The school holidays always seem to come around so quickly and before you know it you’re scrambling for things to do to keep your child entertained. It can be hard to think of activities that don’t cost a fortune, and it’s even harder when you have children of different ages; however, with a little bit of imagination and effort you can organise fun-packed days which don’t break the bank. Read on for some tips from an independent school in London on how you can keep your child entertained during the school holidays.

Make home fun

It’s not realistic for your child to expect you to take them out somewhere every day, but you can make your home a fun environment with a little creativity. You could organise a movie day to watch all their favourite films, or order some new ones in advance to get excited about. Then all you have to do is get the snacks and make yourselves comfortable. You could also spend a day cooking your child’s favourite cakes or cookies, and make a day of it by shopping together for the ingredients, baking different things, and then enjoying eating them afterwards! Another good idea is to organise a treasure hunt in your house and garden with clues for your child to find treats hidden around the house.

Look for free or low-cost local activities

Local councils often run free or reduced-cost activities for children in the school holidays, so take a look at your council’s website or search online. Visit your local library or community centre and see if they’re putting on any events. You might find that your local swimming pool is offering free or low-cost entrance in the holidays, and often leisure centres arrange taster sessions for various sports which your child might be interested in.

Get outdoors

The great thing about nature is that it’s completely free! Take your child for a picnic in the park, or build a den in the woods. If the weather’s good a trip to the beach is always fun and you should be able to relax for a bit while they build sand castles and play in the sea. If your child loves football, grab a ball for a kickabout in the park, or take them to a local play area. There are so many things you can do outdoors that don’t cost a penny.

While it’s nice to have some exciting days out to look forward to in the holidays, the options really are endless when it comes to low-cost activities if you take some time to think and plan ahead.