The Easter bank holiday is here when families will be wanting to spend some quality time together before heading back to work and schools.
However, with some attractions coming at a hefty cost, coinciding with a brutal rise in inflation and household outgoings - some people are no doubt looking for fun on a budget so their finances can stretch further.
And it is possible to have fun for cheap or even for free as eateries put on 'kids eat free' offers and museums allowing access without payment.
Read more: When Easter is in 2023 and why Easter Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Monday's date changes
With the cost of living ever-increasing and the half-term break just around the corner, the personal finance experts at Ocean Finance have shared seven activities that won’t break the bank over the bank holiday.
Seven half-term Easter hacks for family fun:
Treat your child to a free meal at these six restaurant chains
During the Easter break, many restaurants are running offers where a child can eat free with a full-paying adult. This includes:
- ASDA – One child can eat for free if an adult spends £4 more. Available after 3:00pm, Monday to Friday.
- Hungry Horse – One child can eat for free if an adult buys a breakfast costing at least £2.99. Available 8am to noon every day.
- M&S Café – One child can eat for free if you spend £5 or more. Available all day.
- Morrisons – One child can eat free if an adult spends £4.50 or more. Available after 3:00pm.
- The Real Greek – One child can eat for free for every £10 spent on an adult meal. Available on Sundays only.
- YO! Sushi – Kids can receive one free meal for every £10 spent on an adult meal. Available 3:30pm-5:30pm, Monday to Thursday.
Ta ke your child to the cinema for as cheap at £2.49
Weather-proof options that are cost-effective this time of year are few and far between. You can, however, take advantage of cheaper showings at your local cinema. It usually means going quite early in the day, but lots of cinemas run cheaper showings with schemes such as:
- Cineworld’s ‘Movies for Juniors’ screenings cost £2.50 for a child.
- 'Odeon Kids' run a deal where the adults pay the same price as a child, with the deal running every day during the school holidays as well as every Saturday and Sunday.
- Vue has ‘Mini Mornings’ screenings from 10am during the school holiday. Both adult and child tickets cost just £2.49 each.
Get 2 for 1 entry at the top attractions around the UK
Did you know that the National Rail runs a 2 for 1 promotion all year round? If you buy a train ticket, you’ll get two entry tickets for the price of one at a huge number of attractions around the UK, such as Thorpe Park Resort, Cadbury World, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, SEA LIFE, and Chessington World of Adventure Resort.
Ocean Finance also has a helpful guide on buying cheap train tickets.
See what family-friendly events are running at your local library
Books are the ultimate all-around activity. They’re entertaining, help your children learn and are completely weather-proof (the art of reading anyway, don't leave your books out in the rain).
Libraries also mean you can borrow for free or read in a quiet free-to-access environment, cutting costs down even further. Plus, many host family-friendly events for free over the school holidays.
Check out their website or social media pages for more information.
Pack a budget-friendly picnic and explore a new area
If the weather permits, few activities are as rewarding as taking a walk (or even a cycle) up one of the UK’s many hills and mountains. Dependent on the fitness and adventurous spirit of your family, there are short ascents or hardy treks up the nation’s biggest summits.
You can always go for a coastal walk or woodland adventure if you’re uninclined for an incline. Packing a picnic will also help keep costs down, and snacks and drinks are essential for any lengthy jaunt.
Always remember to check the weather beforehand and make sure you have the right standard of equipment for your activity.
Explore your local museum for free
Many museums host free events over half term, which is ideal for those extra rainy days. Here are some examples across the North East:
- Newcastle – Discovery Museum or the Great North Hancock Museum
- Sunderland - Winter Gardens and Museum
Join the National Trust from £6.95 a month
Did you know that National Trust attractions make up over 500 days out across the UK – with many running family-specific events? These provide you and your kids with experiences to learn about all sorts, as well as absorb nature and the UK’s rich history.
Family membership is £133.80 a year, which can be paid out as a single annual payment or £11.15 monthly. That gives two adults at the same address free entry to any site, along with up to 10 of their children or grandchildren.
It’s £83.40 a year or £6.95 a month for a family membership with one adult. You can also pay on the day and per attraction as well, with the prices varying - be sure to check the website beforehand for individual costs.
