).
For family-friendly places to camp, visit campsites.co.uk
LIFE’S A BEACH
Whether you get there by car, bus or train, there’s always plenty to keep kids of all ages busy at the beach, from building sandcastles, digging holes and hunting for shells, to crabbing, swimming and ball games. Just remember to pack a picnic and some sunscreen. Looking for a new beach to try? Those with Blue Flag or Seaside Awards are among the best.
Find the best beaches at keepbritaintidy. org/2024-blue-flag-and-seaside-award-winners
GO FOR GOLD
It only happens every four years, so experience the excitement of the Paris Olympics at one of several free bigscreen viewing events across the country. From athletics to wrestling, you can watch it all in Canary Wharf in London, First Street in Manchester; or on the Harbour Arm in Folkestone.