Summer is approaching, and with children out of school, keeping them entertained without spending a lot can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are plenty of free and budget-friendly activities that can fill those long summer days with fun and excitement.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to create memorable experiences for your kids during the summer holidays.
From beach trips and rock pooling to visiting museums and creating DIY crafts at home, the options are nearly endless. Many local organisations offer free and low-cost activities including creative arts, sports, and special events specifically designed for children.
Garden centres often host cheap activities like pottery painting and bug house building that children love.
Nature provides some of the best free entertainment, with outdoor adventures like scavenger hunts and days at the beach topping our list of recommendations.
We’ve gathered 40 fantastic ideas that will keep the little ones happy and engaged throughout the summer without emptying your pockets.
Free & Cheap Summer Activities for Kids on a Budget
Summer holidays don’t have to be expensive to be fun and memorable. With a bit of creativity, there are countless ways to keep the kids happy without spending a fortune.
Budget-Friendly Outdoor Fun: Bike Rides, Hiking & More
Family bike rides are a brilliant way to enjoy summer days while getting exercise. Pack some sandwiches and drinks in a backpack for a quick pit stop at a pretty spot along the way. Many towns have dedicated cycle paths that are safe for little ones.
Hiking is another free activity that children of all ages can enjoy. Local nature reserves often have marked trails of different lengths. We suggest bringing a simple wildlife spotting sheet to keep the kids engaged – they can tick off birds, insects and plants they spot along the way.
Beach visits are perfect for sunny days. Bring buckets, spades and a picnic for hours of entertainment building sandcastles and paddling in the sea.
Try a family picnic lunch or dinner at a local park. Let the children help prepare simple sandwiches and snacks before heading out.
Your local library is a treasure trove of free entertainment. Many run summer reading challenges and free craft sessions during school holidays.
Have a go at creating a mini Olympics in your garden or local park. Set up simple events like egg and spoon races, sack races or a water balloon toss. Award homemade medals to all participants.
Cheap Summer Activities for Kids: DIY Fun and More
Keeping the kids entertained during summer doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity and planning, you can create memorable experiences that will fill those long summer days with joy and laughter.
Discount Codes for Outdoor Gear: Save on Bikes, Scooters, and More
Getting kids outside during summer is essential for their wellbeing, but outdoor equipment can be pricey. We’ve found that searching for sports discount codes can save you loads on bikes, scooters, and other outdoor gear for the children. Many retailers offer seasonal sales that coincide perfectly with summer holidays.
Look for multi-buy offers on water toys like water balloons or paddling pools. These simple items can transform your garden into a water playground for endless hours of fun. A water balloon fight is a brilliant way to cool down on hot days!
Create a homemade obstacle course using items you already own. Old cardboard boxes, garden hoses, and plastic cups can become tunnels, hurdles, and targets. Time the kids as they navigate through the course for added excitement.
For rainy days, set up indoor bowling with empty plastic bottles and a soft ball. You can decorate the bottles with colourful tape or paint to make them more appealing. It’s a cheap activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Outdoor movie nights are another budget-friendly treat. Hang a white sheet in the garden, borrow a projector, and serve homemade ice cream for a magical evening under the stars.
Free & Cheap Local Activities: Fun for the Whole Family
Local communities offer plenty of affordable options that everyone can enjoy together.
How to Save on Outdoor Toys & Games
Summer is perfect for outdoor play, but buying new equipment each year can be expensive. Instead, try organising toy swaps with other families in your neighbourhood. Children quickly outgrow toys, so exchanging them gives everyone fresh playthings without spending a penny.
Charity shops often have brilliant outdoor game bargains like cricket sets or paddling pools at a fraction of retail prices. We’ve found some amazing deals this way!
Consider creating your own games too. A homemade scavenger hunt only requires paper and pens but provides hours of entertainment. Make lists appropriate to your children’s ages – younger ones can hunt for colours or shapes while older kids might look for specific plants or landmarks.
Picnics are always a winner and cost very little. Pack sandwiches, fruit and homemade treats, then head to your local park. Bring a ball or frisbee for extra fun.
Many museums offer free entry, especially local history or natural history museums. Check their websites for special family activity days which often include arts and crafts sessions.
Flying a kite is another budget-friendly activity that children adore. You can even make your own with basic materials from around the house.
