How to do fun things in half term without spending a fortune.
So I teach a variety of art and eco workshops, for all ages. The thrill I get from people who are chuffed at what they have created and get to take home is priceless. Then they tell me ooh, I can do this with my grandkids or I'm going to make a mini potato wreath from Christmas. I was holding some eco workshops at Hever Castle and people love to feel they have learned something. One lady called Vicky from South London said 'It's great, and I'm not crafty at all!
Half term can be a really stressful time for many parents who have to juggle time off, entertaining kids, and balancing child care costs. For us in Surrey, we have the extra week to consider in a 2 week half term too.
So I thought I'd share some great ways to save money, have plenty of fun and still have a memorable half term break.
Blue Peter Badges
Did you know that children can earn a Blue Peter badge by showing their creativity, interests and achievements? There are several types of badges to choose from.
The Blue Badge is for sharing something interesting, such as a story, poem, picture or idea; The Green Badge celebrates helping the environment;
The Music Badge recognises a love of music;
The Sport Badge is for trying a sport; and
The Book Badge celebrates reading and sharing your thoughts about a book.
The Orange Badge is awarded to winners and runners-up in Blue Peter competitions,
The Gold Badge is a special award for exceptional achievements.
To apply: children aged 5–15 can visit the official Blue Peter website, choose a suitable badge and follow the application instructions, with permission and help from a parent or guardian. You can usually apply online through a BBC account, although application methods vary by badge. Best of all, eligible badge holders with a valid badge ID card can enjoy free entry to participating UK attractions, making it a brilliant way to have fun during half-term while saving money!
The best part is that a Blue Peter badge can help you enjoy free days out at over 200 attractions across the UK!
Popular venues include London Zoo, Hampton Court Palace, RHS Garden Wisley,
Eden Project and Whipsnade Zoo.
Can you imagine getting free entry to these amazing places right up to the kids age of 15? Children from 5-15 can Children 5-15 can apply for a badge, and eligible badge holders need to show their badge and a valid badge ID card. Free entry usually requires an accompanying adult to pay the applicable adult admission price, so check the official Blue Peter attractions list and each venue’s terms before visiting. Always check the badge rules and attraction details before visiting.
As an after school club teacher, I like to encourage kids to either create something, write about something or solve a problem, and as an adult tutor I find a lot of these skills carry on to support employment skills ( I teach employabilty skills too) so I see the range of benefits of being creative and these activities can reduce the comments off on 'Mum, Im bored!' and keep kids entertained and off their Ipads!
I recently spoke to a parent who's husband took their kids to the Tower of London for free and for the price of an adult ticket and travel, they were able to have a great day out with a substantial cost saving on children entrance fees.
We have an Green eco badge, and a Blue one, we did ours in the lockdowns in covid, and doing the the 'activity ' itself is a form of entertainment. Working towards a 'badge' gives the child a sense of achievement and there are so many to collect. It is also so lovely when kids get the letter in the post signed by the Blue Peter team and kids get their own ID card.
Some other activity places to look are......
Local Council's leisure services
Local councils are great at putting on affordable leisure events. In fact if you are local to Surrey, Im doing some clay modelling and fridge magnet making workshops with Reigate and Basntead in Half term. do check the link out. Whereever you live check out your local concil, you will be surprised at what is on offer. School holiday activities | School holiday activities | Reigate and Banstead
Charities, Community groups and Guilds open days
I went to a local textile craft guild open day to see spinners and weavers and all manner of beautiful fabrcis being woven and it was an lovely afternoon seeing these pueces being made. It was free and the only thing I spend was £1 for home made cake.
In the summer we usually go to the local archers group and doing some archery and the costs was about £3 for 6 arrows, again a community to try things out.
Look at your hobbies and see what charities and community organisations are doing open days and events.
Amazon Cinema vouchers
Did you know that if you are an amazon prime member you can get 2 odeon tickets for £10?
Search in your app and the only thing to think about is what you are going to watch!
Other Practical Ways To Save.
Bring a water bottle and packed lunch and snacks. As most know most venues food can be pricey and also main reason is that you can avoid ling queues! You can also control the quality of food to fuel you for the day.
Do check out your Employee Assistance programmes (EAP) with work, often there are reduced price theatre tickets or family friendly acitvities. These are paid for in your perks part of your work, so use it.
Lots of restaurants do cheaper eat deals, one that weve used a lot is Pizza express in the after school club when salads, pizza and drinks were £5 ( from a set menu) so do check them out. Admittedly this offer is for school time only, but there are many others.
Look out for special events that are included in an entry fee. My 2 workshops of making potato mini wreaths and jam jar lanterns for Hever' Castle's yearly Autumn colour were included in the entry fee and usually family (and dog!) friendly. Events | Hever Castle
Whatever you decide to do this half term, there are plenty of things out there, I do a monthly art workshop in the local Eco earls wood farmers market and I still have lots of pictures of what we have done in the past so do check my instagram for art and crafts inspiration.
Happy Holidays!
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