Whether you’re trying to find ways to entertain the kids this summer or just fancy filling your summer holiday from work with interesting things to do, it’s a great time of year to get out and about.
But, the costs can quickly add up. While we know you’re savvy about shopping online to get the best deals and discounts, the MoneyMagpie team have come up with a list of cheap and free things to do in summer to keep you entertained on a budget.
Be a Hometown Tourist
When was the last time you spent a day in your hometown as if it was the first time you’ve seen it? We often get used to our surroundings, but when you become a tourist for the day you might be surprised what you can find.
Visit the tourist attractions, take a walk around the main square, and check out a local café or two. Not your usual chain – the independent one just off the main thoroughfare. A walk and coffee will set you back less than a tenner, but if you’re savvy you might be able to nab cheap or free residents’ tickets to attractions and events, too!
Check Out Free Museums and Galleries
There are hundreds of free museums in the UK, some take a day to mooch around while others are small and unusual (Derwent Pencil Museum, anyone?). Many are either completely free to enter while others open for free on certain days in the summer.
Galleries and museums often run talks about history or subjects related to an exhibition, too. Look at your local museum website to find out if there are any free talks coming up.
During the school summer holidays, many museums often run free or cheap kids’ activities, too, which is a great way to keep them entertained for a few hours!
Head to the Library
Even if you’re not an avid reader, your local library could have something interesting for you to do. Did you know that, as well as borrowing books for free, you can also borrow things like audio books, magazines, DVDs and even board games?
Libraries are hubs of activity in the community – you might find a new group to join, such as a knit and natter or kids reading club. They’re also a useful source of information about your local community – so they might have knowledge of more free and cheap things to do on your doorstep this summer.
Host a Potluck Garden Picnic
You don’t have to spend a lot of cash to host a summer picnic with friends and family. Run a potluck event, where everyone brings a dish to share, and the cost is shared but the enjoyment is significantly increased! It helps to make arrangements beforehand so it isn’t entirely ‘luck’ – otherwise you might have six bags of kettle crisps and nothing else.
Assign someone to dessert, another to salad, and a couple to more expensive things like meat for the BBQ to share the cost equally.
If you have kids in the mix, or games loving adults, set up some board games and garden games, too. You can easily put things together like a garden Olympics using things you’ve got lying around the house – and it will create memories you’ll remember forever.
Shop for Discounted Tickets Online
There are loads of ways to save on tickets if you keep an eye out for free and discounted ticket deals as well as online pre-booking promotions.
You could get two for one cinema tickets every day of the week, if you fancied it! There are several ways to get cheap cinema tickets, such as with your phone provider if you’re with O2, Virgin, or Three, or through Vue, Picturehouse, and Odeon weekly special offers.
For example, you could get two tickets for £9 any day of the week at Vue cinemas as an O2 customer.
If you’re more of a live performance lover, you can nab cheap last-minute theatre tickets if you’re not picky about which seat you get. Go to the box office a few hours before a performance to find out if there are any unsold or returned tickets. The National Theatre also runs cheap tickets for 16-25 year old, while the Old Vic offers free tickets for people of any age for the first five performances.
You might be entitled to concession or discount rates for theatre tickets if you’re a key worker with a Blue Light Card, or you’re a Blue Badge holder. Check a venue’s website for details, as you can often save up to 50% or get a free companion ticket for your carer.
Splash Out on a Season Pass
This one doesn’t sound cheap at first, but you could save a lot of money this summer if you decide to opt for a season pass and use it several times over the holidays.
You might want to check out the Merlin annual pass, which gives you access to many theme parks as well as Sea Life centres and more. It offers huge savings on buying a ticket each time, so if you plan to attend a few theme parks this year, especially if it’s with your family, consider spending more up-front to save more overall.
A season pass can also be applied to less high octane things, too. For example, your local swimming pool might offer a pay-as-you-go bundle for swimming lessons (and remember to check if kids can swim for free, too).
Learn Something New
Did you know that your local authority has an adult education department? And your local college or university is likely to have a short course programme, too. If you want to get your teeth into something new, take a look at adult education courses in your area.
Many will be heavily subsidised, making the cost attainable for more people. Those run by local authorities sometimes come with bursaries too, if you are in a low income household.
Opt for a Last-Minute Holiday Deal
If you want to make more of your annual leave, and you’re willing to go anywhere, check out late booked holiday deals on sites such as LastMinute.com. Hotels and holiday tours often have spaces that need to be filled, and they’d rather offer it at a huge discount than leave rooms empty entirely.
Make sure your passport is up to date, with at least six months left on the expiry date, and check whether you need any vaccinations or visas before you book. It’s only a saving if you can get into the country, after all!
Go on a Bike Ride
Exploring the local nature reserve or mountain paths is one of the best free things to do this summer. But, you might be a natural born hiker, as some people aren’t the biggest fans of walking. Hiring a bike for the day, however, is an inexpensive way to get out and about, see some sights, and get fit at the same time.
The only additional expense would be a bike helmet – if you can stretch to buy your own, that is best. It’s vital you wear your helmet, even if you think you’re taking a leisurely ride around a reservoir path or similar.
Sort Out Your Clutter for Cash
We admit, this one is more of a chore – but we wanted to finish on this activity because not only will you feel better for a decluttered home, but it can net you extra cash for your summer activities, too!
Spend a few days sorting your home room by room. Larger items like furniture that you don’t need anymore can be sold on websites like NextDoor, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. Clothes do well when sold on Vinted, particularly if they still have the label on (we’re all guilty of forgetting to return things in the 30-day returns window!).
Make a day of it by taking your cleared-out clutter to the local car boot sale. You might be able to pick up some of your own bargains, and who knows, maybe you’ll find some vintage collectibles to profit from, too!
