School hols ideas for newbie stepmom

Angbunny

I was hoping you could give me some ideas for what to do with my step kids during the holidays.

I'm new to the step mum thing and get on really well with the kids (12 & 15) but we can't afford to take them away anywhere so I was looking for some fun ideas for activities or days out - we can afford a couple of splurge days but I'd mostly like cheap and cheerful ideas.

Also, what sort of things do kids eat, mostly we go out with them but this time I'll be cooking and I want to give them something healthy but that they'll actually eat!

Any advice, ideas, suggestions will be gratefully recieved.

Thanks

vikingaero

Where are you located?

If you're in/close to London you've got a load of free museums.

Angbunny

We're in Northampton. We could probably go to London on the train actually, I'll see about cheap day fairs.

GwylimT

If they have phones with gps then geocaching can be fun and extremely cheap, orienteering is a good choice too.

susancs

Angbunny wrote: »

I was hoping you could give me some ideas for what to do with my step kids during the holidays.

I'm new to the step mum thing and get on really well with the kids (12 & 15) but we can't afford to take them away anywhere so I was looking for some fun ideas for activities or days out - we can afford a couple of splurge days but I'd mostly like cheap and cheerful ideas.

Also, what sort of things do kids eat, mostly we go out with them but this time I'll be cooking and I want to give them something healthy but that they'll actually eat!

Any advice, ideas, suggestions will be gratefully recieved.



Thanks

My teens like M&M World in London, getting lots of selfies by the lifesize store figures, the museums, riding "Boris bikes" around Hyde park, Camden Market on Sunday.

Film nights with ice cream and popcorn at home.

Swimming pools, trampoling centres are all popular with them and friends.

Pasta and noodle dishes are very popular with my teens and friends. My teens seem to have hollow legs and eat often, so we have lots of fruit, yoghurts, cereals with milk for them to snack on. They also love a BBQ with baked potatoes and salads.

vikingaero

If you visit London then arrive as early as you can taking into account the cheap train fare restrictions. It's surprising how many families arrive after lunch and waste time and get less value from their train fare. Most museums in London open at 10am so try to be there slightly before that.

Next take a rucksack or two. Most museums have cloakrooms and also charge for them. What really puts me off are the queues to use them. If you have a rucksack for each person then you can carry your coat/jacket as it gets hot in most museums.

Reduce the cost of food by taking a packed lunch. Again most museums have benches where it's OK to eat and some have picnic areas. Carry as much drink as you think you need. Why pay £1.50-£2.50 for a bottle of Coke when you can get 2 for £1 for a lot of drinks in Poundland. I carry 6 bottles of drink in my rucksack. It's heavy but it gets lighter during the day! If you use the picnic areas don't go expecting a seat at 1pm. Eat at 11.45am instead

HOWMUCH

Ask them what they like to eat, most like pizza which you can get different toppings and let them add their own. Spaghetti bol is popular too, curry, chilli.

HOWMUCH

Now going out are they boys, girls or both. Research what you have in your area visit the tourist board or just google. Are they easy going kids do they like walking, ask them to give you some ideas what they fancy doing. Do ask what do you want to do because it may be out of your price bracket. You may be able to cover common ground and budget friendly.

Mojisola

Angbunny wrote: »

I'm new to the step mum thing and get on really well with the kids (12 & 15) but we can't afford to take them away anywhere so I was looking for some fun ideas for activities or days out - we can afford a couple of splurge days but I'd mostly like cheap and cheerful ideas.

Also, what sort of things do kids eat, mostly we go out with them but this time I'll be cooking and I want to give them something healthy but that they'll actually eat!

Don't forget that they will probably want some down time so that they can have lie-ins, read, watch TV, play computer games, etc.

There isn't anything that all kids like to eat - so ask them! Take them shopping and get them involved in some of the cooking.

They are both old enough to help out with other household chores as well if they are staying with you for anything more than the odd day.

theonlywayisup

Food - try a raclette and/or a fondue. Very sociable and fun suppers.

missbiggles1

Angbunny wrote: »

I was hoping you could give me some ideas for what to do with my step kids during the holidays.

I'm new to the step mum thing and get on really well with the kids (12 & 15) but we can't afford to take them away anywhere so I was looking for some fun ideas for activities or days out - we can afford a couple of splurge days but I'd mostly like cheap and cheerful ideas.

Also, what sort of things do kids eat, mostly we go out with them but this time I'll be cooking and I want to give them something healthy but that they'll actually eat!

Any advice, ideas, suggestions will be gratefully recieved.

Thanks

Won't their father be able to tell you what food his children like and what they enjoy doing?