ARE you HELPING out with the kids over the hols?
Grandparents will spend £15.80 per day looking after each grandchild this summer, according to new research from MyVoucherCodes.co.uk.
If you want to trim that cost, plan ahead with these ideas.
FIND THE FREEBIES: Many local attractions such as parks and museums offer free admission or activities for children over the hols.
It’s also worth checking out the websites of your local council and your favourite shops.
For example, Hobbycraft is running free crafting classes for kids.
STAY HOME: Get busy at home with some fun activities with little or no prep.
Have your own arts and crafts session and build a rocket with the little ones or a castle using items from the recycling bin.
Another idea is to get the kids cooking with an afternoon of baking using what you have in the cupboard, or hide toys in the garden and encourage them to go on a treasure hunt.
READ ALL ABOUT IT: Libraries are a great place for free entertainment.
Many offer storytimes and other free events for children during school holidays, so check their websites to make sure you know what’s on.
You can also kill some time choosing books and picking out films and games to keep kids busy at home afterwards.
TOP DEALS: There are so many discounts for seniors and special family deals for theme parks and local events during the holidays.
Groupon.co.uk has 70 per cent off “things to do with kids” in a sale on right now, with great deals on entry to zoos and inflatable play parks.
It’s also a good idea to skim your local paper to see what is coming up.
MAKE FRIENDS: Meet up with other grandparents or parents for playdates and group activities to share the load.
You could plan a toy swap to avoid buying something new or plan a trip together and save on the train fare with up to a third off travel as a group — or even more with a family and friends railcard.
GET OUTDOORS: Hiking or nature trails are usually free, and they can keep children occupied for hours.
Find one near you and head off with a pen, paper and bag, so that kids can draw their natural surroundings and even pick leaves and sticks for a crafts session when you get home.
SUMMER days call for an Aperol Spritz or three.
Get a bottle of Aperol at Tesco, usually £17, now £13, when you scan your Tesco Clubcard.
SAVE: £4
SCHOOL hols have arrived, so fill up your snack drawer.
A pack of Fox’s Rocky biscuits was £1.25, now 95p at Morrisons.
SAVE: 30p
DID you know the Despicable Me 4 The Ultimate Fart Blaster has been a top seller at The Entertainer?
Pick one up this weekend and save £10 if you spend £60, or £20 if spending £100, using the code SAVEMORE at thetoyshop.com.
ARRIVE at the airport in style with a bright IT Luggage cabin case, £40, or pick up the similar Dunelm Elements Athens cabin case for £30 instead.
SAVE: £10
DONATE old school uniforms at one of 65 Wacky Warehouse sites before Sep 2 to help families in need and you could win £1,000 of B&M vouchers for your child’s school. See wackyware house.co.uk/uniform.
THIS GoodHome rattan-effect bench will look great in your garden.
Previously £140, it’s now £70 at B&Q (diy.com), cushion included.
SAVE: £70
SKIP Nando’s tonight and instead treat yourself to a portion of Roosters mac ’n’ cheese, £1.49, new at Aldi.
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