The school summer holidays can’t come quickly enough for most, but the prospect of keeping the kids entertained for a whole six week period can give even the most prepared parents shivers up their spine.
The key to a successful summer is planning well ahead and creating a timetable of entertainment and a list of activities to make that month and a half not only bearable, but enjoyable, for all involved.
After a year of wearing school clobber, you will need to make a few purchases for six weeks of out of school shenanigans. Kid’s clothes can cost a small fortune no matter how many children you have, and with all the fun you’ll be indulging in, making low cost but robust purchases is essential.
Kid’s clothes from George at ASDA are ideal for creating a cost efficient fresh summer look, without the worry of getting them ruined, heaven forbid, while you’re enjoying some quality time with your brood.
Get out and about. Summer doesn’t have to be expensive. Get to know your local area and plan in visits to various parks around your town. Trips to playing fields for a game of football, cricket or rounder’s will also be a big hit with the kids. Invite their mates and they’ll love you forever, especially if you throw in a flaked up ice-cream.
Enquire at your local leisure centre regarding any ‘school’s out’ programmes they have running for this season. Many do offer free swim sessions for youngsters as well as other selected sport sessions. Who knows, in between those badminton, rollerskating and zumba sessions, your youngsters may find a brand new hobby.
Wherever you live, even in the cities, you are never far from a public park, the woods or the beach. Feed the ducks, ride the donkeys, take a picnic out into the open and go on an adventure. The very little ones will love trekking through the woods on a bear hunt, or even searching for Gruffalo clues.
Don’t downplay the importance of spending time at home. Surely you have spoilt your children with a good selection of toys and games, there is no harm in spending half of the week pulling these out and allowing free play. Parenting doesn’t have to be hands on 24/7.
Family board games can take easily take up a day a week. Spending time together over the dining table as a family with savoury snacks and sweet supplies is a fabulous way to bond and keep the brood, and you, entertained. Monopoly, Cluedo, and Trivial Pursuit are just a few family favourites that will never grow old.
Vue Cinema offers families the chance to visit the cinema for just £1.50 a ticket at weekends and during school holidays. Look online for the latest showings and times – a great way to pass the time on a rainy day. You could always team it with a trip to Pizza Hut too. Those Kids Eat Free offers aren’t going to redeem themselves!
Get set for a spend savvy summer – it’s going to be epic. Just don’t forget the kid’s clothes this summer so they can look and feel great, while having summer fun!
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This post is protected under copyright. SusankMann 2009 – 2014