By Ayesha Akaloo, resident journalist

Do you ever find yourself at a loose end when the school holidays approach? I often wonder how I can keep my eight-year-old son entertained without having to break the bank!

There are the usual activities (swimming, cinema etc.) but the costs can quickly add up, especially when paying for more than one child. Here are a few money-saving activities to help keep young ones entertained over the Easter and summer holidays. I found that the key is to set yourself a budget and get organised. Plan every day, even if it’s a day of staying in.

Cheap travel

I’d recommend investing in an Oyster card if you haven’t already, even if you drive. With the extortionate prices for petrol right now, it’s cheaper to take advantage of the kids travelling free on London Transport.

Go to a museum

There are many museums that don’t charge an entrance fee including the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood, the Museum of London and the Natural History Museum. The London Transport Museum is free to children, although adults pay £13.50/£10 concessions. Many include special kids’ zones and workshops to really get them involved.

Pack a lunch

You can save money by taking your own sandwiches, drinks and snacks to avoid the costly expense of cafes and restaurants. Making some pasta in sauce (with optional chicken, mozzarella, veg etc.) is an idea I recently had during an outing. You can serve it cold and for a fraction of the price compared with buying it from a store!

Free farm fun

Farms are great for kids of all ages, there are 15 in London alone and they’re all free too. Remember your wellies though!

Go to the park

When the weather is nice, head down to the nearest green for some outdoor games that don’t cost much and keep you active.
Invite a few friends along and take a picnic. I love it that parks now have dog free zones so you don’t have to worry about any accidents!
We love playing games like rounders or having Easter egg hunts. Get the kids to wrap mini eggs in foil or cheat and use chocolate coins instead.
Many local parks now have gymnasium designed apparatus called adiZone’s to encourage athletics and fitness, which adults can use too at no charge at all.
For your nearest one, check out www.tgogc.com

Just stay in

Planned days in can be fun too, especially when it’s cold and raining. Board games seem to be so underrated in today’s technological times, but we love having challenges and play knock out rounds of games like Frustration and Monopoly. They definitely bring the family closer together. I’d also recommend grabbing the popcorn and have a movie day with all your favourite films.

Holiday clubs

If you do need a holiday club, as with most things, shop around. Not all of them advertise the concession rates for those on benefits so be sure to double check. A good place to start is with your local and surrounding borough websites, like:

• www.summeractivitiesforkids.co.uk
  
• www.suffolk.gov.uk
  
• www.essexyounglife.co.uk
  

Our day out

In the end, I spent a total of £10.20 taking my three to the Science Museum for the day (also free entry) and this included travel. After our busy day out the kids were quite content with playing at home the next day.

Have fun and Happy Easter!

Ayesha