Five cheap activities to keep kids occupied this summer hols

The Sun

7 days ago

AVOID school holiday boredom by planning ahead now.
But before you splash out on expensive activity sets and magazines, try these brilliant DIY alternatives.
And keep them stashed away, ready for those inevitable cries of 'I'm bored' . . .
DOUGH THIS: Whip up a batch of playdough in minutes with ingredients you might already have in the cupboard.
Mix 8 tbsp plain flour, 2 tbsp table salt, 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 60ml of warm water in a bowl until a dough forms.
Split into three and add a dash of food colouring to each dough ball and knead.
Store in old, clean yoghurt pots or airtight containers.
Old cereal boxes can be turned into a canvas to paint, while toilet rolls can become binoculars when taped together and decorated.
Head to Poundland for PVA glue, tape and paint sets for £1 if you don't have them already.
Keep everything in a storage box, ready for dull days.
CLEVER COLOURING: Printable activities are a lifesaver and wildlifewatch.org.uk/activities has an amazing selection of free activity kits and animal colouring-in sheets.
Watch as ex-teacher reveals why she quit and doubled her income
Hey Duggee super fans can find activity pages at bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/ curations/colouring-sheets.
It's also worth checking your local library website.
MEMORY SAVER: Create your own custom memory game or version of Snap using plain card, £1, The Works.
Use a felt tip to draw matching shapes on pairs of cards or you could use stickers you already have at home.
Lay the cards face down on the floor and watch as they try to remember where the matching pairs are.
GO WILD: Encourage outdoor ad- ventures with a home-made explorer kit stored in a plastic bag, tote or rucksack.
Plan a scavenger hunt by writing out a list of things that can be found outdoors, such as ladybirds, soil, spiders etc on paper, which kids can tick off.
Also add plain paper and wax crayons for leaf rubbing.
Place the paper over a leaf and rub the crayon over the top to see the leaf come to life.
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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