20 days out for under a tenner as Scots schools break up for summer holidays
The holidays don't need to pull on the old purse strings
SCHOOL'S OUT 20 days out for under a tenner as Scots schools break up for summer holidays
WITH the schools finishing up for summer, keeping the youngsters entertained without breaking the bank can feel like a monumental task.
But fear not - Scotland is brimming with great budget-friendly activities for the kiddos.
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Here are 20 of the best activities to do this summer for less than £10
Credit: Alamy
To help make the most of the long break, we've rounded up 20 of the best activities to do across Scotland all for under a tenner that promise to keep the boredom at bay.
GET ACTIVE
SMASH IT: Kids can enjoy free tennis camps. Visit http://tennisforfree.com.
RUNNING ON EMPTY: Junior Parkruns offer free 2km jogs across the country for ages four to 14.
WHEELY FUN: Find safe family bike rides at http://cyclinguk.org/article/ 50-family-friendly-cycle-routes-uk.
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SPLASH HAPPY: Cool off at a local splash park with water jets on a sunny day.
IN THE SWIM: Some councils offer free swimming sessions during the holidays. Check your local pool, for example: http://glasgowclub.org/activities/free-family-swimming
CATCH OF THE DAY: For a quieter sporting day out, consider fishing. See https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/.
EXPLORE AND DISCOVER
MUSEUM FUN: Many museums offer free entry (check booking requirements). The National Museum in Edinburgh has free entry and interactive kids' activities.
FIND A FOSSIL: Unearth ancient animal or dinosaur remains. Find locations at http://ukfossils.co.uk/locations
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FIND TREASURE: Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt. Use the Geocaching app or visit http://geocaching.com.
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FEELING TWITCHY: Spread your wings and try some birdwatching. Download a spotter sheet and build a bird feeder. A pair of binoculars wouldn't go amiss either.
A NATIONAL TREASURE: Discover free-entry historic houses and gardens like Callendar House and Park in Falkirk.
DOWN ON THE FARM: Visit your nearest farm for cheap or free entry. Kids under five go free at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride or it's £9 for an annual pass for youngsters. Dalscone Farm in Dumfries is also a hotspot - with entry fees starting at a tenner.
TRAIL GRAIL: Look for family trails in your local town or spot statues or sculptures.
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CREATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL
PLANT A SEED: Check for free events at your local garden centre. Dobbies Garden Centres are offering free sensory workshops and families can enjoy low prices on soft play and kids can eat for just £1.
BOOKWORM BONUS: Visit your local library for the annual Summer Reading Challenge. This year's theme is Story Garden which focuses on nature and the great outdoors. Kids earn rewards and a certificate for reading during the holidays.
FIND FREE FOOD: Introduce youngsters to foraging. Look for wild strawberries in July and blackberries in August.
GOING POTTY: WizardingWorld.com has free fun, Harry Potter resources for rainy days.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
FREE FESTIVALS: Check out local event sites or your council website for free festivals. Find more options at http://moneysavingexpert.com/deals/free-uk-festivals.
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FLOAT YOUR BOAT: Look out for carnival parades and save money by bringing a picnic.
UP, UP AND AWAY: The Strathaven Balloon Festival is a free, three-day event in Strathaven Park with hot air balloons, live music, a funfair and stalls. This year it runs from Auust 22-24.
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