Cheap Things to Do with Kids: Fun Activities for Half-Term
Raising kids brings endless joy, but finding affordable activities can feel like a challenge. We’ve discovered loads of budget-friendly ways to keep the little ones happy without spending much at all.
Creating magical memories with children doesn’t require spending tons of money – you can plan amazing activities for under £10 or even completely free. From local parks and libraries to crafting sessions at home, there are countless options to explore.
We know how precious family time is, so we’ve gathered our favourite wallet-friendly activities that will delight both you and your children. These ideas will help you fill your weekends and school holidays with fun adventures that won’t stretch your budget.
Best Free Family Activities (Nationwide & Local Tips)
Free family activities bring endless fun and precious memories without spending a penny. Local parks, museums, and cultural events across the UK offer amazing no-cost entertainment for the whole family.
Where to Find Free Activities in Your Area
Local libraries host weekly storytelling sessions and craft workshops perfect for young children. We love that most UK museums offer free entry, like the brilliant Science Museum in London and the National Railway Museum in York.
Parks and nature reserves make brilliant day trips. Try Richmond Park’s deer-spotting trails or Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden walks.
Many councils run free family festivals during school holidays. Leeds Light Night and Bristol Harbour Festival are brilliant examples.
Check your local council website and Facebook community groups for upcoming free events. Town centres often have free entertainment during half-term and summer holidays.
How to Plan a No-Cost Family Day Out
Pack snacks and drinks from home to keep costs down. We recommend bringing sandwiches, fruit and water bottles.
Research transport options beforehand – many attractions offer free parking on weekends. Walking routes can be fun adventures too.
Essential items for a free day out:
- Picnic blanket
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Games (frisbee, ball, rounders, cricket, cards)
- Camera for memories
- Reusable water bottles
Create a flexible schedule with backup indoor options for rainy days. Free museums and libraries are perfect alternatives to outdoor plans.
Mix active and quiet activities to keep everyone happy. A morning nature walk followed by afternoon crafts works brilliantly.
Cheap Things to Do with Kids (+ Where to Find Discounts)
Creating fun memories with kids doesn’t require spending lots of money. We’ve discovered brilliant activities and attractions that families can enjoy together whilst staying within budget.
Affordable Attractions & Hidden Gems in London
The Science Museum offers free entry and hosts exciting hands-on exhibits perfect for curious minds. Kids can explore space, engineering, and robotics without spending a penny.
Many local libraries organise free storytelling sessions and craft workshops during school holidays. Remember to check their event calendars.
Parks like Greenwich and Hyde Park feature fantastic playgrounds and walking trails. Pack a picnic to make it a full day out.
Look for Kids Go Free deals at attractions through Savzz.co.uk or sign up for museum newsletters to receive special offers.
Fun on a Budget – DIY & Low-Cost Family Adventures
Transform your garden or living room into a mini adventure zone with homemade obstacle courses using cushions, boxes, and string.
Create a family game night with classic board games like Snakes and Ladders or Monopoly. Add themed snacks to make it extra special.
Try these simple crafts using household items:
- Paper plate masks
- Sock puppets
- Rock painting
- Cardboard box vehicles
Visit charity shops to find puzzles and games at reduced prices. Many offer Buy One Get One Half Price deals on children’s items.
Join local Facebook parenting groups where members share tips about upcoming free events and activities in your area.
How to Use Discount Sites & Coupons for Family Fun
Finding great deals on family activities helps create memorable experiences without spending too much. Smart discount shopping and coupon stacking can unlock amazing savings on entertainment and days out.
Why Savzz.co.uk is Your Go-To for Savings
We love using Savzz.co.uk to discover amazing discounts on city attractions and tickets. The site updates daily with fresh discount codes for family-friendly venues.
Signing up for email alerts keeps us informed about the newest deals. We recommend checking early in the week when many venues release their latest offers.
The mobile app makes it simple to browse and save codes while on the go. Favouriting deals helps us track the best offers for places we want to visit.
How to Stack Discounts for Maximum Savings
Combining multiple discounts creates the best value for family outings. We always check for seasonal promotions that can pair with regular discount codes.
Booking tickets in advance often unlocks early bird pricing. Many venues offer additional savings for visiting during off-peak times or weekdays.
Family passes and memberships can be excellent value when paired with weekend break packages. Some attractions give extra perks like free parking or meal deals.
