I’m a money-saving mum & here’s 16 ways to keep your kids entertained cheaply this summer… from free hacks to a 79p buy

IF you’re struggling to keep your little ones entertained and are looking for cheap and cheerful ways to ensure they stay busy during the holidays, we’ve got just what you need.

Days out can often work out to be extremely expensive and if you’ve not got loads of cash to spare, fear not, as we spoke to Gemma Bird, also known as the Money Saving Mum, to get her recommendations for the simple ways that will keep your little ones pleased this summer.

The 43-year-old mum-of-two, who lives in Billericay, Essex, lives mortgage-free in a four-bedroom detached house, drives a Range Rover and jets off on multiple holidays a year to plush resorts in Mexico, Lapland and Dubai.

But Gemma isn’t an heiress or a lottery winner - no, she’s achieved this comfortable life despite never earning more than £25k a year.

The money-saver previously told Fabulous: “I’ve never earned more than £25,000 a year. I live and breathe deals. I don’t care how much money you have, people always love a bargain.

“I’ve saved every solitary penny since the age of seven. I once managed to save almost £10,000 on a £12,000 salary thanks to my must-know hacks.”

Gemma, who is mum to Brody, 11, and Bronte, five, has a whopping 451k Instagram fans and has now shared her super-saver wisdom with Fabulous.

The money-saving whizz counts Stacey Solomon as a fan and told us how to keep your kids entertained, without breaking the bank, this summer.

Gemma explained that you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds on fancy days out and instead, can make memories without spending a penny.

The savvy mum told Fabulous: “With the summer holidays finally here, don’t get consumed that you have to spend an absolute fortune.

“You can do lots of activities for free or for very little cost and your children will still have an amazing time.

“Remember, it’s about the memories you give your kids, not the amount of money that you spend.”

PICK IT OUT: Treat jar

Gemma shared her super simple but fun ‘treat jar’ hack that parents must try this summer.

She shared: “You can do what I call a treat jar. You write in there, colouring, going for a walk, and then whatever it is, the child picks out something,

“You can have one jar that’s completely free and then one jar for once a week activities, maybe it’s going to a theme park or swimming or whatever it is.

“Cheap activities can be a paddling pool in the garden, going to the library and picking your favourite book, having friends over, whatever you want to put in the jar.

“The child will pick it out the night before so you can get ahead of yourself. Then they go to bed excited.

“Activities should either be free or of a very minimal spend.”

WATCH THIS: At home movie nights

Gemma explained that rather than splashing out on pricey cinema trips, her kids love having movie nights at home.

Not only can you buy your own cheap snacks from a supermarket to save cash, but your little ones can cuddle up in blankets and enjoy themselves, without needing to leave the house.

Gemma added: “My kids will have movie nights, they’re great.

“They’ll bring their mattress into each others’ rooms and have a sleepover.”

PLAY TIME: Toy rotation

As well as this, Gemma shared why toy rotation is key to keeping the summer holidays exciting.

She revealed: “I’m a really big believer in toy rotation.

“Get five boxes out and fill them with old toys they’ve not played with in a while.

How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays

IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...

BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: “Don’t feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.

“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.

“Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”

SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don’t let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.

Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older kids to power down but it’s important to set some ground rules.

“Set family tech rules together. If you’re often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren’t allowed any screen time until they’ve done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.

“Are there times when you’d like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.

“Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.”

TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.

Liat says: “If you’re juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.

“If you can’t afford or don’t want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids’ workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.

“Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”

SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.

Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.

“Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.

“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.

“Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”

EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.

Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.

“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they’re wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.

“Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They’ll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.”

“Mark them ‘Monday’, ‘Tuesday’, ‘Wednesday’, ‘Thursday’, ‘Friday’, and give them each box on the day.

“It’s a really good one for getting children to play with things they haven’t played with in a while and it’s easy for you as all you need to do is get the box out.

“And you’re not having to constantly buy toys and then replace them.”

SECOND-HAND FUN: Charity shop trips

If you’re on a tight budget, but still fancy a trip to the shops, Gemma explained why charity shops should be at the top of your list.

The savvy saver highlighted: “If me and my kids have nothing to do in the summer holidays, we walk to town and go to a charity shop.

“I give them both £3 each to pick something.

“It teaches them about giving back and they can pick little toys.

“My kids love doing that.”

GETTING FIT: Garden sports day

For those lucky enough to have a garden, if you want to get your kids outside on a sunny day, why not make your very own sports day?

Not only will it get your kids moving, but it will also tire them out too.

Gemma advised: “You can easily set up an obstacle course for kids in your garden.

