Single Parent FAQs: Having Fun on a Budget – Issue 38

Yes, definitely! You don’t need expensive trips or fancy toys to have fun moments with the kids.

Some of the best family memories come from simple, shared experiences. It’s about the quality time you spend together, not price tags.

The Scottish weather sometimes puts a dampener on outdoor activities, but there are still plenty of things that you can do at home which don’t cost a lot and are packed with fun! You could try:

• Family movie night – Load up a family favourite, make your favourite snacks and snuggle up with lots of blankets.
• Bake or cook together – Kids love getting involved in the kitchen – why not get them involved in making the family dinner or bake a yummy snack?
• DIY crafts – Raid the recycling to get some materials for fun and creative projects. Set a theme (like animals, Easter or flowers) and see what creations you can make together!
• Living room sleepover – Grab the duvets and the pillows and get everyone together for a big family sleepover. Get cosy, sing songs and even tell some bedtime stories! You may even fancy a cheeky midnight snack!
• Games night – Whether board games, made up games or video games, games night is always a great way to bond and have a good laugh together.
• Karaoke night – There are loads of free karaoke songs on YouTube, which can be a great way to have a laugh! If you don’t have a toy microphone, why not use something like the TV remote as a pretend mic and get creative?

Nature is the perfect playground, and best of all, it’s (usually) free. Here are some suggestions on making the most of your outdoor adventures:

• Park days – Who doesn’t love a day at the park? Make sure to pack some snacks and activities from home, like a football or a frisbee.
• Nature scavenger hunts – Make the local park a bit more exciting by taking on a scavenger hunt! You could make a list of things to spot or collect before you go – or you could access lots of free scavenger hunt ideas online.
• Local trails or cycling routes – Scotland has an abundance of walking and cycling routes – there’s sure to be one close by. VisitScotland.com has some recommended routes you can try but there are usually well advertised walking or cycle routes in most parks or community spaces.
• Visit local gardens or nature reserves – Many are free or donation-based so you can pay what you can afford. Depending on the type of reserve, many have interesting interactive displays and even animals to keep you entertained. Nature Scot has lots of information about where you can visit and what you might find there.

Yes, there’s lots on offer for family days out. You may need to take some time to research or even book events, but there are often lots of free entry sites throughout Scotland to visit. Look into:

• Museums, libraries and galleries – Many offer free entry and will run special family events from time to time. Sign up to online newsletters to make sure you don’t miss any limited time exhibits or events!
• Community events – Check your local council’s website for free festivals, fun days, or holiday activities. Facebook and other social media platforms are also a good source for finding local community activities.
• Farm visits – Some farms are free or have low-cost entry. Dependent on the type of farm and time of year, you may be able to pick fruit or take part in caring for the animals.
• Swimming – At different times of the year, leisure centres offer free or discounted swims for families. By choosing to go at off peak times, you may also spend less!
• Train or bus adventures – Pick a new town or city to explore for the day! Travel for children on the bus is free with a qualifying travel card, and children travelling by train throughout Scotland usually travel for £1 on ScotRail services (or free if they are under 5).

You can further lower the cost of days out by preparing and take food and snacks from home.

There are lots of fun, low-cost or free things to do with teens. It might just take a little more creativity than with littler ones!

• Teenagers often crave independence, fun, and connection, but none of those have to cost a fortune.
• It’s all about finding low-cost activities that feel cool, relaxed, and a bit grown-up.
• Most of the ideas already given above can be tweaked to suit tweens and teens. Instead of a family friendly film, why not try a movie marathon?
• Cooking together not up your teen’s street? Then why not add some competition and challenge them to a teens vs parents cooking showdown – with prizes and forfeits.
• Involving your tweens and teens in planning is important. Make sure to embrace their interests as much as possible.
• You might find a common bond – whether over a love for make-up, baking, comics or playing a sport – that you didn’t have before.

When money is tight, fun doesn’t have to stop. Kids often remember the laughs, the time spent together, and the little traditions more than the money spent.

Be honest about budgets to set expectations early on and involve the kids in planning low-cost adventures. Getting them involved can help shift the focus from material “stuff” to “moments.”

When planning family fun, try factoring in these ideas:

• Let the kids decide – Let them help choose and plan activities based on their interests or choose a theme for the activity (i.e. active, creative, outdoors). Set a budget and help them choose where the money is spent, whether that’s on the activity, travelling or snacks – give them options and some control over family decisions.
• Mix things up – Try something new. Kids often love the novelty of something they’ve not done before (or for a while) and it may spark some new interests for the whole family.
• Capture memories – Pause regularly to document your family time together. You could take photos, make a scrapbook from things collected on your adventures together, or keep a “fun diary”.
• Celebrate the small things – A walk in the rain or watching the stars can be magical if you frame it as an adventure – there’s joy in the everyday things.

Family fun doesn’t need to be fancy. What kids (and grown-ups) remember most is the love, laughter, and time spent together. With a little creativity and preparation, your family can have a brilliant time without spending a fortune.

Yes, there are several great apps and online resources that can help families find fun and affordable things to do across Scotland. Here are some popular ones:

• Scotland’s Best (by VisitScotland): Offers handpicked lists of attractions, events, and hidden gems across Scotland, with options to filter for free and family-friendly activities.
• Play Scotland App: Promotes play opportunities for children and families, including local play areas, nature trails and community events.
• Days Out With Kids: Allows you to search by location and budget. Many activities are free or low-cost and cater specifically to families.
• AllTrails: Perfect for outdoor fun, this app lists walks, hikes, and nature trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels, many of which are free.

• Parent Club Scotland: Offers advice and resources for families, including suggestions for free or cheap things to do with children.
• VisitScotland: The national tourism site has a family section featuring ideas for budget-friendly days out across Scotland.
• The National Trust for Scotland: While some sites charge admission, many offer free entry for children or seasonal discounts.
• Local Council Websites: Many councils have dedicated sections for information about community events, holiday clubs, and family activities, often free or at discounted rates.