Parents in Nottingham have spoken out about whether they think there are enough on-budget activities for children over the half term. Many people have said that they feel there is enough going on but admitted that although there are free activities for children the cost of living is affecting them in other ways which makes the half term harder.
Many have visited Stonebridge City Farm in St Ann’s over the half term. The farm on Stonebridge Road is free and there is no need to book. The farm is heavily reliant on donations. The venue recently held a pirate day, which included face painting, games, walk the plank and storytime.
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Jay Matthews was among the parents visiting the farm. Jay, 35 has two children and described half term as generally being expensive.
He said: “I think Stonebridge is great. We’ve been plenty of times before but a day with children is very expensive.
“If you don’t drive, you have to think of bus fare, you have to think of packed lunches and when kids are off school, they eat more - mine definitely do. Kids want snacks whilst they’re watching TV, on the way to places, in the park, it all adds up especially if you have more than one child.”
Jay who is from Mapperley added: “Luckily for me and my wife, we can afford half term, it is expensive but we can do it. That isn’t the same for other families especially now.”
Stonebridge Farm is open everyday from 10am until 4.15pm. Throughout the rest of the week, the farm is holding activities including a parent and child yoga session and a drop-in messy play event.
Teacher Sylwia Bolger, 37, was visiting along with her children and friends. Speaking about other events going on in the half term, Sylwia feels like there is a lot going on.
She said: “Things can be expensive so I’m happy that my half term is planned. I think that the farm is an amazing idea.
“Everyday, something is happening. In Clifton they have arts and craft days, there will be a pumpkin party for Halloween too.
“I think that there has been enough to do.”
Other events happening in the half term include: Creative sessions at Lakeside Arts, Little Treasures soft play at Clifton leisure centre, pool parties at city leisure centres and more.
Mum Laura James, from Carlton, said: “We always have lots of things planned like local play groups. In Netherfield, they have a fantastic play group.
“Here, it's great that it’s free and I always donate as much as I can. I don’t think it’s been too bad this half term but things can be expensive.”
Laura added: “You don’t need to spend a lot to have fun.”
Nanny Timea Crowdy, 51, of Carlton, said: “We are always here in the half term [to Stonebridge City Farm]. I'm a nanny and only look after babies so I don’t usually go far.
Timea continued: “Usually, we go to the park for walks and to play or soft play areas."
“The farm is good because it’s free but I do think there’s loads to do over the half term.”
Councillor Cheryl Barnard, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Schools, said: “We understand how hard things are for families in the current cost-of-living crisis, which has hit Nottingham harder than some areas of the country. “The council is committed to providing a wide variety of things to do in the school holidays and I’m pleased to see so many fun, positive, educational and good-value activities available.
“It’s so important that we offer as many opportunities as possible for families to spend quality time together, especially the chance to get out and be active. I’d encourage everyone to head to their local children’s centre, library, leisure centre or park.”
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