FabSwingers.com forum: Why is summer holidays so expensive???

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I have budgeted the holidays as I knew we have to be saving for a new car. But every trip out, even a walk through the local park involves a 'I'm hungry/thirsty'. Or near a shop 'please can I have.....'

What things are you currently doing with the kids that is cheap and cheerful?

Or any past times which you loved and didn't break the bank!

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By *evonshireboyMan
over a year ago

North Devon

Took mine to the beach with a frisbee, a kite and a plastic boules game last night

That passed a few hours completely for free. Bought ice creams from Lidl on the way home.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That them to the park but take a picnic.

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By *iss InnocenceWoman
over a year ago

Coventry

When my son was younger we did a lot of picnics in the diff local parks, and going to the 2 local museums and doing the free activities they put on there, but now he older (nearly 12) he doesn't want to do those things. Tbh he done nothing these hoildays apart frm going to the park on his bike wiv his new friends he's made as I not got the money to do anything wiv him this summer as not really wrking

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By *eplicant JoWoman
over a year ago

Sussex countryside

Always make sure you have drinks and snacks in your bag when you go out.

We have had blanket fort days, get some microwave popcorn to pop yourself, a good dvd and some squash etc. Build a fort, fill with cushions, snacks etc put on a film

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

Summer holidays are a huge strain on family's financially.

A local play scheme here has a family lunch each week where all members of the family can go and eat free. Just feeding children one extra meal every say can put a huge burden on household incomes.

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By *iss InnocenceWoman
over a year ago

Coventry

Could also see if your local Cinema (odeon) runs a kids club used to been £2,50 for a child and parent goes free but think it's £2.50 each now, it's not up to date films but ones a few years old

But still a cheap morning out if u bring your own sweets and pop

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I used to take my son to art galleries and museums .He used to love it .Alot are free .

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By *izzy RascallMan
over a year ago

Cardiff

Does your council do a free swim incentive for kids OP?

When mine was younger I'd take her a few times a week.

Any nice local walks?

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull

Google national trust 50 things

It's a guide to 50 things to do before your kids are 12yo

There's nothing on it that those of us who grew up in the 70"s don't already know as we we're let out from dawn till dusk for 6 weeks of the summer holidays without any money.

Make jam sarnies, take squash #sorted

You'll have moans and groans about no wifi, why isn't den building an app etc but within an hour or so of climbing trees, skimming stones etc they'll love it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I am haemorraging money this holiday. I have 3 and taking them ANYWHERE is so expensive but keeping them in at home is hell too!

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By *iss.HoneyWoman
over a year ago

...

I struggle with a free day out

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Google national trust 50 things

It's a guide to 50 things to do before your kids are 12yo

There's nothing on it that those of us who grew up in the 70"s don't already know as we we're let out from dawn till dusk for 6 weeks of the summer holidays without any money.

Make jam sarnies, take squash #sorted

You'll have moans and groans about no wifi, why isn't den building an app etc but within an hour or so of climbing trees, skimming stones etc they'll love it."

Kids today have no idea. They can't amuse themselves. Dread to think what they'll be like as adults.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Take a rucksack with drinks and food. Nature trails.

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By *elma and ShaggyCouple
over a year ago

Bedworth

Google geocaching. Most kids love it and it's free. Download a free smartphone app, set up an account, pack food n drinks and away you go

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By *izzy RascallMan
over a year ago

Cardiff

"Google national trust 50 things

It's a guide to 50 things to do before your kids are 12yo

There's nothing on it that those of us who grew up in the 70"s don't already know as we we're let out from dawn till dusk for 6 weeks of the summer holidays without any money.

Make jam sarnies, take squash #sorted

You'll have moans and groans about no wifi, why isn't den building an app etc but within an hour or so of climbing trees, skimming stones etc they'll love it.

Kids today have no idea. They can't amuse themselves. Dread to think what they'll be like as adults. "

Probably spend all day on forums posting replies.

Possibly here.

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull

"I am haemorraging money this holiday. I have 3 and taking them ANYWHERE is so expensive but keeping them in at home is hell too! "

Your imagination is free, it takes ages but fire the kids imagination and you don't need to spend much.

Obviously it depends on there ages but are you sure there aren't mystical creatures in the local woods that like children to make dens for shelters for them(2 trips second one some one has left bits that make it look like it's been used)

Do the creatures leave a note saying they need x,y,z and the children then spend time collecting things to leave(can be things in the wood or home, cotton wool etc)

Imagine the surprise when you leave the goods(in a small box) and on your return it's gone with a thank you note.

Then you've got a rainy day making letters for the creatures, drawing pictures of what they think they look like, making posters to brighten up the den for them.

