IT can be all too easy to splash the cash to keep the children entertained during half-term.

But here are some bright ideas on how to leave the house and get into the great outdoors without the big costs . . .

Five ideas to enjoy the great outdoors during half-term without the big costs

6

Five ideas to enjoy the great outdoors during half-term without the big costsCredit: Getty

GRUFFALO ADVENTURE: Head out to one of the special birthday trails at 26 forest sites across England which are celebrating the 25th anniversary of children’s favourite The Gruffalo. Each trail has five activity panels as well as sculptures and play areas.

You can pick up an accompanying trail pack for £4. Find trails at forestryengland.uk/gruffalo-party-trails.

GET THE INSECT BUG: Hunting for real- life mini beasts is always a winner with younger children.

Turn over old logs and piles of leaves to see how many different worms and bugs they can spot.

READ MORE ON HALF TERM

You can take an old jam jar and collect them to get a closer look before putting them safely back in their homes.

RUB UP: Arm yourself with a few crayons and some paper on a walk in nearby woods or the park. Then encourage your child to find leaves and other items to take rubbings of them. Tree bark and ferns work well.

SCAVENGER HUNT: At this time of year, you can also look for snow drops, daffodils, tree buds and other signs that spring is just around the corner. And make nature-spotting more fun for kids by creating a scavenger hunt.

You can create your own list or there is a free printable scavenger hunt at hobbycraft.co.uk.

Most read in Money

WET WEATHER: Do not let a little drizzle put you off heading out.

Pull on some wellies and waterproofs and you will find that puddle jumping provides little kids with an afternoon’s worth of entertainment.

Supermum Sue Radford takes her 22 kids on a chaotic half-term holiday with a family-of-10 including archery and an absolutely whopping BBQ

Take a bucket and spade and they will also have fun scooping up mud, water, leaves and just about anything else — before pouring it all back out.

  • All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Nine-piece No7 gift set from Boots for £44.95.

6

Nine-piece No7 gift set from Boots for £44.95.Credit: Supplied

STOCK up on beauty products with this nine-piece No7 gift set from Boots for £44.95. The products bought individually would cost £120.

SAVE: £75.05

Cheap treat

Heart-shaped tealights, £2.50 from George at Asda

6

Heart-shaped tealights, £2.50 from George at AsdaCredit: Supplied

SET the mood for a Valentine’s meal at home tonight with these heart-shaped tealights, £2.50 from George at Asda.

What’s new?

TAKE your snacks to work in this cheerful box, £2.50, new in at flying tiger.com.

Top swap

Silver boots, £160 from Dune from johnlewis.com

6

Silver boots, £160 from Dune from johnlewis.comCredit: Supplied
A similar pair for £45 from Bonprix at freemans.com

6

A similar pair for £45 from Bonprix at freemans.comCredit: Supplied

MAKE a style statement with these silver boots, £160 from Dune at johnlewis.com. Or pick up a similar pair for £45 from Bonprix at freemans.com.

SAVE: £115

Little helper

NAIL your tasks with this daily list pad, £6, from Tesco.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

6

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

You May Also Like

We’ve been forced to spend £6k on a fence to block our neighbour’s huge eyesore extension – it’s like a whole new house

RESIDENTS have told how they’ve been forced to spend £6,000 on a…

UK workers on the end of furlough: ‘Will it be Amazon, care homes or driving a van?’

The support scheme has proved positive for some, but others will have…

I’m a mortgage expert – and here are my five tips to tackle the daunting prospect of remortgaging

WITH more than 2.4 million deals ending in 2024, fears have been…

Aldi shoppers fume over Jubilee opening hours as supermarket slammed for ‘sad’ announcement

ALDI has found itself in hot water after shoppers complained over its…