“You can get a bat and ball, a press-up area, a jumping jack area. Then if you’ve got a trampoline you can use that and get them to jump on that 20 times.

“You can make up your own activities and use things you’ve got.

“If you’ve got a paddling pool, make them jump in that at the end of it to make it a bit more fun.”

THAT’S HOT: Cooking and baking

Cooking dinner every night can be a bit of a chore, but why not get your kids involved?

As well as this, Gemma swore by healthy baking, and using leftovers to reduce waste and save cash.

She recommended: “I really like healthy baking with my kids. You can use leftover fruit and vegetables, so you don’t get any waste.

“Also with baking, to make it cheaper, don’t buy the pre-packaged kits, they work out really expensive. Instead, buy all the ingredients separately.”

Where can kids eat for free this summer?

THE summer holidays are here, but entertaining the kids need not cost a fortune.

Here, we reveal where you can get free and cheap meals for your little ones during the ‘endless’ summer holidays.

ASDA CAFE: Nip into an Asda cafe to feed the kids after the weekly shop.

Under-16s get a hot or cold meal for £1 at any time of day.

Little ones are covered, too.

Kids under 18 months get a free Ella’s baby food pouch with any purchase.

BEEFEATER: This family-friendly pub chain makes mornings a breeze.

Two kids under 16 eat for free with the purchase of an adult breakfast for £10.99.

It’s available from 6.30am to 10.30am midweek and 7am to 11am at weekends.

BELLA ITALIA: Book a table and order an adult meal at the Italian eatery for kids aged two to 11 to get three courses and a drink for £1.

Offer valid between 4pm and 6pm on Sundays to Wednesdays.

On Thursdays, kids eat free all day when an adult meal is ordered from the a la carte menu.

DUNELM: Make homeware shopping a fun day out.

Dunelm’s Pausa Cafes are offering free kids’ meals for every £4 spent on their food or drink.

Available all day, every day.

BILL’S: Dine in at a Bill’s restaurant to get up to two free kids’ meals (normally £6.95 each) with an adult meal.

Valid weekdays only until August 30.

IKEA: Make it a food day at the Swedish home store.

On every day except Fridays, enjoy a pit stop at their famous cafe from 11am to get a kids’ pasta or mac and cheese dish for 95p.

Other mini meals are available for £1.50.

PIZZA EXPRESS: Kids up to age ten can get a free three-course Piccolo meal including dough balls, pizza or pasta and dessert with every adult meal purchased.

The offer runs every day until August 11.

TESCO: Pop to the supermarket cafe from Monday to Friday until August 30 for free kids’ meals when an adult buys any item in the cafe.

You must have a Clubcard to redeem the offer.

THE RANGE: Kids under 16 get one free meal per adult main purchased at The Range cafes.

Options include sandwiches, a cooked breakfast and fish and chips.

All kids’ meals come with a piece of fruit and a drink.

IN THE TRASH: Go picking

If the sun is shining, rather than your little darling staring at the TV all day, Gemma advised getting youngsters out to go litter picking.

Raving about the free activity, the influencer said: “I think litter picking is a brilliant idea. It’s reaching your kids not to litter and it’s teaching them about the environment as well.

“Take a recycling bag to pick up the plastic, to teach them about recycling.

“It’s good to make them aware that we need to be doing things like this.

Free summer holiday activites

You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer...

Museums - Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids.

Parks - Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy.

Beach - It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland.

Library - If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds.

Cooking - Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge.

Playdates - Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising.

Boardgames - Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble.

“It’s also teaching them about helping others and the community around them.

“You can make it fun if there’s a big group of you. You could even put it on a Facebook group, and meet other kids in the park to get involved.

“But of course make sure you’ve got some disposable gloves when touching rubbish too.”

NEVER BORED: Get out the board games

If you struggle to get your kids off of their iPads or Xboxes, setting time aside to play board games or card games is a great idea.

According to Gemma: “If you’re a busy mum and you’re working during the holidays, give your kids a time that you will then spend time with them playing games.

“You can use board games, whichever ones they like, but it’s all about settling time aside to sit down and play a game with them.

“You’re making them get off their devices - that’s my challenge every day, how to get them off devices, as they’d sit on them 24/7 if you’d let them.”

PLAY DATE: Sharing time with other parents

If the thought of looking after your child every day for six weeks sends shivers down your spine, why not share the load with other parents?

Gemma added: “Reach out to other mums to organise playdates. Then you’ll have multiple activities for your child, and you’ll only have to cover the costs of one of them.

“Or even go out and meet other mums and their kids.

“Go to the beach, take all your food with you but have an ice cream when you get in. Then you’re not constantly paying out.”

GET TIDYING: Making chores fun

The six week holidays means only one thing - your house is sure to be messier than normal.