On hot days, a beach day (even if it’s just a local lake with a sandy area) provides endless entertainment. Bring buckets and spades you already own rather than buying new ones.
Savzz.co.uk: Your Go-To for Summer Discounts & Deals
Planning summer activities for kids doesn’t have to be costly. We’ve found that Savzz discount codes can help families save on various summer adventures.
The website updates their offers weekly, making it a brilliant resource for parents looking to entertain children during the school holidays. You’ll find deals on everything from theme parks to family restaurants.
For music lovers, Savzz often features discounts on family-friendly music festival tickets, which can be a fantastic way to introduce children to live performances without paying full price.
Looking for outdoor gear? Many top retailers offer exclusive vouchers through the platform, perfect for camping equipment or beach essentials.
Water parks and swimming pools frequently appear in their summer deals section. These venues provide a refreshing escape during hot summer days and are always a hit with kids of all ages.
Fancy a day trip? Check their travel category for discounts on train tickets and coach services. Reduced transport costs mean more money for ice cream and souvenirs!
Arts and crafts suppliers often feature on the site too, ideal for those rainy summer days when indoor activities are needed. Stock up on materials at lower prices for creative home projects.
The website is easy to navigate, allowing you to search by category or browse their latest offers. We recommend checking back regularly as new deals appear throughout the summer months.
Remember to sign up for their newsletter to get early access to limited-time offers and flash sales. This simple step could save you pounds on popular summer attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often wonder about affordable ways to keep their children entertained during summer holidays. We’ve gathered the most common questions about budget-friendly activities that will keep your little ones happy and engaged.
Where can I find exciting, wallet-friendly activities for my children during the summer holidays?
Local libraries offer free events and activities throughout summer. Many run a summer reading programme that keeps children engaged with books and includes fun workshops and craft sessions.
Parks and nature reserves provide endless entertainment without costing a penny. Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring trails, climbing trees, or having a family football match.
Community centres often host free or cheap summer clubs and drop-in sessions. Check your local council website for upcoming events designed specifically for children during school holidays.
What are some entertaining summer activities suitable for a 5-year-old without breaking the bank?
Outdoor scavenger hunts are perfect for this age group. Create a simple list of items to find in your garden or local park – like particular leaves, stones, or flowers – and watch as they explore with purpose.
Water play is always a hit with 5-year-olds. A paddling pool, water balloons, or even just buckets and containers for pouring can provide hours of entertainment that doesn’t cost the earth.
Arts and crafts using household items can spark creativity. Collect toilet roll tubes, cereal boxes, and other recyclables to create models, puppets, or a cardboard city.
Can you suggest some summer programs for students that offer fun without a hefty price tag?
The Summer Reading Challenge runs in most libraries across the UK. Children earn rewards as they read books, fighting holiday boredom while maintaining reading skills.
Museums and galleries typically offer free entry and run special holiday workshops at minimal cost. These provide educational value alongside fun activities that spark curiosity.
Local sports centres often provide holiday camps with discounted rates for multiple days or siblings. Some councils even offer free swimming for children during school holidays.
Family game nights can become a summer tradition. Dust off those board games or card decks for evenings of friendly competition at home.
Beach trips need only cost the petrol to get there. Pack lunch, buckets, spades, and balls for a full day of swimming, sandcastle building, and beach games.
Home cinema experiences can be just as exciting as the real thing. Draw the curtains, make popcorn, and watch a family film together on a rainy afternoon.
How can I occupy my 7-year-old during the sunny days of summer for little to no cost?
Bike rides on local trails combine exercise with adventure. Plot different routes to explore new areas each time, turning it into a weekly expedition.
DIY science experiments using kitchen ingredients can be both educational and entertaining. Make volcanoes with baking soda or grow crystals with salt solutions.
Gardening projects give children ownership of something special. A small patch or even just a few pots can teach responsibility while providing daily engagement as they watch plants grow.
Are there creative ways to spend time with the kids outdoors in summer without spending money?
Nature scavenger hunts add purpose to walks in parks or woodlands. Create lists of things to spot like specific birds, insects, or plants, turning a simple walk into an adventure.
Camping in the garden offers all the excitement of sleeping under the stars without any expense. Set up a tent or build a den and enjoy stories and stargazing.
Outdoor cooking like campfire-style meals or simple barbecues transforms mealtime into an event. Even sandwiches taste better when eaten outdoors as part of a picnic adventure.
