Family fun on the cheap this May half-term

The May half-term has arrived and if you're wondering how to keep the kids entertained without spending a fortune, you're not alone.  

The good news is there are loads of fun and affordable things you can do to keep everyone happy (and sane!). 

We’ve rounded up what’s out there this May half-term.  

Kids eat cheap (or free!)  

There are plenty of places making mealtimes easier for your wallet during the holiday.   

• Angus Steakhouse – kids under 8 eat free daily, 12pm to 5pm 

• Dobbies Garden Centres – kids eat for £1 (including a drink) with the purchase of an adult main course 

• Asda – kids eat for £1 all day everyday  

• IKEA – kids’ meals start from 95p, available daily from 11am. You can also enjoy a host of free workshops and activities for the kiddies over half-term 

• Ask Italian – from 22 May to 3 June, kids eat free! 

• Beefeater – two children under 16 eat for free with one adult breakfast 

• Pausa Cafés at Dunelm – kids eat free with every £4 spent in the café  

• Bella Italia – children eat for £1 with any adult main 

• Purezza – kids under 10 get a free mini pizza with every adult meal  

• Bills – from 26 May to 6 June, kids eat free on weekdays  

• Morrisons - get one free kid's meal with any adult meal over £5, including the breakfasts, the classics or the chippy  

• Brewers Fayre – two children under 16 eat for free with one adult breakfast 

• Hungry Horse – every Monday, the Hungry Horse have selected kids’ meals for just £1 and larger meals for only £1.50 with every full paying adult  

• Burger King – From 26 May to 1 June, kids eat free with every adult meal purchased on the app  

Affordable film fun  

A family cinema trip doesn’t have to break the bank, there’s plenty of deals to take advantage of.   

ODEON 

•  big family films at smaller prices during half-term 

• check your local ODEON for showtimes and deals 

Cineworld 

• Family Ticket: adults pay kids’ prices! 

• Movies for Juniors: just £3.99 per ticket for everyone. 

• Cinebabies: special screenings just for parents with little ones. 

• Snack Deal: get a Family Special with popcorn, drinks and Munchboxes (that’s 23%+ off!) 

National Trust adventures  

From mouse hunts at Hill Top in Cumbria to caterpillar trails at Arlington in Devon, there’s nature, history and adventure waiting at National Trust venues. 

Search for a half-term event at your nearest National Trust.  

Local council events  

Your local council may have a treasure trove of half-term fun lined up, many of them free. 

In Stockport, for example, you’ll find: 

• puppet shows 

• kids' craft corners 

• board game sessions in libraries 

Look what your local council’s putting on for children (and adults) to enjoy a holiday full of fun, creativity and adventure. 

Rainy day? No problem!  

If the weather turns for the worse, don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do at home! Try these fun, budget-friendly activities: 

• make glitter butterflies 

• create your own bug hotel and go bug-hunting 

• craft a homemade sand bottle 

• mix up some DIY perfume 

• decorate your own t-shirt 

• grow flower seeds in old bottles and pots 

• create beautiful pipe-cleaner flowers 

• play educational games with leaves 

We know school holidays can be a challenge, especially if money’s tight. But with a little planning, you can give your kids a week full of fun, laughter and happy memories, without stretching your budget. 

Here’s to a joyful, affordable and stress-free half-term.