Low-cost May half-term family fun

The sun has got its hat on right in time for May half-term. So, with the weather set to stay warm and dry, we’ve put together a list of family favourite activities, designed keep the little ones busy without breaking the bank.

Walk a dog

Get out and about in the fresh air and sunshine on a dog walk. What’s that – you haven’t got one? Why not borrow one? The kids will love spending half-term looking after their own doggie.

You can find out about borrowing a dog from websites such as borrowmydoggy.com or plan picturesque days suitable for your four-legged friend at dogfriendlydestinations.com.

Picnic at a British beach

England is home to some of the most beautiful and unique coastlines in the world.

Now the weather is better, why not visit your local beach to feel the sand between your toes, catch a crab or check out the creatures lurking in the rock pools.

The salty sea air will quickly tire out the kids. Take a picnic to keep the cost down and some outdoor games or treat everyone to some fish and chips to finish off the day in style.

The UK has 104 'blue flag' beaches, an international award that is presented to well-maintained beaches with water quality defined as ‘excellent’ under the EU bathing water directive.

Blue flag beaches include Blackpool Sands, Brighton, Tynemouth Longsands, Durely Chine and Carbis Bay. Check out coastradar.com to find your nearest blue flag beach.

National Trust

There are lots to see and do at National Trust properties up and down the country this May.

You could travel back in time and discover the gruesome secrets of Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, where you’ll be taken on a tour of the royal burial ground.

Get to know the bees at Plas Newydd house and garden in Wales, which has a see-through beehive so you can check out what they’re up to. At Stourhead in Wiltshire, enjoy medieval-themed lawn games, and activities at the colouring station and obstacle course.

For more information on National Trust activities near you, visit nationaltrust.org.uk.

Smurf or Beauty and the Beast outdoor escape room

Get the family outside and have fun with CluedUpp, an immersive outdoor experience bringing families and friends together – a bit like an outdoor escape room sent directly to your phone.

It’s easy to play; all you need is a team of up to six players, with kids playing for free, a smartphone, and your best detective skills. Fancy dress is optional!

On the day of the event, you’ll need to download the CluedUpp app that’ll guide you around your chosen location.

With 1,200 locations to choose from and three new experiences to try this half term, you’ll soon be set to solve the mystery.

• Beauty & the Beast

Beauty needs your help to reverse the curse and save the Beast in this unmissable take on a classic fairytale. Your team must race against the clock to unpick puzzles, crack clues and complete challenges.

• Alice in Wonderland

Alice is trapped in Wonderland and time is running out to save her. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and enter a virtual world of adventure, intrigue and impossible things at this outdoor event.

• The Smurfs Great Escape

The Smurfs are lost in our world and need your help to get back home. Save the Smurfs from Gargamel and piece together his new evil invention, at this first-of-its-kind outdoor Smurfs event.

Peppa Pig at Sea Life

This May half-term you can have an underwater adventure with Peppa Pig at selected Sea Life aquariums. Sea Life opens a window into the magical world beneath our seas and offers close encounters for all ages with everything from shrimps and starfish to seahorses, sharks and stingrays.

You can meet Peppa Pig, get a photo and enjoy a fun trail around the aquarium at Birmingham, Bray, Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, Loch Lomond, Manchester or Scarborough.

Go online to secure two tickets at 25% off for Sea Life this half-term.

Legoland Discovery

Why not join Ricky Rocket Racer, Mech-Max, Go-To Gary, Fearless Fi and the rest of the Lego city minifigure team as they set epic LEGO city missions for you to complete across Legoland Discovery Centres in Manchester and Birmingham.

Legoland Discovery has teamed up with Kellogg’s to offer two-for-one tickets on selected packets of cereal. There are also a number of offer codes online.

If you’re planning on using the Kellogg’s offer or one you’ve found online, make sure you visit legolanddiscoverycentre.com to pre-book entry as they can’t be used on the door.

Experience a bit of culture

If you’re hoping to absorb some arts and culture during the May break, many museums and galleries run specific activities for kids and a lot are free too.

Visit the website of your nearest museum for more information about the activities they have planned.

Rainy day at home

If the weather does break and we get an unexpected rainy day – it is the UK, after all! – don’t despair. There are plenty of arts and craft activities to keep everyone entertained all day.

Here are some ideas to get your started:

• make glitter butterflies
• play maths games with leaves
• make a homemade sand bottle
• make a bug hotel and explore outside to find some creatures to fill it
• make homemade perfume
• design your own t-shirt
• create beautiful pipe cleaner flowers
• plant flower seeds in old bottles and pots

We hope these suggestions help to make May half-term easier. We understand that school holidays can cause stress and worry for those struggling with money.

If you’ve found debt has become a problem, we can help with a solution. Get in touch and we’ll help you find a way forward with free debt advice. We can also assess your benefits and make sure you’re receiving all the help you’re entitled to.