How to do the Easter holidays on a budget - free and cheap things to do
If the thought of the Easter school holidays is already making your bank balance nervous, you’re not alone. School holidays can feel like yet another expense we could all do without.
The good news is, you really don’t need to spend a fortune to keep the kids entertained. There are loads of free activities, cheap days out and holiday deals around Easter-time so here’s how to do it on a budget.
Half price bowling at Hollywood Bowl
Bowling is always a winner with kids and during the Easter holidays you can get half price games at Hollywood Bowl using the code BUNNY50.
Top tip - you need to book before 11am, but I think this is actually a great way to dodge busy periods and peak-time pricing!
Free activities at IKEA
IKEA is a brilliant day out during half term as they have so many free activities running including plate decorating, meet the Easter Bunny,, create Easter baskets and much more! There’s even options for older kids too with a 16+ paint and sip!
Top tip - once you’re done, the kids can eat in the restaurant for just 95p
Free pet pals workshops
Pets at Home is running their popular Pet Pals workshops during the Easter holidays which are completely free! These are 45 minute sessions where kids can learn about pet play, care, and animal behaviour. They’re fun but are also really educational and definitely ideal if you’ve got animal lovers at home.
Note that spaces are limited so it’s worth booking ahead.
Easter egg trails for £3.50!
If you’re a National Trust member, this one’s a great one! National Trust sites across the UK are offering Easter trails for just £3.50 which include trail sheets and a chocolate egg prize! But if you’re not a member and want to buy a membership you can buy one through direct debit between the 21st March and 19th April and receive free trails for under 18s this Easter! Just use code EASTERTRAIL26 at checkout!
Free Princess event
If you have a princess lover in the house, or are looking to fill an hour without spending money, you should check if your local Smyths toy store is running a themed event during Easter It’s completely free, and the kids can take part in dress up and face painting, but only selected stores are taking part so check before you go.
Smyths is also doing a free Easter letter hunt with the chance to win free Easter baskets!
Free Lego event
Lego stores are running a Build an Easter Basket activity on 28th and 29th March and you get to take it home with you afterwards. It’s a free, hands-on workshop kids can take part in. And the bonus is they get to keep what they make!
If you miss that one, The Entertainer is running the same event on 4th April!
Free Paw Patrol events
The Entertainer has lots of different Paw Patrol character meet-and-greet events that are running across the year! Check out what date they are coming to a store near you!
Where kids eat cheap (or free) this Easter
Food costs can easily make days out expensive so these deals are well worth knowing about.
Asda Cafe lets kids eat for £1 with no minimum spend on hot food or cold! The great thing about their cold deal is it’s pick and mix so if you’re heading out for the day, grab the cold meal and you’ve got a £1 picnic sorted!
At Morrisons Cafe, kids eat free all day, everyday with a £5 adult spend! They have also recently announced their Breakfast Club where families can enjoy a free Kellogg’s breakfast which includes a bowl of cereal and a portion of fruit throughout school holidays for both adults and kids!
Other great food deals such as free Pizza Hut for kids everyday and MANY more deals can be found on this blog.
Three-night Easter holiday for £110
In the Hoseasons Easter sale, you can save up to £200 on short breaks. There’s tonnes of mini getaways in great locations across the UK for just £110 for a family of four in the Easter holidays.
Overall the school holidays don’t have to cost the earth. By mixing free events into at home fun you can keep the kids happy without putting yourself under financial pressure!
