Like many parents, you'll be feeling the financial pinch of the recession; don't worry, you're not alone. When it comes to the holidays, whether that's the summer break, winter break or half terms, you shouldn't have to worry about what to do and how much it's going to cost. It should be a time to enjoy being together and having fun. So what's there to do that's free?
10. Movie Day / Night
This is a great activity to start with. Spend a whole day and/or night watching films that you and your children love. This shouldn't have to cost you anything, unless you want to go out and rent recent titles. Now understandably, your kids may have already seen a number of the films you have, so why not ask friends or family to see if you can borrow one of their DVD's, one that your children may not have seen.
9. Gardening
Why not take your kids outside and show them the wonders of gardening? This is a fantastic way to educate them about horticulture, so why not start them off with their own herb pot or vegetable patch?
8. Arts and Crafts
Doing something creative is excellent at keeping your children occupied. Whether it's painting pictures, modeling using clay or making papier-mâché masks, bowls or even piggy banks, you'll be nurturing your child's creative side.
7. Cooking Treats
Why stop their creativity at arts and crafts? You can always show them around the kitchen and get them making fun foods like cup cakes or gingerbread men. To get their imaginations going, why not get them to make faces of their friends or family when icing the cupcakes? They'll love it.
6. Fruit Picking
Find your nearest fruit farm; this can be anything from apples to strawberries and will get you and your kids out in the sun for a few hours at least. Always make sure you use a farm that allows for fruit picking and certainly don't trespass. After you've picked your fruit, you can then pay for your produce, but it'll be much cheaper than in the supermarket, and it's certainly more fun.
5. Visit Free Museums
Wherever you live, there'll be a plethora of museums nearby allowing free entrance, although some may ask for a nominal fee or donation. Obviously the type of museum you go to will depend on your child's interests, but in large cities, there are some really good ones to go to with free kid's activities areas.
4. Cycle Rides
Get your helmets on, take to the cycle paths and enjoy the open spaces and country air. Going on cycle rides isn't just fun, but it's healthy for your children as it keeps them active. They will also learn essential road and traffic safety skills, making them more confident cyclist for when they get older.
3. Visits to the Park
Why not just take your children to your local park for an afternoon? Take a frisbee, football or a cricket set and get them active and playing sports. If that's not your kid's thing, then play on the swings and slides. Finding a park that has a fun play area can keep them busy for hours.
2. Picnics or BBQ's at Your Local Park
If the weather's lovely you can always make a day of it by taking along a picnic or food for a BBQ. Take along the food your children have made, this will make the whole day a lot more fun and interesting. Invite their friends along, and their friend's mums and dads, the more the merrier.
1. Go to the Beach
The best way to spend a day with your kids, absolutely free (minus petrol and parking), is day trip to the beach. Take along inflatables, your sports equipment and a picnic for a day of sun, sand, sea and super fun!