Free Things to Do in Half Term: How We Spent £0 and Had the Best Week
I set myself a challenge this half term. I wanted to spend absolutely nothing. Zero. £0. And I wanted to prove that you can have a genuinely fun, full, memorable week with kids without spending a single penny.
And… I did it. And it was one of the best weeks we’ve had!
So if you’re looking for free things to do in half term, or you’re already planning ahead for free things to do in the summer holidays, this is everything we did … with the total cost next to each one so you can see just how doable it really is.
Day at the Beach | Total Cost: £0
We texted a few of Albie’s school friends, packed a picnic and our parasol from home, and headed to the beach. It was boiling so the boys had a swim in the sea, we threw stones, dug holes and just had one of those days you want to bottle up.
Jesse was completely beside himself the whole time. Absolute chaos, absolute joy.
The key is bringing everything with you. No stopping for ice creams, no buying lunch out, just pack what you need before you leave and you’ve got a full day for free. We took extra snacks too in case we stayed out later than planned because that’s where the impulse spending happens.
Free Art Gallery Event | Total Cost: £0
I spotted a free family event at our local art gallery and decided to give it a go. I made sure we could park nearby for free too because there is no point finding a free event and then spending £5 on parking.
It was brilliant. Albie spent ages painting and doing mark making on huge canvases and absolutely loved it. Jesse sat and watched, fascinated. This is the kind of thing I never would have found if I wasn’t actively looking for free things to do.
My tip: spend five minutes at the start of each week Googling free family events near you. Or check out facebook’s Event tab too! Libraries, galleries, museums and local councils often run free children’s activities during half term and the summer holidays and they don’t always shout about them loudly. A quick search goes a long way.
The Garden | Total Cost: £0
When the sun was out we just went in the garden. Paddling pool out, and the boys were entertained for hours.
If you’ve got a baby, pop their little seat in the paddling pool. It saves your back from holding them upright the whole time and they absolutely love it in the water. Jesse thought it was the best thing ever and it kept him happy while Albie ran around like a maniac 😂
I always forget how much mileage we actually get out of our own garden. Sometimes the best day is just being at home with nowhere to be.
Giant Cardboard Box House | Total Cost: £0
This was such a winner I have to give it its own section.
We had a big cardboard box from a delivery and the kids turned it into a house. Albie and his friends decorated it, put their names on it, covered it in stickers. Three children. Entertained. For ages.
You can get big cardboard boxes for free from garden centres too — they usually have loads from deliveries and are more than happy to give them away if you ask. Free and brilliant, especially for younger kids.
Playdates | Total Cost: £0
We had a lot of playdates this week and I swear my children have better social lives than I do 😂
But playdates cost nothing and they are honestly often the days the kids enjoy most. Someone to play with, toys everywhere, chaos. Perfect.
Playing at Home | Total Cost: £0
Some days we just stayed home and played. And I want to say this because I think it’s easy to feel guilty about it, like you’re not doing enough.
But kids barely get uninterrupted time to play with the toys they already have during term time. Albie loves getting all his figures out and just playing. Jesse loves chasing him around the house. They genuinely don’t need anything else.
We’re so conditioned to feel like we need to fill every single day when they’re off school. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just give them a free day with no plans.
Granny and Grandad’s | Total Cost: £0
And if all else fails, send them to Granny and Grandad’s 😂
One of our days was spent there and the boys were in their absolute element. Sometimes the best days are the simplest ones, just being with people who love them.
How I Kept Food Costs at £0 While We Were Out
This is the one that makes the biggest difference. It would have been so easy to grab a McDonald’s or a Greggs when we were out and about, and some days that temptation was real. But I made sure we had lunch at home or took packed lunches and picnics with us every day.
I always pack extra snacks too in case we stay out longer than planned. It stops that moment of weakness when the kids are hungry and you’re standing outside a food place 😂 Once you get into the habit it becomes second nature.
Free Things to Do in the Summer Holidays
Everything I did this half term, I’m going to carry straight into the summer holidays too. Six weeks is a long time and the pressure to entertain and spend can feel overwhelming. But it really doesn’t have to be expensive.
Here’s a quick list of free things to do in the summer holidays with kids that cost nothing:
Beach or lake day with a packed picnic.
Free events at local galleries, museums and libraries- it’s worth checking what’s on in your area.
Garden
Paddling pool out
Local splash pads
Playdates at home
Cardboard box crafts
Nature walks and bug hunts
Feeding ducks at a local park
Free National Trust car parks near beauty spots or trails
Free entry days at certain heritage sites
Just playing at home
Pets at home - Free pets workshop
The summer doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a bit of planning, you can make it brilliant on next to nothing.
Overall
We spent £0 this half term and had a genuinely lovely week. The beach, the art gallery, the garden, the cardboard box, the playdates, playing at home, Granny and Grandad’s. The boys were happy, we made memories and it didn’t cost us a single penny.
The best memories really don’t have a price tag on them 💛
Save this post for summer holiday planning and drop me a comment with your favourite free activities, I’m always looking for new ideas!
Soph x
