The Easter school holidays are almost here... but for many families, this means two weeks of the children at home and increased costs of keeping them entertained.
If you're struggling financially, here are ten totally free ideas for fun Easter holiday days out.
Term dates vary across the UK, but most schools in England and Wales will break up for the Easter holidays between April 11 and April 22.
Schools in London and pupils in Scotland will be off from a week earlier, with the holidays running from April 4 to April 15.
Children in Northern Ireland take their Easter break from April 14 to April 22.
Free museums and attractions
Many attractions are in fact free to visit. Here are a few London places that we have visited recently:
- RAF Hendon
- Natural History Museum
- Tate Modern.
All huge attractions that keep the family entertained and learning for hours.
Also, local museums are likely free too, most towns and cities have a museum documenting its history.
Are you worried about paying your bills? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
Free mystery shopping events
Become a mystery shopper and you can potentially go to activities such a bowling or trampoline parks in return for a review of customer service.
I am a mystery shopper for Proinsight and have taken my children bowling plus have eaten at the venue for nothing.
Note you will have to pay initially and then the money is refunded back to you the following month.
You will need to complete a review questionnaire and take pictures whilst at the attraction.
Free mystery shopping gym and spas
The same mystery shopping company also offer gym membership at gyms with pools.
We as a family have had many days at the gym, playing tennis, swimming and being super active.
The gym membership varies, sometimes you’ll get membership for a period of time, again questionnaire completion and pictures are required.
You will pay for your membership, but it then gets reimbursed.
Free treasure hunt
A super fun treasure hunt adventure wherever you are in the country.
Head on over to the Geocaching website and see what treasure lies near you!
The website gives you the location and you need to find it. This sounds easy, we have tried it, sometimes the treasure box is very well hidden.
Take some treasure when you find it but also take something along to replace what you have taken so another child gets a treasure gift too.
Use loyalty points to buy tickets for attractions
When was the last time you checked your Tesco Clubcard vouchers account?
These are worth three to four times their face value in exchange for so many days out attractions, places like Legoland, Alton Towers, Colchester Zoo.
Take a picnic for lunch and snacks to save even more and avoid that shop at the end at all costs.
Visit your local beach or lake
An absolute favourite of ours that we love to do as often as possible.
Our nearest big water is Grafham water, a reservoir, and an eight mile walk or bike ride for a full circuit.
You can stop for a paddle and a bit of shell hunting. Do as I do with a little advance planning and find a spot to park without a parking charge.
Free nature hunt
A perfect free adventure to make local walks a bit different is to create a nature hunt checklist to take with you.
Write a list of ten animals, birds, trees or flowers that your children each need to spot and see who can tick off the most nature finds.
Visit your local garden centre
I first visited my local garden centre for the first time in lockdown (I know, shock horror) and was amazed at how much there was to keep the children entertained.
There are animals, a lake, a park, a train ride and huge grounds to explore.
Visit your local library
Check out your local library to see what activities they are offering over the holidays.
Story time, crafting, education, your local library is a wonderful source of education particularly for young children.
Check free council events
What is your local council/authority is offering as free children’s activities throughout the holidays?
My local council has Easter crafting sessions, held in the local shopping centre for example.
Have a wonderful Easter!
