How to Keep Kids Entertained During School Holidays in the UK (Budget Friendly)
It's that time of year where school holidays come in thick and fast. Half terms, long breaks and the big summer 6 weeks. This guide is for parents looking to keep the kids entertained, whilst keeping the budget in hand! From Outdoor activities to at home ideas, we have you covered!
Our Days out hub has all the best discounts, deals and more- so why not get booking!!
Click Here for discounted deals
Free Outdoor Activities
Being outdoors this spring and summer, brings joy and the opportunity to make memories! There's nothing more rewarding than getting outdoors, surrounded by sun and nature. The best part is- there are so many free outdoors activites to do right on your doorstep!
1. Local Parks & Nature Trails
- Explore your nearest green spaces - many have play parks, skate parks, or nature trails.
- Try geocaching (free treasure-hunting app using GPS).
- Set up a scavenger hunt! Write a list of things to spot and make it a family competition, who can find the most!
- Make natural art- pick rocks, shells, sticks and get creative outdoors!
2. National Trust Free Days or Membership
Many National Trust sites offer free or discounted family days. Membership gives unlimited access to over 500 parks, gardens, and historic sites — you can also find free entry weekends advertised on their website.
- Check out free National trust days onsite!
- Check out their free guides such as bird watching tips and make a day of it with the kids!
- choose a nature reserve, pack a picnic and set off exploring!
3. Beach Days
Pack a picnic and visit beaches like:
- Bournemouth Beach (great for families)
- Rhossili Bay (stunning views and rock pools)
- Formby Beach (sand dunes and red squirrels)
- St Andrews West Sands (wide open sands)
4. Community Events & Libraries
Check your local council or library — they often run free storytimes, Lego clubs, or outdoor craft sessions in school holidays.
Days out Experiences
1. Family Cinema Tickets
- Vue, Odeon, and Cineworld often run family morning screenings for around £2.50–£3 per ticket.
- Look out for deals via supermarket loyalty points (Tesco Clubcard, Nectar).
2. Discounted Attractions
- We have so many deals on our days out page- from 50% off family passes, days out at Alpamare and Flamingo land resort, as well as many others- make the most of the time with the kids this holidays and book now!
- Check out our Savings hub for all the best deals and advice!
3. Museums & Galleries
Many UK museums are free- perfect for rainy days:
- Science Museum (hands-on exhibits)
- National Museum of Scotland
- World Museum
4. Kids eat free
Many restaurants have 'kids eat free deals' in holidays and on weekends!
- Offers are available in Morrisons Cafés nationwide, every day, seven days a week when you purchase an adult main meal with a value of £5 or over. Main meals can be found on the menu under ‘The Breakfasts’ or ‘The Classics’ - ‘Extras’ are excluded.
- At Sizzling Pubs, kids eat for only £1- Monday to Friday from 3pm when you buy an adult main meal*. You can even feed the whole family for £16 or less!
- Plenty of options for kids eat free are available all over the uk! Why not check out our top picks for food when visiting Alpamare (kids eat free in many of these restaurants!)
- Bella Italia- Kids can enjoy three delicious courses & a drink with the purchase of an adult main! Meals are suitable for 2-11 year olds.
At home ideas
Keeping kids happy indoors doesn’t have to cost much- just a bit of creativity!
1. DIY Craft & Science Days
- Make slime, homemade playdough, or bird feeders using recycled materials.
- Check out hobbycraft for crafting kits for less!
- Try simple experiments (e.g. vinegar and baking soda volcanoes or growing crystals).
- Check out our seasonal hub for DIY day ideas based on which holiday you're in!
2. Indoor Treasure Hunt
Create clues that lead to hidden treats or toys around the house. For the Easter holidays, why not partake in a fun easter egg hunt? Find a budget friendly guide, with printable clues here!
3. Baking Together
Whip up cupcakes, pizza, or biscuits, kids can decorate their own creations. Our seasonal hub is full of recipes for the holidays, like fathers day breakfast ideas!
4. Movie & Popcorn Afternoon
Recreate the cinema at home. You can often find family film rentals for £2–£3 on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Sky Store.
- Why not make it exciting with this complete family movie set from Amazon for only £12.99
- Iceland have movie night in deals- the big night in, £4 meal deal! Why not get prepared for those 'what do we do days,' with a quick to make and keep in the freezer selection!
5. Family Games Marathon
Rotate between board games, cards, and video games that encourage teamwork (e.g. Mario Kart, Overcooked!). Why not buy a bestselling game!
Final thoughts
Family days out and keeping the kids entertained can be both fun and affordable! Whether its getting cosy with a film, taking the kids into your local area to explore nature, or going for a day out experience, making happy memories has never been easier!
Don't forget to head to our days out hub for discounted tickets and all the best deals!
