August 3rd, 2022 by Sarah Miles

 As the summer holidays stretch out in front of us, you may be wondering how you are going to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank. You may not even have young children but want some outdoor activities that you can throw yourself into while we have nice weather (hopefully) and longer days.

Here are 5 suggestions that are very low cost that could really spark your imagination and help you get outside and enjoy the weather this summer.

1. Geo Caching

Geocaching is a bit like a treasure hunt for a digital era. Using a smartphone app, you seek out ‘caches’ hidden around a landscape with the help of GPS. It’s great fun finding and checking them off the list and sometimes there are small trinkets and prizes to be claimed. Here are some popular geocaching locations at National Trust sites.

Younger children may enjoy a version of this which is more character-based. Popular characters are placed around city centres (so most are within walking distance of each other and accessible by public transport) which could be as 3D sculptures or graphics on buildings or in windows. They can usually be found using an accompanying smartphone app or often more conventionally as well with a paper map. Famous examples from recent years have been Gromit Unleashed in Bristol and the Manchester Loony Tunes trail. Kids love the activity of finding them but they make for some great photo opportunities too. Events will vary so have a look at what’s going on in your local area, or anywhere you may be staying on holiday.

2. Metal Detecting

If you prefer your treasure hunting to be a bit more ‘old school’ how about taking up metal detecting? For less than £50, you can buy a beginner’s that includes the metal detector, headphones, and even a trowel.

It’s a great hobby for anyone who likes going out into the fresh air but wants their walks to be a bit more interesting and purposeful. Who knows what you might find? It’s fantastic for anyone with an interest in local history and could be educational for kids as well. You could make a real hobby of it, doing your research and focusing on the types of objects you want to find. While it’s a really fun summer activity, you could find that you have discovered a passion for life!

3. Star Gazing

OK, so summer isn’t the best time for star gazing as such as you need dark skies but if you are going off on camping trips, especially to designated dark sky sites (places where there is least light pollution) such as Exmoor, Snowdonia, North Yorkshire Moors, or the Brecon Beacons, for example, it could be a good opportunity to take a look at the night sky and see what’s visible. Meteor showers are predicted around 28th/29th July and 12th/13th August, so they are worth looking out for.

A starter telescope, including a tripod and bag for easy carrying, costs just £38.99 so that’s well worth packing along with your camping gear and a great excuse for staying up late, contemplating the night sky!

4. Find Free Festivals

Big music festivals like Glastonbury are both expensive and difficult to get tickets for but you can get plenty of festival atmosphere for free up and down the country. OK, you may not see Paul McCartney but you’ll get to hear plenty of local bands and artists as well as access all the entertainment that goes along with a festival. Many local authorities, charities, and community groups put on free festivals in the summer so have a look at what’s available in your area.

It's not just music either, it can be food festivals, comedy festivals, or local cultural events such as Caribbean carnivals or Indian Melas. Why not take some chairs or a blanket and make a day of it? Often, it’s the food and drinks that end up being expensive so why not take a picnic of your own in a cool box so you’re not 100% relying on having to buy food (though it’s always nice to sample some of the delicious food on offer!).

5. Get Grilling

Barbecuing is a British summer tradition, even if we don’t always get great weather! However, how many people can say they have really mastered the art of outdoor grilling? All too often, we drag the barbecue out for a couple of parties a year and throw everything on together, often resulting in burnt sausages and raw chicken.

Why not take the opportunity to master the true craft of grilling? Treat it as a serious hobby, just as if you were learning a new cooking technique. Have a go at everything from chargrilling the perfect burger to slow cooking a rack of ribs. Try out new techniques and recipes for the family so when it does come time to cater for a party, you have your skills down pat!

This charcoal BBQ has everything you need to hone your grilling – a built-in thermometer, a lid for long slow cooking, and even an accessory kit. Everyone will be wanting an invitation to your garden parties!