Free your mind away from theme parks and money events and the possibilities are endless

Ps obviously stroppy 15yo might take some persuading about the creatures

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull

"Google geocaching. Most kids love it and it's free. Download a free smartphone app, set up an account, pack food n drinks and away you go"

My youngest loved that and the catching creatures app(can't remember the name) or if it's still being used

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Google national trust 50 things

It's a guide to 50 things to do before your kids are 12yo

There's nothing on it that those of us who grew up in the 70"s don't already know as we we're let out from dawn till dusk for 6 weeks of the summer holidays without any money.

Make jam sarnies, take squash #sorted

You'll have moans and groans about no wifi, why isn't den building an app etc but within an hour or so of climbing trees, skimming stones etc they'll love it.

Kids today have no idea. They can't amuse themselves. Dread to think what they'll be like as adults.

Probably spend all day on forums posting replies.

Possibly here."

While wanking. (((

)))

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull

"I struggle with a free day out "

I'll buy you drinks in a pub all day if that helps

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By *izzy RascallMan
over a year ago

Cardiff

"Google national trust 50 things

It's a guide to 50 things to do before your kids are 12yo

There's nothing on it that those of us who grew up in the 70"s don't already know as we we're let out from dawn till dusk for 6 weeks of the summer holidays without any money.

Make jam sarnies, take squash #sorted

You'll have moans and groans about no wifi, why isn't den building an app etc but within an hour or so of climbing trees, skimming stones etc they'll love it.

Kids today have no idea. They can't amuse themselves. Dread to think what they'll be like as adults.

Probably spend all day on forums posting replies.

Possibly here.

While wanking. (((

)))"

They are going to break the NHS with the need for eye care and wrist supports.

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By *ob198XaMan
over a year ago

teleford

Chuck a few bottles of water and some apples in the bag and offer them out when the moaning starts. Tell them if they want anything else it comes from their own finances and give a modest allowance. Healthier, cheaper and good for them to learn the value of money. Course if they have been spoilt to date then they will bitch and moan like it's the end of the world...

When they do, cut the allowance...

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By *izzy RascallMan
over a year ago

Cardiff

" and offer them out"

You facking want some do you? Do you? cos I'll facking give it to you.

Teach them young, self defence is important

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I took my daughters to the Natural History Museum apart from the travel and preparing a picnic it was an inexpensive and great day out

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Google geocaching. Most kids love it and it's free. Download a free smartphone app, set up an account, pack food n drinks and away you go"

Will definitely Google this one later thanks

off to the park with a picnic today

Will be venturing to a National Trust site once pay day comes along. I know it's not an extortionate amount, but £34, just to get in and each activity is £2 extra per head

Now where is that money tree I planted............

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I am haemorraging money this holiday. I have 3 and taking them ANYWHERE is so expensive but keeping them in at home is hell too!

Your imagination is free, it takes ages but fire the kids imagination and you don't need to spend much.

Do the creatures leave a note saying they need x,y,z and the children then spend time collecting things to leave(can be things in the wood or home, cotton wool etc)

Imagine the surprise when you leave the goods(in a small box) and on your return it's gone with a thank you note.

Then you've got a rainy day making letters for the creatures, drawing pictures of what they think they look like, making posters to brighten up the den for them.

Free your mind away from theme parks and money events and the possibilities are endless

Ps obviously stroppy 15yo might take some persuading about the creatures

Problem is I spend more sodding time arranging and sorting things than they would actually be interested in. I was the same as a child.

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull

"I am haemorraging money this holiday. I have 3 and taking them ANYWHERE is so expensive but keeping them in at home is hell too!

Your imagination is free, it takes ages but fire the kids imagination and you don't need to spend much.

Do the creatures leave a note saying they need x,y,z and the children then spend time collecting things to leave(can be things in the wood or home, cotton wool etc)

Imagine the surprise when you leave the goods(in a small box) and on your return it's gone with a thank you note.

Then you've got a rainy day making letters for the creatures, drawing pictures of what they think they look like, making posters to brighten up the den for them.

Free your mind away from theme parks and money events and the possibilities are endless

Ps obviously stroppy 15yo might take some persuading about the creatures

Problem is I spend more sodding time arranging and sorting things than they would actually be interested in. I was the same as a child. "

I think you're thinking about it way to much and trying to plan for every eventuality.

Just make sandwiches and juice,go to a wood and say let's make a den, the other stuff doesn't have to happen

There imagination will lead to other things.

Ps spending time with you being silly is what they need not planning etc if there's no coat and it rains so what.

Just enjoy making memories, you don't get the time again

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By *unandbuckCouple
over a year ago

Sheffield

We are lucky to be able to do foreign holidays. But at the same time, we've had awesome trips in the uk. We've done hiking and camping weekends that have only cost 10's of pounds. Youth hostels these days are touching ibis type quality and some are in country houses.

