A money saving expert has shared her top tips for enjoying October half term without breaking the bank.
Personal finance expert Maddy Alexander-Grout recommends setting a budget for the week and getting children involved in deciding how to spend it, from outdoor adventures to creative activities and new exhibitions.
Maddy said: “Instead of trying to say no to everything all week, decide what you can realistically afford and give the kids a say in how you spend it. You could have £50 for the week and let everyone choose something they’d like to do.
“It’s a sneaky way of teaching kids about money too because suddenly they’re weighing up whether they really want the expensive activity when it means less money for something else.”
Maddy also advises checking existing memberships, subscriptions and rewards, as families may already have access to discounted days out.
She said: “Memberships like Boundless provide access to savings through benefits including Kids Pass, WWT and National Art Pass. Have a proper rummage through anything you’re already paying for before paying full price somewhere else.”
For families looking for inspiration this half term, eight Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) centres across the UK are hosting SUPER Natural October Half Term from 24 October to 1 November. Visitors can enjoy a range of creative activities, from weaving willow wands to concocting marshland magic potions. Members of Boundless – the club for working and retired public sector and civil service workers – enjoy unlimited admission to all WWT centres across the UK.
For a cultural day out, Art Fund’s National Art Pass, included with Boundless Plus membership, offers free or discounted entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic houses nationwide. This half term, members can enjoy 50% off entry to see Renoir and Love at the National Gallery in London, free admission to Brighton’s Royal Pavilion and its Dragons exhibition and many more across the country.
Darren Milton at Boundless said: “Half term means spending quality time together as a family, and making lasting memories doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Checking out what’s on in your local area is a great way to discover new experiences, with Boundless helping to make days out more affordable.”
Maddy also recommends making the most of the free activities autumn has to offer, from library trips to seasonal walks.
She said: “Libraries are massively underrated during school holidays. Lots run free or very cheap craft sessions, story times and seasonal activities. Also check your local council website, community centres, museums and Facebook community groups. Search for ‘free October half term activities’ plus your area before assuming there’s nothing happening locally.
“Autumn basically provides free entertainment. Go on a conker hunt, collect leaves for crafts, do an autumn scavenger hunt, find the best Halloween-decorated houses or head to the beach or woods. Take hot chocolate in a flask and suddenly a walk feels much more like an occasion.”
For rainy days, a trip to the cinema is another way to keep the family entertained. New family-friendly releases include Forgotten Island and Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom. Boundless members can save up to 37% on cinema tickets through the Cinema Society.
Boundless offers working and retired public sector and civil service workers access to savings on days out, shopping, dining and more. Annual membership costs £45 for Boundless and £78 for Boundless Plus. To find out more, please visit: www.boundless.co.uk.
