Looking for ways to keep the children entertained this summer without spending a fortune?
From free play sessions and library activities to discounted travel and school uniform swaps, there are plenty of ways for local families to enjoy the holidays while keeping costs down.
Free family play at Pitzhanger
PlayWorks returns to Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery in Ealing between 19-21 August, offering 3 days of free, outdoor play. Children can build, create and explore using giant blocks, fabrics, flowers and other materials in a child-led play environment.
Advance booking is recommended, but drop-in visitors are also welcome. Visit the Pitzhanger Manor website for details.
Adventures at your local library
Libraries across the borough are running a range of free activities during the summer holidays, including craft sessions, storytelling events and the Summer Reading Challenge.
Children’s author Candida Mosoma will host free storytelling sessions on 3 August, between 11am-midday at Northolt Library and 2pm-3pm at Southall Library. Visit the Ealing Libraries events page to find out what is happening at your local library.
Holiday activities and food
The borough’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme offers free activities and food during the school holidays.
The programme is available to children from reception age up to year 11 who receive benefits-related, free school meals and live in the borough. Visit the council website for details and eligibility information.
Save on school uniform and more
You can pick up free ‘pre-loved’ school uniform through Act for Ealing’s school uniform project, available at hubs in Greenford and Acton, as well as at pop-up events across the borough during August.
ReActon in Acton also offers free books, household paint and repair café sessions designed to help residents keep clothes and household items in use for longer. It is open on Mondays and Fridays.
Borrow instead of buy
Planning a garden camp-out, movie night or family get-together? the council’s Library of Things offers low-cost borrowing of useful items such as projectors, screens, tents, waffle makers and ice-cream makers.
It is a great way to try something new, save money and avoid buying things you might only use once or twice.
Affordable days out across London
You can make the most of the Mayor of London’s new Weekend Hopper scheme. Until 31 August, anyone travelling on buses and trams on Saturdays, Sundays and the August bank holiday Monday can make unlimited journeys all day for the price of a single £1.75 fare.
Children and young people may also be able to receive free travel through existing Transport for London travel schemes.
Eating out for less
A number of restaurants, cafés and supermarkets are running children’s meal deals throughout the summer holidays. Participating venues include Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Bill’s, Frankie & Benny’s, Harvester and IKEA.
Check individual websites for the latest offers and participating locations.
And finally…
If you are looking for more ways to save money this summer, visit the council’s cost of living support pages for information on financial help, community support and a benefits calculator to check whether you could be entitled to additional assistance.
