Day trips on a budget

When your children grow up it will be the quality time you spent with them that they remember.

Sometimes the more creative you are the bigger adventure it is for your children and the journey can be half the fun. You could also check out our article on Things to do on a rainy day.

Go by bike; getting out on bike is fun, cheap and good exercise. In some areas there are cycle routes so you do not have to go on the road. If you have not got bikes see if you can borrow one or buy a second hand bike. Check out the details for the ‘freecycle’ website below, you maybe able to get one for free!

Picnics; go for a picnic in the park with friends, take bats and balls. Try going somewhere new, you could cycle, get the train or share a car. See the cheap eats section for cheap and healthy food to take.

Go somewhere new by train; it is possible to get cheap train tickets if you book in advance, you can also get a family rail card which will cut the price. If you check out prices on line you may save money and see the ‘moneysavingexpert’ link below to get cheap tickets.

Museums and galleries; often local museums and galleries are free; it’s a great thing to do on a rainy day and it is also educational and fun! Google museums and your town name for local information. Below is a link to free London museums, if you are near enough you could have a cultured day out in the capital and eat a picnic in one of London’s beautiful parks.

The great outdoors; go for a walk, some children maybe reluctant but once they get out there they often enjoy it and its free! Find out about local beauty spots. For younger children make a game out of the walk, give them a list of things to find such a something yellow, something wooden, something plastic etc and give them a treat when they have found everything on the list. Go to your local council website for details of local walks.

Fly a kite in the park; if you can’t afford a new one buy a second hand on off e-bay.

Walk a dog; Find out about your local dog’s home on the internet many of them need volunteers to take dogs for a walk, this is also a good way to get kids walking without the moaning.

Tips

• Take your own food; buying snacks out is expensive. 
• Book train tickets in advance. 
• If you have car ask a friend and share the price of petrol. 
• If you don’t have a car, ask a friend who does and suggest sharing the petrol. 
• If there is an expensive attraction that you want to visit check the website and see if they have any cheap deals or go with a friend and share the cost of a family ticket. 
• Check out the website for your local council and see what’s in the leisure and culture section, some things will be free! Look out for events in the parks in summer. 
• Be a tourist! Check out the website for the local tourist board and look for local for free events, if you are bored of your home town or city visit a neighbouring city.

To find fun, low cost activities taking place in your area visit Your Local Support & Events

As a single parent you are responsible for all the entertainment, with often no-one to discuss it with or share the cost. So going out and about on a budget can be difficult but there are ways to have a good time with children which doesn’t cost the earth. If you have had any great days out or are looking for further inspiration, come and share with other single parents around the country in the Just for Fun Discussions