Free (or almost free)
trips that will entertain the children
Everyone gets bored with the same old things and there are many companies out there trying to persuade parents that spending money is the only answer to entertaining children, but that doesn’t need to be the case. In fact making the effort to have fun on a budget is so rewarding it can feel better than expensive trips and treats.
My children and I have tried all of these out at one time or another and all, even the unorthodox ones, have been successful. I’ve been amazed at how generous the adults at the various places have been once I’ve explained what we are doing and that we will take care with their things
Garden centres. You’ve got the pets section and garden sheds, playhouses and conservatories, garden furniture and the swinging benches. They’re all winners. Garden centres are a great go to, first port of call. Twenty Pence garden centre in Wilburton also has a little outdoor play area with sit on cars and a sand pit.
Show homes. I know, bear with me. Tell the salesperson that you aren’t interested in buying but are curious and want to look round, get the children to take off their shoes and get on with playing houses on a real life scale.
Car showrooms. Perfect for a rainy day. Try out the people carriers — change the seat configurations, see what’s possible. Again taking off shoes and leaving them outside the car gets the sales people on your side.
New play areas. Don’t go to the usual one, try further afield. New is novel and interesting. You could grade them in several areas to make a chart of the ones you’ve visited.
Picnic in a homemade tent in the garden or in the living room if it’s raining. A sheet over a laundry airer or over a washing line with a blanket on the ground is all you need. All children love a picnic.
Neighbourhood bingo. Make a card with letters, numbers or both on it and go for a walk. Find house numbers, road names, signposts and even words painted on the road.
Department store. Play what would you/I/Grandad wear to a Royal Wedding/a car race/to do the gardening, or guess what unusual kitchen utensils are designed for.
Museums with free entry. In the local area that includes the Fitzwilliam, Zoology, the Scott Polar Museum, Ely Cathedral as well as many others. Pack snacks to eat outside in the grounds and talk about what you’ve seen.
Antiques. Look round a big antiques or secondhand furniture place, Waterside Antiques, Willingham Auctions are amazing places to browse. You’ll remember some items from your grandparents house, you’re like a living piece of history.
You’re like a living piece of history.
Local events. Reach Fair, Strawberry Fair, Science Week are all well advertised and free.
Visit a new park. Cherry Hinton, Coldham’s Common and Lammas Land are great places for a walk. A perfect winter walk snack is baked new potatoes wrapped in foil and then in a tea towel to keep them warm with a pot of hummus for dipping.
Finally, try some free sport. There are many taster sessions at Parklife and other local events or do a free, timed, short run, there are three local junior parkruns in Milton, Wimpole and Huntingdon.
After all that activity don’t feel guilty about spending a bit of time at home. Boredom doesn’t stifle your child, it provides thinking spaces, time to invent and imagine. If you think back to your own childhood some of your favourite memories will not feature any adults at all, they will usually be with friends and often outdoors.
To help make these memories, give your children space and time with you in the background, for support only when they have tried and need that bit of extra help.
I’d love to hear of any ideas you have for free days out. Please do get in touch. Why not visit the Beach Babies Facebook page too?
Thanks for reading,
Tracy
