PARENTS looking to keep the family entertained for less this half term can look to eight budget ideas from penny saving experts for inspiration.

From a house cleaning race with prizes to card games and leafy autumn strolls the money saving team at PromotionalCodes.org.uk have compiled a list of ideas for family fun on a budget.

Among the options are activities that encourage family bonding and getting outdoors for some autumn fun.

They include apple picking and sprucing up the garden ready for a cold winter as well as less conventional options such as a trip to the beach, baking Halloween cakes and catching a family friendly film at the cinema.

Darren Williams of PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “The summer holidays end and all of a sudden the October half terms seems to pop up out of nowhere. But never fear, unprepared parents looking to entertain their families can take a look at our list of cheap ideas to keep everyone happy on a budget this half term.

‘To keep costs low we’ve looked into different seasonal activities to keep kids and parents busy and whilst some are more traditional ideas such as autumnal walks and apple picking, others such as visiting the beach and having a clean-a-thon of the house are surprisingly fun and a little bit different.”

Here’s the list of eight cheap ideas for family fun this half term from PromotionalCodes.org.uk

1.Have a family clean-a-thon

Everyone in the household is responsible for their mess, so make cleaning a fun challenge for everyone to get on board with. Assign a room to each family member and whoever finishes first (remind them that shoving everything in a cupboard doesn’t count) wins a prize. It’s a great way of cleaning the house in no time at all.

2. Teach team games

A little bit of healthy competition is great between family members and games are a great way to bond. Dig out Monopoly, Scattergories, Pictionary and UNO, or simply use a deck of cards to play a multitude of games such as Crazy Eights, Go Fish and Rummy.

3. Make the most of the garden

Before it gets too cold, make the most of the garden this half term. Get the kids working on autumn veg patches or spruce up the garden with potted plants and hanging baskets so it’s not left looking forlorn and neglected this half term.

4. Take a stroll

As autumn approaches the leaves are turning, pick a spot with lots of trees and go for a walk with the family for a few hours. Take in the beautiful autumn colours of red, yellow, orange, purple, pink and brown - you’ll be sure to spot some beautiful views.

5. Pick apples

Just as you pick strawberries and raspberries in the summer, you can pick apples in the winter. Visit a pick-your-own apple farm and get doing just that. Take your pick home and bake a delicious apple and cinnamon pie with the fruits of your labour – tuck in for a great finish off the day.

6. Drive to the beach

Pack a picnic with flasks of tea and hot chocolate and head for the nearest beach. It may seem like an odd time of the year to go, but a beach is a change of scenery and usually has great views of the sand and sea all year round. Take a walk along the coast and breathe in the sea air. Eat your picnic and then grab an ice cream to enjoy. If the beach has a pier nearby check out what it’s got to offer – usually a pier has games arcades which can be a lot of fun.

7. Baking Halloween cakes

As well as carving a pumpkin, why not make more of the Halloween occasion and bake up some spooky treats for Halloween. Cheap and easy cakes include – pumpkin rice crispy cakes with white chocolate and red food colouring.

8. Catch a family film at the cinema

Cinemas often do cheap family cinema ticket deals during the school holidays – they will show family friendly films at a discounted rate and often a range of well-loved motion pictures so kids can get the full cinema experience whilst watching one of their favourite classics.