In this blog, Village Agent and fellow parent, Sophie Payne, talks about how you can make the most of time with your children (without spending the earth!).

 

As the school year winds down and the summer holidays begin, many of us parents are breathing a sigh of relief — we made it! After months of early mornings, school runs, packed lunches, performances, parents’ evenings, dress-up days, and the ever-elusive library book, the break has finally arrived.

Now comes the promise of slower mornings, more family time, and the chance to create lasting memories with our children. But for many, that excitement is tempered by a more practical concern: how do we keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank?

The summer holidays can quickly become a logistical challenge. Balancing work, childcare, and family time is no easy feat. While schemes like Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare Access Funding provide some financial relief, a significant portion of our income can still go toward covering care — leaving less in the pot for outings and entertainment.

The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to make the most of your summer. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities out there, and I’ve been on the lookout for some of the best. From local events to creative home-based ideas, there are ways to make this summer both memorable and affordable.

Here are my top picks for family-friendly, budget-conscious fun over the holidays:

 

Free Museums in Cambridge

Our favourites are the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences and the Museum of Zoology. Admission is FREE, and there’s no need to book a ticket.

Top tip: Hop on the Park and Ride for just £4.00 — and children travel free!

Take advantage of discounted tickets for those on Universal Credit and other benefits

Many UK attractions now offer discounted tickets for those receiving Universal Credit or other benefits. For example, London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo have tickets starting from just £3.00! These must be booked in advance, and you’ll need to show proof of benefit at the gate.

Tip: Take a picnic and make a day of it without spending extra.

Visit your local library

Libraries are an incredible, fully accessible resource. Some even host free events, such as Lego mornings or craft sessions.

Top tip: Check your local branch for a calendar of summer activities.

Travel to parks

If, like me, you’ve visited your local park more times than you can count, try heading out to nearby village parks for a change of scenery.

Top tip: Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace or local selling pages — many families gift away children’s bikes they’ve outgrown. A bike ride could make the journey part of the fun (and fewer cries of “My feet are tired!”).

Community Hubs

Our Community Hubs are open to everyone and offer a welcoming space. Many have colouring sheets, board games, and books for children, as well as a warm drink and a slice of cake for parents.

Top tip: You have nothing to lose by popping in for a break and a chat – find your nearest hub on this list!

Look for ‘Kids Eat Free Offers’

The summer snack requests are endless — but you don’t have to fund every one! Here are some Kids Eat Free (or very cheap) offers available this summer:

• ASDA – Kids eat for £1.00, no adult spend required
• Dobbies Garden Centres – Kids eat for £1.00 with an adult breakfast or lunch
• Morrisons – Kids eat free all day, every day with a £5.00 adult spend
• Tesco – Kids eat free with a 60p spend
• Bella Italia – Kids get three courses and a drink free with an adult main
• Frankie & Benny’s – Free main, two sides, a drink, and dessert with any adult main

Top tip: Please remember, if you are struggling, there are food banks and community pantries across the county ready to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information — you’re not alone.

Final thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. With a bit of creativity and a few local resources, we can all enjoy quality time with our children — and maybe even a few peaceful mornings. Here’s to a summer full of memories, laughs, and simple joys!

 

 

Cambridgeshire ACRE’s Village Agent team works across East Cambridgeshire, Fenland and South Cambridgeshire. If you – or someone you know – needs our help and support then please contact us by phone (01353 860850), email (enquiries@cambsacre.org.uk) or by completing our online form.