Days Out on a Budget
For many, 2010 will be another frugal year where prudent spending and cost cutting methods will rule the household budget. Yet, with a little creativity and a keen eye for a bargain, the family leisure budget can be slashed in two.  We’ve set ourselves a series of challenges to see how far a few pounds will stretch…
The free day out challenge
Aren’t the best things in life meant to be free? Well, luckily there seems be an enormous number of activities and events out there that are, well yes, free! Just take a look!
Free events at local libraries
The local library is a treasure trove full of the best books around, talking books to listen to whilst on-the-go, music CD’s, and family friendly DVD’s – plus the best part is that it’s free to join and to borrow books. Many libraries run children’s reading groups, have storytelling sessions by authors and arrange free school holiday and weekend activities, including the annual summer reading challenge. Just ask at your local library for more details.
Free audience tickets: For free, lively entertainment, sign up to apply for free audience tickets to watch the recording of TV shows such as the X Factor. Register your details with www.applausestore.com. There may be a waiting list for the big shows.
Kids go free: Many attractions in your community may be offering a chance for kids to get in for free. Take a look at the website: www.kidsgofree.com to find out more.
Free entry to museums
Since free admission was reintroduced to museums in 1991, visitor numbers have continued to rise, confirming its popularity. Naturally, this is a favoured choice amongst families who can afford a cheap day out that will also educate and stimulate the children’s minds. Free admission has been pledged until at least 2011.
Free tennis: Children can get free tennis coaching sessions and enjoy free use of tennis courts across the UK through a scheme from charity Tennis For Free. To see if there is a venue offering the scheme near to you go to www.tennisforfree.com
Free swimming: A large number of councils in England and Wales offer free swimming for under 16’s and over 60’s as part of a government scheme to encourage people to get more active. Check with your closest pool to see if it is taking part in the scheme. At the time of going to press, Scotland and Ireland weren’t running this scheme. To find out more go to: England: www.culture.gov.uk and follow the links to ‘free swimming’; and for Wales: www.new.wales.gov.uk/topics/cultureandsport and follow the links to ‘free swimming’.
Access to free sport: The ASDA Sporting Chance is a community initiative that offers children access to a range of free sports sessions during the school holidays. To take part you will need to collect the vouchers from your nearest ASDA store, then search www.asda-sportingchance.co.uk to find your closest session provider. If your local facility is not participating contact www.asda-sportingchance.co.uk and ASDA will invite them to join the scheme.
Free events at the local playground and park: Enjoy free events in your local neighbourhood by keeping an eye on your local council’s website to discover what’s going on. Also, why not plan a fun outing to the local playground -take a look at Playground Fun - www.playgroundfun.org.uk, an easy-to-use website packed with outdoor games ideas.
Free theatre tickets for under 26’s: Children across England can get free tickets to theatre performances by going to the Arts Council website www.artscouncil.org.uk and choosing a participating theatre.
Find a breathing space – it’s free! : If you fancy a stroll in the fresh air or are looking for somewhere different to take the children for free, you’ll find details of hundreds of places at the BBC Website Breathing Spaces - www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces. Simply type in your postcode or town name online, to get a comprehensive list of green spaces close to you.
The £5 to £20 challenge
Once you’ve exhausted the freebie list of activities, you may wish to root around to see how far your pound will stretch, especially if you have a large family.
Cheap cinema tickets
Most major cinemas offer hugely reduced price tickets for children at special film screenings that often take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Plus, don’t forget Orange Wednesday’s where you can get 2 for 1 cinema tickets - just text FILM to 241 from your Orange phone for a special code which you show to cinema staff.
Arty-crafty based events
A large number of local businesses and community groups arrange craft based workshops that are run at-cost, so all you pay for is the materials used. Sessions usually last two hours and are divided by age group. For a little more money, getting creative with a paintbrush and a specially selected piece of ceramic can quite simply, occupy a child for hours.
Reduced entry to attractions and theme parks
As long as the majority of families hold tight onto the purse strings, many attractions will continue to provide temptation with special offers, such as 2 for 1’s, discounted season tickets and money off vouchers - you can often find these in Primary Times!
More places to find bargain days out:
Keep an eye on www.moneysavingexpert.com, the free site that aims to save you money. Updated regularly, you’ll find the latest offers at many attractions and family friendly restaurants.
And finally…
Last but certainly not least, take a look at www.primarytimes.net for a regular list of well-priced events, exciting activities and original ideas for all the family.
Kirsty Woodgate
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