Summer is officially here, and while that means warmer days, ice creams and paddling pools, it also heralds the arrival of the six-week school holiday.

For kids, the summer holidays are the best thing ever, as they can enjoy those long summer days having fun with family and friends. However, parents can often feel the pressure to constantly entertain your child and ‘keep up with the Joneses’. 

Taking your children out for day trips can be expensive, particularly in light of the current economic climate. Never fear, though - there are plenty of fun things you can do from in the comfort of your own home.

Here are our top five ideas for fun, affordable - or, even better - free entertainment.

1. Build a den

Let the kids loose in the living room with pillows, duvets, and more. You could even turn the den into an overnight sleeping spot. Dress it up with fairy lights, cosy blankets, and their favourite toys and books for hours of entertainment. 

2. Ready steady cook

Whether it’s baking their favourite sweet treats, or helping cook a family dinner, get your kids involved in the kitchen. Making your own pizzas is always a winner, as they can have fun experimenting with different toppings.  

3. Green fingers

Plant seeds either indoors in a pot, or outside in the garden. Teach your little ones how to nurture and nourish the plants, and watch them grow. You could even name them and have a competition to see whose is the first to flower.  

4. Dine al fresco

Pack up your lunch, pop out to the garden or your nearest park, and set up a picnic. Letting the kids enjoy their lunch in the great outdoors is a fantastic way for everyone to stretch their legs and get some fresh air.  

5. Camp out

If the weather is good, why not camp out in the back garden for a fun alternative to a sleepover? Have a night away from your TV and phone screens by taking board games to play and books to read. You could even try stargazing!

Above all, it’s important to remember that the most important thing about the summer holidays is spending quality time with your kids. Not every day has to be filled with activity - just watching a film with them can serve as quality family time.

Thanks to the lighter evenings, summer gives us a chance to live a little differently for a while, so make the most of it while you can. Before you know it, they’ll be back to school and summer will be over in the blink of an eye! 

Important information

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend on your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.

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