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Keep the cost down this October half-term

13 Oct 2022

Being short of money this autumn shouldn’t mean being short of things to do. 

With some research, planning and creativity, keeping children and adults entertained on a budget this October half-term can easily equal the fun factor!.

Head outdoors
Piles of leaves to kick and crunch, foraging squirrels to spot and bracing bike rides to enjoy, make autumn the perfect time to appreciate the outdoors. Pull on your wellies and take a blustery woodland walk or relish autumnal leaves in their full glory at your local arboretum – entry is often inexpensive and discounts are available if you book in advance.

Venturing further afield? A day at the seaside can be as cheap and as fun as you want. Pack a stash of two pence pieces for the arcade machines and a kite so you can benefit from the windy weather. If you’re getting the train, save on your travel by booking train tickets in advance.

With the promise of a hot chocolate (and maybe a marshmallow or three) at the end of your adventures, it shouldn’t be too difficult to persuade reluctant walkers to join you. 

Get sporty
For those looking to keep fit or entertain energetic little ones, there are lots of free or low-cost ways to carry out a sporting activity. Explore local parks for tennis courts, football pitches or skate ramps; many even have basketball courts and ping pong tables – a big tick for coaxing teenagers away from screens!

If the weather is just too unappealing, investigate your local leisure and community centres. It’s often inexpensive to book an indoor court or splash out on a session in the swimming pool.


Craft time
The bags of colourful leaves collected on your outdoor adventures are ideal for leaf printing or making a leaf collage – simple and free ways to keep children entertained for an afternoon. 

You could also go conker collecting at your local park, and if you manag to find any pinecones, decorate them with glitter and tie string round them ready to decorate your tree this Christmas.

Grab a bargain
A day out at a theme park, zoo or other major attraction can provide lasting memories, but when you take into account all the extras, such as food and parking, it can also leave a lasting dent in your bank balance.

There are plenty of discounts available to help make it a more affordable option this October. Check out supermarket loyalty points and voucher sites, which always spring into action in the school holidays – plus, there may be half-price or two-for-one tickets to be had.

Celebrate the spooky season
Let your Halloween imagination go batty for some free spooktacular fun! Don your apron and head to the kitchen to make ghoulish cupcakes or spider pizzas – the internet has a wealth of budget-friendly Halloween inspired recipes. We love this article by BBC Good Food on Top 10 Halloween Cupcake Ideas.

Picking and carving pumpkins is an inexpensive way to keep adults and children entertained for hours. Avoid buying costly carving kits and templates by encouraging little ones to design their own pumpkin face and adults can use a knife rather than special tools to carve it.

And if all else fails this half-term, buy a bag of apples and set up a game of apple bobbing – hilarious fun for all ages!