Four easy ways to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank
THE first Wednesday in August is National Playday, and this year’s theme is “fun on a shoestring”.
It’s a reminder that having a blast doesn’t have to cost loads.
Set aside some time to play, then add a big dollop of enthusiasm, and you’ll have a day to remember.
BE PART OF THE FUN: Don’t sit on the sidelines for Playday.
The best way to encourage your kids to have fun is to get stuck in yourself, whether that’s rolling down a grassy hill or skimming stones on a lake or river.
Tell them about the games you used to play when you were younger and recreate them with the next generation.
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You can make daily tasks more fun by adding in games, like a bug hunt while gardening or playing hide and seek as you tidy up the house.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: There’s a calendar of events around the country where you can meet other families. Find it at playday.org.uk/events-page.
Activities include a community picnic in Cambridge and traditional games on the grass outside Carlisle cathedral.
FIND A FRIEND: If there aren’t any events near you, get together with friends or neighbours to celebrate.
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Whether you head to the beach, park or forest, or simply stay in your garden, pack a picnic, some simple play equipment and lots of imagination.
You could use a large piece of rope for a tug of war, or fill a bag with hula hoops, a kite, skipping ropes and balls.
SHOESTRING CHALLENGE: Stuck for play ideas? See how many of these cheap ideas you can include in your Playday.
Make a den or tent out of blankets and chairs, or create a home-made water slide using water, washing up liquid and a length of tarpaulin.
Have fun with play sand, buckets and spades for an at-home beach day, without the pain of sand in your sandwiches. Even a simple garden picnic will make a fun memory out of a day at home.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals & offers subject to availability.
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