Take food and snacks on trips if you need to. A day out in the countryside can cost the same as being at home.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well so far this holidays. I've manage ok so far. We've been to the beach. Even frew parking and a long walk around the coast up to the castle. They loved it. Then did take them to another but had to pay a bit. But was worth it .as they had the dragons that are touring the castles. Plus a pinic was packed.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just seen a group of mothers in park with wind breakers and bbq and all kids playing nice in park .That's a cheap day too spend having fun .Mothers did have a few bottles of prosseco

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By *orkie321bWoman
over a year ago

Nottingham

There is loads of free stuff to do with kids in my area. Try google to find things near to you.

Some of the stuff we have include a beach with bars, paddling pool etc set up in the city centre. Windmill and science discovery park. City farm just outside the city centre. Paddling pool and play park just outside the city centre. Some free activities at libraries and leisure centres. Sherwood forest visitor centre (track down robin hood

All of these are free but some need to be booked in advance. Our bus and tram operators all do a family group ticket for fiver making getting there easy and reasonably cheap and packing up a picnic doesn't cost much either.

There is also lots of stuff you could do at home to keep them occupied, particularly useful on rainy days. Get the kids baking some yummy stuff. Cakes are easy and cheap, all you need is flour, butter (or margarine), sugar and eggs - you can add in any flavourings you like. Shortcrust pastry is easy to make too. Use cutters and a shallow tin and make jam tarts. Home made pizza using pitta breads for the base and tomato puree for the sauce - the kids can make their own and even picky eaters will enjoy eating it because they get to choose what they put on it.

If you have a printer at home you can buy iron on transfer paper from wilkos for £3. Get the kids to do their own design and customize some of their clothes.

If they like making stuff pick up some cheap knitting needles and wool (you can get in many charity shops) and learn to knit. There are thousands of instructional videos on you tube to help.

The possibilities really are endless, all it takes is a little imagination and some planning.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I have budgeted the holidays as I knew we have to be saving for a new car. But every trip out, even a walk through the local park involves a 'I'm hungry/thirsty'. Or near a shop 'please can I have.....'

What things are you currently doing with the kids that is cheap and cheerful?

Or any past times which you loved and didn't break the bank! "

Just come back from Dubai after 6500 lihter in the pocket

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By *ob198XaMan
over a year ago

teleford

What things are you currently doing with the kids that is cheap and cheerful?

Or any past times which you loved and didn't break the bank!

Just come back from Dubai after 6500 lihter in the pocket"

Dam your weekend job must pay well!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

What things are you currently doing with the kids that is cheap and cheerful?

Or any past times which you loved and didn't break the bank!

Just come back from Dubai after 6500 lihter in the pocket

Dam your weekend job must pay well! "

I work 2 jobs bruv and the s ecound is a 1000 a month which paid for the holiday

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By *unandbuckCouple
over a year ago

Sheffield

What things are you currently doing with the kids that is cheap and cheerful?

Or any past times which you loved and didn't break the bank!

Just come back from Dubai after 6500 lihter in the pocket"

How is that info useful to someone posting about fun budget activities with kids??

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By *huckzMan
over a year ago

spalding

What things are you currently doing with the kids that is cheap and cheerful?

Tell them to climb a tree .....tis free ya know lol

Or any past times which you loved and didn't break the bank! "

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

Picnics, parks, country parks, museums. See whats going off local to you via the library. Swimming.

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By *iss InnocenceWoman
over a year ago

Coventry

Any ideas for a 12 and 13 year old to do??

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

What things are you currently doing with the kids that is cheap and cheerful?

Or any past times which you loved and didn't break the bank!

Just come back from Dubai after 6500 lihter in the pocket

How is that info useful to someone posting about fun budget activities with kids??"

He's probably hoping skint women will see it and want to fuck him.

£££££

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull

"Any ideas for a 12 and 13 year old to do??"

Ask them what they want to do

At that age they think they are adults(obviously not) if you tell them you're taking them on a trip to the swimming pool they'll turn there nose up at it but if they suggest swimming it will be the best time ever.

Whatever you do ask them if they want to bring a friend and hopefully that gets reciprocated so taking two friends means two invites for your child to go somewhere else.

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By *iss InnocenceWoman
over a year ago

Coventry

Been swimming already a few times and took a few of his mates wiv him and I sat and watch them plus his had 2 sleeps over wiv 5 kids staying each time and his only slept out once these holidays!!

Am off wrk for 2 wks frm nxt wk and got my friend daughter staying so need to keep the both busy wivout spenting hardly any money as broke intill paid day

Was so much easeir when he was younger

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By *litterbabeWoman
over a year ago

hiding from cock pics.

Quite a few home craft projects can be really good fun. Recently with my 10 and 13 year old we made a rainy day box for the 10 year old, and a homework organiser for the 13 year old.

If you google homework organiser you should be able to find a very interesting shoebox project that looks absolutely fabulous now and of course, she is also very proud of herself. All we needed was a shoebox, some empty toilet roll tubes, some wrapping paper and a few (existing) stationery supplies to fill it.

A very good rainy day project.

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