The school holidays over Easter can be a tricky time for parents as they try to stick to a household budget without stopping their children from enjoying the time away from the classroom, especially if they are preparing for exams next month. Energy bills are also expected to go up over the school break, due to the increased amount of hours spent at home, plugged into electronics, watching TV or playing video games.
But, it’s also worthwhile remembering that we’re now officially in springtime, which should mean milder weather with warmer temperatures and a lot more daylight, so spending time outdoors is a must, whether that’s in the garden, a day away or a trip to the local park.
Many families will be looking for ways to save money this Easter and the team at Choosewisely.co.uk have rounded up 16 ways to have a great time without burning a hole in your wallet.
Easter egg hunt
Celebrate Easter by organising a fun-filled Easter egg hunt in your garden or home. Hide some tasty treats or small gifts in different places, and watch as the excitement builds while the kids search high and low. It's the perfect activity to get everyone in the Easter spirit.
Easter egg decorating competition
Get creative this Easter with an Easter egg decorating competition. No need to break the bank - just raid your cupboards for items like food colouring, stickers, and sweets to use. With a little imagination, you can transform plain eggs into colourful, unique works of art.
Family movie night
Enjoy a festive movie night by watching a classic Easter-themed or child-friendly film such as 'It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown', 'Hop', 'Chicken Run', 'Paddington', or 'Peter Rabbit'. Gather the family, make some popcorn, and settle in for a cosy evening of entertainment.
Bake Easter-themed treats
Take your Easter celebrations up a notch by baking some Easter-themed treats that'll leave your taste buds craving more. Get creative in the kitchen with hot cross buns or a traditional simnel cake.
Visit a museum or art gallery that offers free admission
A quick search on your favourite search engine with the keywords ‘Free things to do in [insert your location]’ will throw back lots of options. From cathedrals to museums and galleries, you'll be amazed at the multitude of attractions that don't require an admission fee.
Random acts of kindness
Challenge yourself and your family to see who can perform the most random acts of kindness in a day. Try litter picking, flashing a smile at everyone you meet, complimenting a stranger, or letting someone skip ahead of you in a queue. Make it a competition and see who can brighten up the most people's day.
Organise a picnic
Choose a public green space that catches your fancy and invite your loved ones to join you for a picnic. Do some research on the perfect location and make sure it's easily accessible to everyone. Ask your friends and family to bring their favourite picnic blankets, food, and drinks, and enjoy a relaxing day out in nature.
Host a BYO BBQ
Weather permitting, host a bring-your-own BBQ - your loved ones won't mind sharing the cost of the food and drink and will just be grateful you're doing all the cooking and cleaning up - hopefully the weather will hold up and if not, take the cookout indoors.
Group walk
Gather a group of loved ones and organise a ramble around your local beauty spots. Remember to bring a flask of your favourite hot drink to keep you warm as you take in the stunning sights and sounds of Scotland. It's a wonderful way to connect with nature and spend some quality time with your loved ones.
Be flexible
Are you looking for a budget-friendly travel option? Being open-minded about your destination and activities can help you snag amazing last-minute deals on travel and hosting websites. The more flexible you can be with your plans, the more likely you'll find an incredible steal. So, keep your options open and explore new places and activities that you might not have considered before. Who knows, you might discover your new favourite destination at an unbeatable price.
Dine out at lunchtime rather than dinnertime
Eating out can be costly, but there are some tricks to help you save money. Many restaurants offer lower-priced lunchtime menus, so try booking a table earlier in the day to enjoy the same food at a fraction of the dinner price.
Go geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor adventure that requires using your mobile phone and navigation skills to locate and hide containers known as "geocaches" or "caches" marked by coordinates all over the world. It's not just a fun activity for kids, but it's also a fantastic way to teach them about navigation and give them a taste of real-life treasure hunting.
Camp in your garden
If you're looking for a fun and low-cost adventure for your kids, why not borrow some camping gear from a friend and set up a tent in your garden? Your children will love the novelty of sleeping outside under the stars, and you'll still have the convenience of your own bathrooms and showers. It's a fantastic way to spend quality time together as a family without breaking the bank or going too far from home.
Play outdoor games
What better way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine than by playing outdoor games like rounders? Gather your friends, family, and neighbours for a fun-filled day of physical activity and laughter. Rounders is a game that everyone can enjoy and participate in, and it’s a perfect opportunity to bond with your loved ones and make new memories together while getting some exercise in the great outdoors.
Use your loyalty points
Check your supermarket loyalty card balances - you might have earned free tickets to some of the UK's top attractions. It's worth taking a few minutes to dig out your login details and see what rewards you've accumulated. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you've earned!
Visit public spaces
There's no shortage of stunning beaches, parks, and landscapes to explore in the UK, and many of them are completely free. Pack a picnic and bring a frisbee for the kids to enjoy while taking in the breathtaking scenery. It's a great way to spend a day without breaking the bank.
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