Do you start the school holidays all optimistic and excited for the summer ahead, yet by day three are trying your hardest to not occupy the children with just TV and sweets?
We’ve asked the staff here at YES headquarters for their ideas and tips for keeping the kids entertained throughout the summer holidays – without breaking the bank!
Here’s our compiled list of suggestions…
- Make art on the beach in Eastbourne with the Towner Gallery
- Sharnfold Farm has free entry and you can do the farm trail and pick your own, as well as use the play park and stop in the café and shop
- Rockpooling at Holywell beach
- Going for a walk or scavenger hunt at Cuckmere or Friston Forest
- Swimming in the sea
- Raystede animal rescue centre and sanctuary is free to visit
- Free public events such as Airbourne (16-19 August) and Hastings festivals
- Blackberrying, followed by making pies
- Sussex Wildlife Trust put on low cost summer events
- Ashdown Forest toddlers group is a fiver per family (the next one is 13 August)
- Den-making and walking trails at Abbott’s Wood
- Walk in the footsteps of Winnie the Pooh and play poohsticks in Ashdown Forest
- Secret Stones – have a search for your local Facebook group
- My Pet Pals workshops at Pets at Home are free and teach kids how rewarding a pet can be (booking required)
- And don’t forget to take part in the ‘Mischief Makers’ Summer Reading Challenge
Add your own tips and ideas in the comments below!
A few garden chairs and a couple of old quilt covers or blankets make a fine den. Let your children make their own summer club, with badges, passwords and secret codes. They can make their own picnic to eat there and keep a log of their activities. Let their imagination run riot!
Thanks Gill, what a great idea!