Summer on a Budget; Days Out for a Fiver

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a day out on a budget so follow our money saving ideas below to help you enjoy a day out this summer for £5 or under.

1. FREE UK Visitor Attractions

There are plenty of fantastic visitor attractions around the UK that actually offer FREE entry! These can provide some very different experiences, (how about travelling 140 metres underground or trying life in a police cell), that will entertain the children during the summer break. Look out for additional special events running during the school holiday too! Check out some of our firm favourites over at Top UK Free Visitor Attractions.

2. FREE Annual Pass Upgrades

Many visitor attractions offer FREE return visits during the year but did you know only about 20% of eligible visitors actually return? Why not dig out those FREE annual pass upgrades and plan your return visit this summer for some easy savings. Always worth looking out for any secondary offers too such as discounts in the café/gift shop or cheap tickets for family & friends. More details available at Free Annual Pass Upgrades.

National Coal Mining Museum

3. Late Entrance Tickets

During the summer months, a number of visitor attractions offer discounted late entrance tickets that can offer value for money. For those that can take advantage of a later opening times, why not take along a packed tea and enjoy a cheap day out on a budget.  Look out for late entrance tickets at Trentham Gardens, Westminster Abbey, Stonehenge or Zoo Nights at London Zoo.

4. Cheap Family Movies

Why not pick up a bargain and enjoy discounted adult & child cinema tickets for mid morning movies that run throughout the summer holidays. With tickets from just a few £’s, this is a great way to enjoy a visit to the cinema on the cheap.  Whilst movies listed tend not to be the latest releases, they do offer some popular choices for all the family. More information available in Cinema Deals & Discounts. 

5. FREE Football Coaching Sessions

Children can pick up fun football coaching sessions throughout the UK through the McDonald’s summer programme.  This large grassroots participation programme provides free football coaching sessions across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Open to both boys & girls age 5-11 years no matter their ability, these programmes are FREE to attend but demand is high so best to book up as soon as you can.  More information at Free Football Coaching Sessions.

Late Entrance Tickets to Trentham Gardens, (photo; Phil Loach)

6. TV Shows; Free Tickets To Be In The Audience

Pick up complimentary tickets to TV & radio shows across the entertainment spectrum for a chance to be in the audience and see the action unfold before you. There are a range of sites offering free tickets for TV & radio shows covering a variety of entertainment from children’s shows, comedy, music, topical news shows & sport. If you’ve a particular show in mind, it’s worth doing a bit of investigative work upfront or simply sign up with the main TV audience ticket sites and see what comes up.  Whilst popular shows such as Strictly are notoriously difficult to track down tickets for, if you are open to trying lesser known shows, you’ve more chance of bagging some free tickets.  More details over at Free Tickets to TV Audience Programmes.

7. Apply For A Blue Peter Badge

Did you know that valid Blue Peter badgeholders can pick up FREE entry to over 200 UK visitor attractions throughout the year when accompanied by a full paying adult.  Badgeholders must be age 6-15 years with a range of badges to apply for.  This is a great opportunity for find a badge that suits your child and then enjoy savings through the summer. More details available at Blue Peter Badge Free Attraction Offer.

8. National Trust; 50 Things List

The National Trust have complied a great handy check list of activities to do before you’re 11¾ that offers you a great way to enjoy nature with your children.  From stargazing to den building to damming a stream there are plenty of fun activities to keep you all occupied. You can even download a check list and enjoy ticking them off with the family with plenty of ideas that won’t cost you a fortune.  More information available at The National Trust; 50 Things To Do List.

Use Tesco Clubcard Vouchers at Alton Towers, (photo; Phil Loach)

9. Loyalty Card Deals

A great way to gain ‘free’ or discounted entry to top visitor attractions is by using loyalty club points & vouchers. If used effectively loyalty rewards can offer substantial savings off a day out this summer so worth rummaging around your purse to see which schemes you’ve already signed up for.  A firm favourite for us has to be the Tesco clubcard loyalty scheme with a range of visitor attractions offering great deals.

10. Thinktank Science Garden; FREE Entry

Birmingham’s Thinktank Science Garden is a popular interactive outdoor area that includes a giant human-sized hamster wheel, a fantastic outdoor water play area plus monumental puzzles to solve.  Whilst the Science Garden is included within the Thinktank’s entrance ticket, from 3pm each day they open their doors free of charge to the public.  More information available Birmingham Thinktank Science Garden.

In My Backyard

Sometimes we can all forget what we have around us & just a little re-packaging can make an old haunt new & exciting for the kids.

Skate Parks; they’ve been sprouting up everywhere over the past few years & children love to watch even if they don’t feel up to taking part.

Fly a Kite; the old ideas can be the best & a great way to spend quality time with the kids.

Libraries; look out for classes & workshops, (usually free), running in the school holidays.

Cycle Paths; Local authorities have worked hard to improve the cycle paths over the past few years so why not dust off those bikes and take the kids for a jaunt.

You can find more ideas to enjoy summer on a budget over on our Top Membership Offers that includes free child entry!