Yahoo Finance Free and cheap things to do over the February half term
As the cost of living crisis continues across the UK many parents will be on the look out for more affordable alternatives to keep their children entertained for less this February half term.
From handy hacks for free or cut-price activities, here we leave you with Which?'s five top tips on how families can save money over the February half-term holidays.
1. Take advantage of ‘kids eat free’ offers
Many restaurants and supermarket cafes run ‘kids eat free’ offers or discounts during the holidays including Bella Italia, Hungry Horse and The Real Greek. Which? also found several supermarkets offered discounts at certain times, including Asda, Morrisons and Tesco.
For example, Asda will be offering children a free warm breakfast in its cafes across the February half-term holidays. Children can get a free bowl of Quaker porridge from 8am to 12pm. This is in addition to Asda’s current £1 kids main meal deal.
2. Learn something new at a free gallery or museum
Many UK national galleries and museums are free to enter and are an easy way to entertain the family for a day out. Which? members gave high ratings to St. Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff, Beamish: The Living Museum of the North in County Durham, the National Railway Museum in York, the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford, Shropshire, and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Just remember they may need visitors to book a free ticket before arrival.
3. Watch the latest movies at a discount
Some cinema chains offer discounts for family films at certain times, usually in the morning. Odeon’s ‘Odeon Kids’, Vue’s ‘Mini Mornings’ and Cineworld’s ‘Movies for Juniors’ all offer discounts for both adults and children. For example, Vue ‘Mini Mornings’ tickets cost £2.49 or £2.99 if you buy online (£3.49/£3.99 at the venue).
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Film fans can also get cinema discounts with dining cards Gourmet Society and Tastecard, with both offering up to 40% off some cinema chains. Gourmet Society currently offers a 60-day free trial, while Tastecard gives you 60 days for just £1.
Anyone who buys a certain policy through the price comparison website Compare the Market will get 2 for 1 cinema tickets on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a year – those who may have bought a policy recently should check if this offer is available to them.
4. Take advantage of local libraries
As well as borrowing physical books for free, most libraries allow users to borrow e-books and audiobooks. Some can also grant access to digital magazines and newspapers. Check local library offers via the local council website and sign up for free.
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5. Explore the great outdoors
Take advantage of the free parks up and down the country. Check out Which?’s guide on the best national parks in the UK. Alternatively, plan a walk using Which?’s guide to the best UK walks. Those in search of adventure could try geocaching – tracking co-ordinates on a smartphone app to find hidden boxes known as ‘caches’. The National Trust has 10 places to try this activity.
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