Free (or Nearly Free) Ways to Keep the Kids Busy This Summer

The summer holidays always begin with great excitement. No school, no rushing out of the door in the morning and six whole weeks stretching ahead.

Then, usually within a few days, you hear those familiar words: “I’m bored.”

Keeping children entertained throughout the summer can feel expensive, especially when so many family attractions come with hefty entrance fees. Thankfully, living in Lancaster and Morecambe means we have plenty to do without spending a fortune.

Turn a walk into a challenge

A walk might not sound exciting to a child, but give it a purpose and it becomes an adventure.

Create a treasure hunt and ask them to find five colourful front doors, three different birds, something beginning with every letter of their name or the strangest-looking tree. If they have a phone or camera, turn it into a photography competition.

Lancaster city centre, the canal, Williamson Park and Morecambe promenade all offer very different things to spot. Pack drinks and a few snacks, and you have an easy afternoon out that costs very little.

Make the most of our parks and open spaces

We are lucky to have so many outdoor spaces close by. Happy Mount Park, Williamson Park, the River Lune and the beach at Morecambe all give children room to explore.

Take a picnic, collect leaves for a collage, skim stones, search for insects or see who can build the best den. Younger children are particularly good at making their own fun. A stick quickly becomes a magic wand, while a fallen branch can keep them occupied for far longer than an expensive toy.

If you head to the beach, take a bucket and challenge everyone to build a Lancaster landmark in the sand. I would love to see someone attempt the Ashton Memorial!

Check what is happening locally

Libraries, museums and community centres often arrange children’s activities during the school holidays. These may include craft sessions, exhibitions, trails and storytelling events.

It is worth checking the websites and social media pages of Lancaster City Museums, local libraries and community groups before paying for a costly day trip. Some activities need booking, so have a look early.

Keep a few rainy-day ideas ready

We all know a Lancashire summer does not guarantee sunshine, so it helps to have a few indoor ideas prepared.

Build a blanket fort in the living room, hold a family board-game tournament or create a quiz about your home town. You could bake cakes, make pizzas or let the children design their own restaurant menu for the evening.

Another favourite is a home cinema afternoon. Close the curtains, make paper tickets and serve popcorn in bowls. Let one child be in charge of the film and another run the “snack counter”. It makes watching television feel like an occasion rather than simply filling time.

Teach them something useful

Older children may enjoy learning a practical skill, particularly if it gives them a little independence.

Show them how to cook a simple meal, wash the car, sew on a button, plant something in the garden or put up a shelf with adult supervision. They may not be quite as enthusiastic if you describe it as helping with the chores, so choose your wording carefully!

You could also give them a small budget and ask them to plan a family day out. They will need to consider travel, food and what everyone might enjoy. It keeps them busy and teaches them how quickly money can disappear.

Simple days often make the best memories

There is nothing wrong with screen time during the holidays. Most families simply want to find a reasonable balance.

Years from now, children probably will not remember an afternoon spent scrolling through videos. They are far more likely to remember the picnic where it started raining, the enormous den they built or the ice cream they ate beside Morecambe Bay.

Very often, it is the simplest days that stay with us.

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