May is a great month for family days out as there are two bank holidays – one at the beginning and one at the end of the month. Add to this the fact that the weather is getting warmer and many seasonal attractions are open and you’ve got a recipe for some great memory making. However, as much as it’s an exciting time, it can become expensive quickly, particularly if you have a large family. So what can you do to keep costs down this year whilst still having a great time? Here are a few of our favourite ideas:
If you live not too far from the coast, a trip to the beach is often a big hit with kids of all ages, and a day spent on the sand doesn’t have to cost a lot at all. Building sandcastles, digging holes and exploring rock pools can keep the brood entertained for hours and doesn’t cost a thing.
Rather than buying food for everyone whilst out and about, why not incorporate a picnic into your day? Whether you’re sitting in a city park or you’re out in the middle of nowhere, a picnic in nice weather feels like a treat and it’ll be much cheaper than buying meals out.
If you live near a large town or city, then there’s likely to be some free entry museums or art galleries. These are perfect for older and inquisitive kids. If the bank holiday weather isn’t what you’d hoped (which, let’s face it, is quite likely here in the UK) then a day out like this will also keep you dry!
If you don’t have the means to get out and about, setting up a treasure hunt for your kids around your home and surrounding area can be great fun. It also has the benefit of keeping them occupied while they work out the clues and find the next destination.
If you decide to take a trip to the beach or to a park or forest, then hand your kids ‘nature bingo’ cards. These can include things like ‘something shiny’, ‘two different flowers’ and ‘something a fairy would find useful’ for example. You can tailor the requirements to the area you’re visiting.
Look online and in local newspapers and magazines ahead of time to see if there are any money off vouchers for attractions near you. You could find a ‘kids go free’ or ‘2for1’ voucher for a nearby theme park or zoo which brings it into your budget level.
If you’re taking the train anywhere over the bank holiday then try to book your tickets well in advance rather than buying them on the day. You can often save a lot of money this way, and you money may well take you further than you thought!