So this year you’ve decided that you’re going to lay off the trip abroad and enjoy everything a holiday at home has to offer… But you need some low-cost ideas to keep your kids entertained. Or maybe you are heading off for some summer sun and need to save every penny for that trip abroad – so what can you do with the rest of the holidays?
Don’t panic, help is at hand from the Big Wheel. We’ve put together a run-down of some of the best free – or really cheap – family activities right here in Nottingham to keep your kids entertained and your bank balance healthy.
Walking is a great activity – anyone can do it, anywhere, at anytime and best of all it’s free! You could choose to explore a new part of Nottingham or take a relaxing stroll in the country. If you want to make it more fun for your kids why not play games, I spy or competitions to see who can spot the most of a certain thing work well. Or bring out their creative sides by asking them to make up stories about the things they see as they travel. Encourage them to describe the scenery – and the people – they spot on the way and use silly voices for different characters.
If you’re a bit stuck for a fab place to walk then why not try the Big Track? It’s a 10 mile waterside car-free route that’s perfect for a family day out. The route is teeming with wildlife and takes in different types of scenery, sites of historical importance and some top sporting attractions. You’ll find plenty of things to excite your children and lots to talk to them about. View the interactive online Big Track map or use our contact form to request a free hardcopy to take with you on the journey.
We’re particular fans of Wollaton Hall and Lakeside Arts Centre. Both are free venues in picturesque settings with lots for kids to do. The Lakeside Arts Centre is running several free exhibitions – of both contemporary art and local history – throughout the summer. Wollaton Hall meanwhile offers daily tours of the grand mansion, and the park is home to the Natural History Museum, Industrial Museum and the Yard Gallery.
If you’re looking for something more physical for your kids to do indoors remember kids aged 16 and under can now swim for free. Find out more about free swimming.
We hope that’s give you some ideas to get you started – remember there’s more information and free maps available on our walking and cycling pages, or for more ideas for the summer read this article or this one.
