With the Jubilee Bank Holiday just behind us, we have a fresh example of what we can (or want to) get up to over a long bank holiday weekend - and how much it can cost!

If you have a few little ones in tow, preparing for a bank holiday weekend takes even more forward planning, along with a few ingenious ideas for keeping your offspring entertained.

With this in mind, let's take a look at how you could entertain your kids over a long weekend without stretching your finances too far.

Planning Bank Holidays

According to a recent survey from thinkmoney.co.uk, almost 7.5 million people were planning on getting away for a few days over the extra-long Jubilee weekend - with 5 million planning a break right here in the UK.

What's more, it seems that for people enjoying the holiday in Blighty, some of the most tried & tested Bank Holiday 'staples' are still very much alive and kicking. Over 2 million people were planning day trips or activities, 1.3 million were planning to spend time with friends and 19% had some socialising in mind - having a BBQ, for example.

Of course, as parents, things are always likely to take a bit of extra planning - particularly if you don't want to end up with bored children on your hands and/or a serious dent in the family finances.

Family-friendly Bank Holidays

If you're looking to do something interesting over the next bank holiday - August 27th, in case you didn't know already - to keep your little ones active and interested without spending a fortune, consider these ideas:

Look on the internet for vouchers and discount codes for theme parks and attractions - you could get a family ticket for a fraction of the normal price.

Why not take your kids to a free museum or art gallery? Science museums often have fun, interactive exhibits which can be educational as well as exciting.

Take a trip to the seaside. Making sandcastles and paddling in the sea on a (hopefully) sunny day could provide priceless fun.

You could invite some of your children's friends over for a slumber party or play date.

If it's a rainy day, a classic kids' film, a bowl of popcorn and some board games could be a good distraction from being stuck indoors - and if this doesn't work, getting outside and splashing in puddles could be just as fun! At least it shouldn't be cold, even if it is wet.

Why not throw a children's party? Ask the other parents to bring an item of food or drink.

Go for a walk in the countryside. Climbing trees, exploring caves and marvelling at waterfalls - your little ones could get some exercise and get a healthy dose of the great outdoors.

Take your kids to the local leisure centre. Many have special children's classes - from karate to hula hooping - or you could decide to go for a simple dip in the pool.

You know your kids better than anyone else - but whatever works for you, keeping them happy over a long Bank Holiday weekend doesn't have to cost a fortune.

June 2012

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