But rather than the cleaning and tidying falling solely on your shoulders, get your little ones involved too.

Gemma continued: “You could make a list of the chores, whether it’s cleaning, hoovering, emptying the dishwasher, helping in the garden or tidying their room.

Tips for keeping organised during the summer holidays

IF you aren't sure how to keep organised during the summer holidays, then you've come to the right place.

Senior Fabulous Writer, Sarah Bull, has shared her top tips...

FOOD: One thing I find difficult is keeping on top of my kids' constant requests for snacks.

Despite the fact they have one break time at school and then lunch, their demands for food during school holidays seem to be 24/7.

To make things easier, I've decided to bring in snack baskets for them.

They each have a certain amount of food (the same so that there's no arguments) and once it's gone, it's gone.

Not only does it make my life easier, it teaches them that they have to spread things out - and to maybe see if the 'hunger signals' are actually ones of hunger or thirst.

ACTIVITIES: It can be hard to keep your kids entertained - and six weeks can feel like an awfully long time.

One thing to take advantage of is having an outside space. If you have a garden, you can put bikes or scooters in there, or even a trampoline.

It keeps them entertained and also makes sure they're doing some kind of physical activity every day.

If you don't have the space for a climbing frame or added activities, why not give the kids a bucket of chalk and get them to draw on the paving slabs?

Or another one I did was to give the kids a 'magic solution' I needed painted on the wall (it was just water and washing up liquid) to protect it. They spent a good hour doing that!

CLOTHES: One thing I've used from when my daughter, now six, started school is to use clothing drawers for her and my son, who's 10.

On a Sunday, I put all of their clothes, underwear, socks etc in the corresponding drawer for the week.

Usually it's uniform, but I still use the drawers during the holiday too.

It just makes things easier, more organised and less stressful - for all of us.

“Then give your child three options and ask them what one they would like to do. That way they feel like they’ve got a bit of control.

“Put on their favourite music whilst they do it.”

GET MOVING: Learning dance routines

Rather than paying for your child to go to an expensive dance class, why not get them to make up their own routines at home?

The mum-of-two beamed: “Me and Bronte make up dance routines. My daughter loves doing that.

“Choose a song and encourage them to learn or make up their own dance.

“You can get inspiration from TikTok and Instagram. It keeps them busy for hours.”

TIME TO CHILL: DIY spa day

Instead of splashing the cash on a posh spa day, organising your own at home is sure to put a smile on your child's face.

Gemma advised: “You can get meditation online for free, you can get spa music on your phone for free, you can find yoga on YouTube.

“Especially if you’ve got girls, you can do face masks, paint their toenails. Kids absolutely love that.

“Superdrug does cheap face masks, even Poundland does beauty products.”

GROW IT: Planting seeds

For those with a garden, nabbing cheap seeds from shops such as Poundland is a great long-term way to keep kids busy.

Gemma explained: “You can do gardening with your little ones which is such a fun idea.

“You can encourage them to plant seeds and water the gardens in the evenings.

“You can get cheap strawberry plants or tomato plants and they can watch them growing, and you can teach them how it’s saving money, it’s good for the environment, and how it’s healthy to grow your own vegetables.

“If you can, give them their own little patch in your garden so that they can maintain it themselves and plant their own seeds.”

BUBBLE-TASTIC: Cheap bubble wands

Gemma, a savvy shopper who loves nabbing bargains from B&M and The Works, explained that you can find bubble wands for just 99p from Home Bargains, which are sure to keep your little ones entertained.

She explained: “Kids absolutely love bubbles. A really good tip with bubble wands, a lot of people buy them but then they don’t refill them and just end up throwing them. So make sure you refill them.

“You can buy the bubbles for really cheap, or just buy some fairy liquid and water in it, to keep them entertained.

“It’s about getting them outside and doing things.”

GO FISH: Affordable crabbing nets

Not only this, but she also recommended parents buy crabbing nets, which you can get for just 79p from Home Bargains.

Gemma beamed: “We love crabbing. You will literally spend all day with them doing that.

“We go down to Leigh-on-Sea, and you can go out and do that for the day.

“Take a blanket with you, a picnic, and your kids will do that for hours.”

FLY HIGH: Frisbees for a quid

Finally, if you’re looking for a cheap buy that you can take anywhere with you this summer - whether that’s on holiday, to the park, or even to the beach, Gemma swore by £1 frisbees.

She concluded: “You can get frisbees from B&M and Poundland. You can put them away and then use them every single year.

“You can take them anywhere, they’re transferable and lightweight.

“The kids will play it for hours, it’s good for keeping kids active and getting adults involved too.”