Best Slush Puppy ever!!!
One of the upsides of working in a school is getting to mooch around for six whole weeks in the summer holiday. After a pretty rubbish first week, consisting of me being poorly sick, we are now fully enjoying the beautiful British weather. Living right by the sea on the wonderful Kent coast is a huge bonus. It means that we are always a stones throw from 'free' fun.
I always dread the cost of the summer holidays, having to constantly think of cheap things to do that will interest both myself and a hard to please six year old. Talking to other parents it seems like everybody is in the same boat. This year we are off to Florida (squeal) for our first ever holiday abroad, which is going to be ahhhhmazing, however it has left us with no cash for the first three weeks of the hols. Bummer. So here are some ideas on how to optimize fun and minimise spending in your six week holiday.
1. Check out local parks
This is a free, fun and easy day out, We always take a picnic to save money as there are always pesky cafes that try to rob you of a fiver for a measly sandwich! Na uh not falling for that one. Plus if you involve the kids in making the picnic, you've just doubled the fun...or stress. It keeps them busy though.
2. Go on a walk
Be it a route you are already familiar with or a new place, I love just going for a wander. Living in Kent is amazing for this, you have the coast, the woods, beautiful villages, and so many different places to explore. This is often free, bar maybe the cost of a drink (see above...the best slush puppy EVER from Mackaris at Herne Bay Bandstand.) I often let my daughter choose the route, and then ask her to try and lead us back to the car or back home. This can take hours but it keeps her busy, and who doesn't like a bit of exercise?
I cannot rave about the library enough. I'm lucky that my daughter is a little book worm, but I think regular trips to the library have really helped instill this love of books. Every year the libraries set a challenge that any child who belongs to a library can join. This year it's called 'Record Breakers', and the challenge is to read six books over the holiday. The kids win prizes along the way, and get to do fun things, like a hunt in the library. It's such a fab idea and encourages every child to read.....and it's completely free! It's a no brainer.
4. Get on Pinterest
I use Pinterest constantly, to pick out how my future dream kitchen will look, to learn how to braid my hair (so many fails), but I mostly use it to plan lessons for school work, and craft activities for home. There are literally so many ideas on there I would recommend having a good ol' browse. I'm particularly loving this Bubble snake idea, I will defo be trying that bad boy out soon.
5. Have some down time
Even though my daughter is constantly wanting to go out, it doesn't hurt her to calm down and just chill. I've encouraged her to keep a short diary, that she writes in every now and then to document the holiday. She loves sitting down at her desk and writing, drawing, and sticking photographs into it. And of course a good film and popcorn is always a sure fire hit with the whole family.
6. Local events
During the summer there tends to be lot's of activities going on to entertain kids and their tired parents!! It's worth having a look around and keeping note, bands, fireworks, arts and crafts activities, a lot of these kind of events are free or there is a tiny charge.
Most of all have fun!
Have you got any great tips for entertaining during the holidays?
|
