I’m a frugal mum-of-two – four ways I SAVE money during the summer holidays WITHOUT my kids missing out on fun
THE cost of living crisis means we are all tightening our purse strings - but that doesn't mean your kids have to miss out on all the fun.
Most parents spend around £1,000 keeping their little ones entertained during the school break, but one frugal mum has come up with a bunch of activities and days out that won't break the bank.
, 35, from Hertfordshire, England, is a mum of two and knows that the rising prices will make getting the kids out of the house this summer a struggle for families.
The financial mentor, working alongside , reveals to Fabulous her top tips to save cash - from dining, days out, and activities to do at home.
Days out
Days out during the summer holiday can set you back hundreds if you aren't careful.
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But shows kids are far happier playing in the park or having a picnic rather than spend their days at amusement parks.
While the price of most things have gone gone up, there are plenty of free days out to choose from says Elizabeth.
The mum adds: 'When it comes to taking children out I love visiting museums, public parks and nature reserves with scooters, bikes or skipping ropes.
"Most nature reserves have lakes, & woodlands which make a great adventure setting for children's imaginations to run wild."
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At home
For days where you can't get out the house or go on a big adventure the mum recommends arts and craft activities to keep the kids busy.
That doesn't mean you have to go out and buy lots of craft kits to get started, says Elizabeth.
Instead, use paper to make paper fans, toilet rolls, cereal boxes and paints and pencils lying around and let their imagination run wild.
The money-saving mum adds: "YouTube children's craft channels can show you how to turn them into amazing creative designs for free."
A garden can be just as fun as a day out at the beach without spending the money on petrol.
"Children can play ball games, hide and seek, have a garden treasure hunt, play with bubbles, play with water and floating toys, jump on a trampoline, skip.
"Have a picnic lunch in fancy dress and cool off with ice lollies in paddling pools," Elizabeth adds.
Books and learning
School may be out but that doesn't mean the children have to stop learning.
To encourage children to get their thinking caps on - invest in a few activity books or sign up to your local library.
Libraries across the country participate in the explains Elizabeth.
She adds: "This is a great way to keep children learning and reading before the next academic year.
"The reward for completing each book is stickers that when completely collected fit together to make up a story.
"I don't know about you, but my children love stickers! And at the end of the challenge, they get a medal and a certificate."
Dining out
If you want to take your kids out for a nice lunch or dinner without breaking the bank then there are plenty of places offering deals for kids this summer.
Even if that means grabbing lunch during your weekly shop- Asda is offering £1 meals every day while Morrison's are giving away one free kid's meal after 3 pm when you spend £4.99.
And it's not just supermarkets says Elizabeth as Yo! Sushi is giving out free lunches for kids when eating with an adult and Bella Italia is offering kids meals for £1 between 4 pm -6 pm Mon to Thurs.
Angus steakhouse is giving customers one free child's meal per adult meal and Preto is allowing under 10s to eat free every day with a paying adult.
You can cut back on cash eating at home too says Elizabeth.
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"Make a plan of meals to cook and write a list before you go shopping," she explains.
"You can avoid waste by storing leftovers properly in sealed bowls in the fridge or freezer and batch cook to reduce cooking times and energy costs."
