Weekly spend?

MrsHunter

Hi again! I'm bursting with questions today!!
I've recently become a stay at home mum and I'm wanting to allocate a weekly spend for me and my one and three year old. This would be for outings mainly; swimming, entry to National Trust type places, the odd snack perhaps. Any idea how much would be reasonable? I do like to so things with the children. Or perhaps someone may be able to suggest some free activities?
Thanks
Helen

quintwins

I allow £25 a month for a family of 5 i have one child at home and 2 at school, i can take my youngest swimming for less than £3 because only me needs paid for. swimming for all 5 of us is £8. Cinemas do saturday deals so i can get us all in for £6 because it's £2 per child and adults are free, soft play area is £3.25 if we arrive before 10 on a school day so we have been known to do that and i meet friends then stay all day, they don't mind when it's not busy just be sure not to get sucked into buying loads of coffee and food. Other than that we do the park and the petting farm which is free, we also go to the libary on a friday morning where they do nursery rhymes dancing and a story and he gets aboccy and water before we leave he loves it he also gets to bring a book or 2 home every week.

I try to do something with him 3 days a week atleast.

Habibiboo

Hi
No budget suggestions I'm afraid as my sons are all grown up now & I'm out of touch with that :-( but I do have a suggestion for free outings. You could establish a routine of a weekly trip to the local library / children's library (in our town these are separate buildings, in other towns the children's section is part of the main library). Not only is the library visit a free and educational activity in itself (and no-one ever rushes you) but also there's always a big notice board which shows lots of child-friendly events coming up. Some of these will be in the library itself, but there are often many others (local museum, sporting events etc) and many of them are free, so make a point of taking a note book or diary with you too. That way, on each library visit you should come away with free books to read together and at least one more free child-friendly activity to look forward to.

MrsHunter

Really good ideas from both of you, thanks x

Peggybabcot

If you visit national trust properties regularly it might be worth becoming a member. They often do deals on new membership and families can join for around £80 a year. When you consider it could cost around £30 for one family visit its worth it, you also often get free parking which you wouldn't necessarily otherwise get. You can also visit places further afield if you holiday in the UK making free days out there too. You'll find they often do events like crafting or nature trails etc so the same old property just down the road remains interesting no matter how many times you visit.

joedenise

NT have annual membership reduced at the moment. Currently it is £45.37 pa for a family (1 adult + kids) or £72.75 (2 adults + kids).

Very good value if you can get to places near you on a regular basis, rather than just a one-off; as Peggybabcot says above you can visit NT properties when you're on holiday.

Sometimes it's cheaper to join NT for Scotland but there's very little in it at the moment (less than 50p!).

Denise

Denise