Student and senior discounts can apply to accompanying family members. Don’t forget to ask about group booking rates when going with other families.
Memberships, Passes & Rewards to Cut Costs on Activities
Smart membership choices and loyalty programmes can make family activities more affordable, with access to exclusive perks and ongoing savings.
The Best Family Memberships That Pay Off
Annual memberships to local attractions can save money after just 2-3 visits. A family membership to the National Trust costs £146 per year and covers entry to over 500 properties, gardens, and parks across the UK.
Museums often offer brilliant value with yearly passes. The Science Museum in London provides free entry, but members get priority booking and free entry to paid exhibitions.
The English Heritage family membership includes entry to over 400 historic sites for £115 annually. Many sites have outdoor spaces perfect for picnics and running about.
Local leisure centres typically offer monthly family swim passes at 30-40% less than paying per visit. These often include extras like early booking for swimming lessons.
Cashback & Loyalty Programs for Family Entertainment
Many cinemas run kids’ clubs with discounted weekend morning screenings. Odeon Kids tickets start from £2.50 per person on weekend mornings.
Collect Nectar points at Sainsbury’s to redeem on days out. Every 500 points equals £2.50 to spend at Merlin attractions like Legoland and Alton Towers.
Tesco Clubcard points convert to up to 3x their value when spent on family activities. Use points for restaurant vouchers, cinema tickets, and theme park entry.
Local soft play centres often have loyalty cards – collect stamps for each visit to earn a free entry. Some also offer cheaper entry during off-peak times.
Final Tips for Budget-Friendly Family Outings
We recommend packing your own snacks and drinks when heading out for the day. A simple cool bag with sandwiches, fruit, and water bottles can save £20-£30 compared to buying food at attractions.
Check your local council’s website for free events in your area. Many towns offer seasonal activities, craft sessions, and holiday programmes that won’t cost a penny.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan outdoor activities accordingly. Rainy days are perfect for museums and libraries, while sunny days work brilliantly for parks and nature walks.
Sign up for newsletters from your favourite attractions. Many places send special offers and discount codes to their mailing list subscribers.
Money-saving essentials to bring along:
- Reusable water bottles
- Packed lunch in cool bags
- Hand sanitiser
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Camera for memories
Take advantage of off-peak times. Visiting attractions during term time or earlier in the day often means lower prices and smaller crowds.
Join your local library – they often provide free passes to museums and attractions. Plus, many libraries host free storytelling sessions and craft activities.
Look into family membership cards for places you visit regularly. The upfront cost might seem high, but they typically pay for themselves after 2-3 visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding affordable activities for children involves creative thinking and making the most of free local amenities like parks, libraries, and museums.
What are some inexpensive activities for children at home?
Kids love making arts and crafts with household items like cardboard boxes, empty toilet rolls, and paper plates. These materials cost next to nothing.
Setting up indoor treasure hunts or obstacle courses using items you already own creates exciting adventures at home.
Teaching children to bake simple recipes like fairy cakes or biscuits makes for a fun afternoon without spending much on ingredients.
Where can I find budget-friendly family days out in the UK?
Many UK museums offer free entry, including the Natural History Museum and Science Museum in London.
Local parks and playgrounds provide endless entertainment at no cost. Pack a picnic to make it extra special.
Check your local council website for free community events and activities during school holidays.
How can I entertain my kids this weekend without spending much?
Go for a nature walk and collect leaves, pinecones and stones for craft projects later.
Visit your local library – most offer free storytimes and activity sessions at weekends.
Have a movie afternoon at home with homemade popcorn and blanket forts.
What are the best free activities for children?
Playing at the beach is completely free – bring buckets and spades for sandcastle building.
Walking trails and nature reserves offer wonderful opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Local festivals and community fairs often have free entertainment for families.
Can you suggest some affordable family fun ideas?
Board game nights create amazing memories without costing much. Many charity shops sell games cheaply.
Growing vegetables from seeds teaches children about nature while providing low-cost entertainment.
Making homemade pizzas together costs less than takeaway and turns dinner into a fun activity.
What are some fun low-cost things to do with kids in London?
The Sky Garden offers free visits with stunning views across London – just book in advance.
Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens provides magical free play spaces.
Take a walking tour along the Thames Path to spot famous landmarks at no cost.
