Easter school holidays on a budget

Children playing in a sunny and green woodland.

If you’re a parent or carer, you know school holidays can prove expensive.

Here are some ideas to help you keep the costs down, keep the kids entertained, and get them ready for going back to school.

What’s happening in your borough

Camden

Sports galore available through Camden’s leisure centres, including £1 swims.

The Young Camden Foundation also has a programme of activities available for children including engaging outdoor activities and a half-term arts school.

Hackney

There are plenty of arts and crafts sessions, including some designed for the whole family, available through Hackney Council. There’s also an Easter egg hunt and musicals to enjoy.

Haringey

Chek out the full programme of events and activities taking part in Haringey. There are sessions dedicated to physical activity and growth mindset tools for girls, skills hubs for teens interested in sports and media careers and much more.

Islington

Islington Council has lots on offer, including sports sessions, music production classes and much more.

Tower Hamlets

Track down the Easter Bunny’s treats in Victoria park on Wednesday 9 April.

Enjoy the sunshine in the park with special events put on by Tower Hamlets Council.

Waltham Forest

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides eligible children and young people with a free meal and enriching activities where they can learn new skills and meet new friends. Find out more and book activities here.

Head into town

Be a tourist for a day, head to Convent Garden, and take in the free public art Easter Egg Hunt.

Remember, museums and most galleries are free, take a packed lunch avoid the gift shops, and you can spend a whole day (especially a rainy one) exploring!

Or for just the fare, take some of TFL’s ordinary bus routes that make a great London sightseeing tour!

Food glorious food!

Go to Money Saving Central where you’ll find places where children can eat for free or very little cost usually with a full price adult meal.

Make use of food sharing apps

Apps like Olio or Too Good To Go can help you save money on food from local restaurants, bakeries and groceries. These stores sell their produce at a discount price, usually before they close for the day, rather than throwing good food away.

Getting foodbank vouchers

If you make use of free school meals, the holidays may present an added financial strain; but we can help.

We can act as a referrer, so if you feel you need help, please get in touch with our Outreach team by emailing Outreach@isha.co.uk or call 0300 131 7300.

You can locate the food bank nearest to you on the Trussel Trust website or call us and we can help identify one for you.

Foodbanks often receive donations of other items like essential toiletries or cleaning supplies, which may be helpful even if you don’t need groceries.