Cheap things to do with the family this summer.
Finding cheap things to do in the Summer doesn't need to be a chore. There are plenty of things to do with the kids (and the rest of the family) this summer which won't break the bank.
Thankfully, we are here to compile you our handy activity guide filled with fun, budget-friendly things to do this summer. As well as tips and tricks to help you get more bang for your buck, you’ll find all the inspiration you need to fill those sunny Saturdays and balmy weekday evenings.
Things to do with the kids this summer
Here’s a round-up of the best budget-friendly days out with the kids this summer, plus tips for bagging the cheap train travel.
Cheap days out with the kids in Liverpool
Liverpool is the perfect destination for a budget day out with the family, and with Advance tickets to Liverpool from just £10.50, it's a great location for a family day out.
On a sunny day, head to the stunning waterfront at the Royal Albert Dock. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants to enjoy a cold drink or an ice cream, or you can just watch the world go by.
Have a sunny day out at Sefton Park which boasts 200 acres of green space and a lake, making it the perfect spot to spend a summer’s afternoon.
Enjoy beach life at Crosby Beach and Formby Beach. Although just a short train ride from the city centre, you can enjoy the feeling of sand beneath your feet in no time.
If it’s a real scorcher, take a break from the heat and head to the British Music Museum experience. There are outfits and memorabilia on show from the likes of David Bowie, Spice Girls, Adele, and The Beatles. Plus, visitors can learn a musical instrument, record in a vocal booth or practice dance routines in the attraction’s Dance the Decades experience.
Top tip: When you travel with London Northwestern Railway, you also have access to 2FOR1 at the British Music Museum.
Cheap train tickets to Liverpool
Parks and swimming spots in London
You can’t beat a day out in London on a sunny weekend. With nearly half of the city dedicated to parks and green spaces, it’s one of the greenest capitals in the world.
Enjoy a picnic and try a pedalo at Hyde Park, spot the resident deer in Richmond Park or check out the family-run zoo at Battersea Park, complete with lemurs, meerkats, and wallabies.
London is also blessed with plenty of places to cool off. From Hampstead Heath Ponds and Parliament Hill Lido to Hampton Pool and Oasis Sports Centre, there’s no shortage of family-friendly places in London to take a dip.
Top tip: When you travel with London Northwestern Railway, you can also get 2FOR1 on a range of top UK attractions.
Things to do with the family in Birmingham
The UK’s second city is packed with things to do with your little ones. Brum boasts over 8,000 acres of green space and is home to 571 parks – 15 of which have been awarded Green Flag status.
The biggest is Sutton Park. Covering 2,400 acres, it’s the largest urban nature reserve in Europe. Here, you’ll find two playgrounds, picnic areas, heathland, woodlands, lakes, wetlands, and marshes. You can also spot wild ponies grazing on the land and visit rescue donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary Birmingham.
With over 30 miles of canals, there are some fantastic walks to enjoy in the city. But if the kids aren’t so keen on stretching their legs, there are plenty of family-friendly alfresco cafés and restaurants overlooking the waterside at Gas Street Basin and Brindley Place.
If the midday heat is too much, to cool off in some nice refreshing air-con, why not discover the fascinating underwater creatures at the National SEALIFE Centre? Or, why not hop on a quick train ride with our sister operator (West Midlands Railway) to Cadbury World, all located in the quaint and leafy village of Bournville?
Top tip: Get discounted entry at the National SEALIFE Centre or 20% off Cadbury World when you travel with London Northwestern Railway or West Midlands Railway.
Cheap train tickets to Birmingham
Tips for cheap train travel
Heading somewhere on the train? Grabbing an Advance ticket ensures you’ll get the lowest fare available, so it’s a great way to instantly save pennies. Available up to 12 weeks ahead, booking early increases your chances of securing cheaper tickets as they’re sold in limited numbers.
With London Northwestern Railways' Family Travelcard, kids can get to London for just £1! The price even includes unlimited travel on London's buses and tubes, and most trains in the Transport for London area.
Summer activities to try at home
Entertaining the kids doesn’t always have to mean going out the house. Here are five boredom-busting activities you can try at home to keep them happy.
Create your own waterpark
On a sizzling hot day, there’s no better way to cool down than with your very own DIY waterpark. Fill a paddling pool, create a slip and slide, and let the kids (and adults) loose with some super soakers and water balloons.
Make a mud kitchen
You can buy relatively inexpensive mud kitchens from most retailers. But if you’re looking for a quick DIY fix, simply place unwanted pots, pans, and utensils on an old garden bench or crate and let the little muddy fingers get stuck in.
Organise a scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way for kids to explore your garden while learning new things. Make a list of colours, insects, or flowers and plants, arm them with a magnifying glass and see what they can find.
Hold your own sports day
A garden sports day is perfect for letting the kids blow off steam, while enjoying some healthy competition. Whether it’s bean bag throwing, egg and spoon races, pillowcase jumping or a homemade obstacle course, it’s a fail-safe activity to keep kids entertained.
Set up camp in your garden
Turning your garden into a campsite is a fun and easy way to experience the great outdoors. Fill a tent with sleeping bags, cushions and cosy blankets and spend the night chatting away under the stars. Don’t forget those all-important toasted marshmallows!
So, what are you waiting for. Your summer adventure starts with London Northwestern Railway! To see all our discounted offers when you travel by train, visit our 2FOR1 page.