Free and cheap activities for the kids during May half term – from Legoland to splashpads
WHEN May half term comes around, parents across the UK can breathe a sigh of relief knowing there is plenty they can do to keep their children occupied for free.
That's because, as the weather warms up, we can make the most of cheap, or free, days out while the kids are off school.
It's a good job too, as I often find that this half term costs almost as much as the summer holidays if you want to go away - which is why me and my family like to hunker down at home and enjoy budget-friendly day trips that won't break the bank.
Here's how you can do the same.
Museum specials
According to the Museums Association, there are almost 1,800 museums in the UK are free to enter.
Many of these are holding additional special free activities for kids during half term.
For instance, in London, the British Museum is hosting a series of free family activities inspired by their new Ancient India exhibition and the National Maritime Museum has free storytelling and workshops on the wonders of the ocean.
In Manchester, the has free dance workshops and storytelling as part of a collaboration with Afrocats.
In Edinburgh, the is hosting a day of free performances and activities to kick off the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival.
To find out more about what's happening in a museum near you, head to the .
Get hands on with art galleries
Many of the country's top art galleries hold child-friendly sessions and workshops during the school holidays, and May half term is no exception.
The is holding special sessions in the Roden Centre for Creative Learning, showing children how to decode pictures.
The Tate Modern has a free programme of art and activities for kids as part of its .
In Liverpool, The Walker Art Gallery is hosting a , where kids can make their own masterpiece to take home.
Head to the big parks
Many of the country's top parks are hosting free activities and festivals over half term.
In the capital, Brockwell Park is hosting which claims to be London's biggest kids' festival.
Free to enter, it has live music, creative workshops, skateboard lessons, theatre and much more.
For something a little quieter, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens are hosting nature roadshows, and Greenwich Park is holding a - inspiring kids through nature-based play.
In Manchester, Heaton Park is holding its throughout the entire half term, with craft-making, family-friendly films and traditional games.
Splashpads and paddling pools
Getting out and about in the fresh air is so much easier if the weather is warm.
Pack a picnic and head for your nearest park so the little ones can let off steam.
In May lots of councils will be opening up their splashpads and paddling pools for the summer season, so check those out if you feel like you've done all your other local outside spaces to death over the winter.
Most are free to access and there's often other facilities like playgrounds nearby, so you can make a day of it.
We also love a lido, but you usually have to pay.
If you have monthly membership at your local leisure centre or your kids take swimming lessons there, it can sometimes cover taking a dip in the outdoor pool, so it's worth checking.
Don't forget the suncream and hats!
Start of season offers
Lots of visitor attractions want to start the summer in style, so you'll often find some good deals if you keep your eyes peeled.
The more visitors they can get through the doors in May, the more their site will appear on social media, so it's worth their while to keep costs low at the start of the season while they build up a buzz.
And some seasonal sites are still getting fully up and running after the winter so aren't charging full price yet.
One year, we spotted an incredible deal on social media for Legoland Discovery Centre in Birmingham over May half term, which dropped prices to less than £10 per person, compared to more than £20 per person at peak times normally.
We had a fantastic day out for less than £50 at a place that would normally be out of budget.
Annual passes about to expire
May half-term can be a great time to make one last visit to any attractions covered by a pay once, visit all year scheme, particularly if you're planning to go away at the start of the summer holidays.
There's nothing more annoying than getting out annual passes and finding they are a few days out of date when you want to use them again.
Last summer, we visited thein Leicester at the very start of August and entry tickets are converted into an annual pass if you prebook online.
So I need to make sure to use our tickets again in May half term or the start of the summer holidays if I don't want to miss out on a return visit.
Launch parties
Lots of places will be launching new or refurbished attractions in time for May half term, so it's worth taking a look at whether there's any launch parties you can latch onto or new locations near you that you haven't visited before.
The National Trust has just announced that which has a children's playground and heritage parkland, will reopen in time for the half term holiday.
This former monastic house in the Midlands city had been operating independently but will now be part of the National Trust, so members can get in free and there will be a programme of children's activities provided.
Bouncy castles in beer gardens
If the sun is out, there's nowhere better to enjoy the great British summer than a beer garden, particularly if it's got bouncy castles, sandpits or games to keep the kids happy.
While you might be expected to buy a round of drinks, you can choose how much to spend and the bouncy castle itself is usually free, so the kids can have fun for as long as they like.
Our local has even gone one step further and opened a small soft play and ballpit for younger children in its outdoor space. You can treat yourself to some pub grub and a drink instead of splashing out on entry fees and parking costs.
Even better, if it's within walking distance of home, you haven't got any travel costs either!
Having a great half-term doesn't have to cost much at all.
It's all about thinking outside the box and making the most of what's on your doorstep. And supporting local sites is a great way to keep them open to all, so it's a win win.
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: “Don’t feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
“Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don’t let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older kids to power down but it’s important to set some ground rules.
“Set family tech rules together. If you’re often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren’t allowed any screen time until they’ve done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
“Are there times when you’d like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
“Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.”
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: “If you’re juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
“If you can’t afford or don’t want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids’ workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
“Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
“Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
“Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they’re wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They’ll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.”
