The long summer holidays are almost here and a local debt counselling charity is offering tips to parents on how to keep their children entertained for less during the summer break.

The tips come from the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Blackburn office, which has helped 30 local people with debt problems over the last 12 months.

We acknowledge that with the school holidays approaching parents are asking: ‘What can we do with the kids on a limited budget?’

And sadly, the last thing parents consider is a day out because of the costs.

So here at the local CAP we have come up with some top tips to keep your family entertained, without breaking the bank:

1. Kitchen Fun: Baking buns, Ice cream making and doing the dinner are always a great activities for kids. You will find the BBC Good Food website a treasure trove, with a special children’s section that is filled with simple cheap recipes. See: http://bit.ly/2snvGVZ

2. Movie club: Most cinemas cost a fortune so get together with some other parents and take it in turns to host a movie night once a week. Save money on snacks by making popcorn from kernels on the hob; you can get a 500g bag for just 99p and it’s fun to watch them pop in the pan. Second-hand DVDs are just as good, so have a hunt in the charity shops.

3. Creative mess: Grab a shoe box and start filling it with bits and bobs today. Whether it’s old toilet roll tubes, magazines, plastic bottles or loose bits of string, keep it all. That way, when a rainy day comes and extinguishes all your plans, you’ll have a go-to craft box to keep the kids entertained. It really is amazing the things you can make with a toilet roll tube and a bit of imagination!

4. Free places to go: You will be amazed how many places there are that don’t charge for admission. One of the most comprehensive lists of free museums, galleries and festivals can be found at moneysavingexpert.com, along with a wide range of special offers for paid attraction. See: http://bit.ly/2ruMzdj

Remember that your children always benefit more from your love and attention than from your money.

And if you are struggling with your finances or are in debt and need some help please call free 0800 328 0006 or visit www.capuk.org

Geoff Hutchinson,

Community Links Coordinator - Blackburn

Christians Against Poverty