‍The latest Frolo Question asked: How do you keep children entertained over the summer holidays without spending a fortune?

The school holidays can be one of the most expensive times of year for families. Six weeks is a long time to fill, especially if you're balancing work, childcare and a budget that's already stretched.

So we asked the Frolo community how they make summer fun without breaking the bank. Their answers showed that enjoying the holidays isn't necessarily about expensive attractions or packed itineraries. It's about finding simple routines, making the most of what's already around you and taking the pressure off yourself.

Here are some of the ideas that came up time and again.

You don't have to do something different every day

One of the biggest themes was taking the pressure off.

Several parents said they rotate through the same handful of activities every summer: a beach day, a local forest, a playground, a bike track, a museum, a library or a playdate.

Rather than searching for something new every day, they rely on familiar favourites. Children often enjoy the repetition more than adults expect, and returning somewhere familiar can actually make days out feel easier, particularly for younger children and children with SEND.

As one parent put it, time spent together doesn't need to cost money. Sometimes the best afternoons are simply building Lego, making pizzas or heading to the park with a picnic.

Get more from places you already use

Many parents said they keep an eye on what's happening at places they already visit.

Libraries don't just lend books. Many run free craft sessions, coding clubs, reading challenges and children's events throughout the holidays.

Museums, galleries, local councils and attractions you've already bought annual passes for often run special summer activities, meaning every visit can feel different without paying again.

One member pointed out that familiar surroundings can be particularly valuable for SEND children, allowing them to enjoy something new without the anxiety of a completely unfamiliar environment.

Let the library do some of the work

The Summer Reading Challenge received several mentions.

Parents liked that it's completely free, suitable for different ages and abilities, and gives children a goal to work towards throughout the holidays. Audiobooks and books read together also count, making it accessible even for children who aren't yet confident readers.

For children involved in Scouts or Beavers, members also suggested looking at badges that can be completed at home, turning everyday activities into a mini challenge.

Think differently about entertainment

Some of the most creative ideas weren't expensive at all.

One parent keeps a box filled with activity ideas written on slips of paper. Whenever boredom strikes, their child picks one at random, adding an element of surprise without requiring constant planning.

Others suggested:

• Picnic lunches, whether at home or out.
• Taking indoor activities outside, from Lego to board games.
• Charity shop challenges to find a new DVD or game.
• Recycling centre reuse shops for low-cost arts and crafts materials and toys.
• Facebook Marketplace and Olio for free toys and activities.
• Scavenger hunts that transform a familiar park into somewhere new.

Sometimes, the novelty comes from changing how you do something rather than what you do.

Make the most of free resources

Several members recommended websites and organisations that regularly share free activities using things you probably already have at home.

Play Makes Sense, Mud & Bloom and Five Minute Mum were all mentioned as great sources of quick ideas, printable games and low-preparation activities.

Others suggested checking the MoneySavingExpert app during the holidays for free National Trust and English Heritage tickets, discounted attractions and restaurants offering free or reduced-price children's meals.

If your child attends swimming lessons, it may also be worth checking whether those lessons include free swimming sessions outside lesson times.

Accept that some days are just home days

Perhaps the most reassuring responses came from parents who admitted they don't spend every day out.

One member laughed that a "forest day" might sound exciting but could simply be a 30-minute walk in a nearby nature reserve before heading home again.

Another said they deliberately avoid trying to do everything because too much choice leads to decision fatigue. Instead, they pick one simple activity for the day and accept that the rest of the time will be spent at home.

For many children, that's more than enough.

And for some families, summer is about getting through

Not every response was light-hearted.

One SEND parent described six weeks spent avoiding crowds, noisy places and overwhelming environments while juggling work from home and the lack of suitable childcare.

It was an important reminder that "summer fun" doesn't look the same for every family. Inclusive childcare remains difficult to find in many areas, and many parents are simply doing the best they can with the options available.

There isn't one right way to do summer

Reading through the responses, it was striking how little emphasis there was on spending money.

The ideas that resonated most weren't theme parks or expensive days out. They were picnics, libraries, beaches, board games, walks, reading, baking, playgrounds and making the most of local community resources.

Perhaps that's the biggest takeaway of all. Children rarely remember how much a day cost. They remember the time spent together.

How do you make the summer holidays work on a budget? Join the conversation on the Frolo app and share your best tips with other single parents.

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