We all know that Christmas can be a drain on your wallet, but if you have kids, they still want to be entertained.
Getting some fresh air or a change of environment might be exactly what you all need when you’ve been around the house, but with low annual bank balances, you might not have much cash to spare.
So we looked around for a few places to make an escape possible while keeping costs down.
Some of the things to do in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will not cost you a dime while others will cost you around a 10 depending on the age of your child.
Here are some ideas.
Put on your skates
Children under five can skate for free at the National Ice Center, and there is also a dedicated Tots Zone so you and your little ones can skate for a total of £ 9.50 (plus 16 skates). If your child is older, the price increases to £ 8.50 for 5-15 year olds and £ 5.50 for students. Prices including ice skate rental
The National Ice Center in Nottingham
(Image: Loughborough Echo)
Go golfing
If your child is five years or under, an 18-hole golf ticket at The Lost City will cost you £ 5.00. If you’re going into town before noon, an adult early bird ticket costs £ 7 instead of the standard £ 9 ticket, while seniors can play anytime for £ 6.50. Students can play Monday through Thursday for £ 7.00.
Animal attractions
Did Santa Claus bring the desired pet? If not, the next best thing could be a trip to the Kitty Café.
The Kitty Cafe in Nottingham
(Image: Nottinghamshire Live)
The cafe in Friar Lane, Nottingham, charges children £ 5 for an hour visit. However, be aware that they must be accompanied by an adult and cost £ 7 for an hour in the cafe. If you want a drink during your stay, prices start from £ 1.95
This exceeds our ideal price. So if this isn’t for you, don’t panic, you can still get your pet care at Stonebridge City Farm in St. Ann’s, but you’ll have to wait until Monday January 3rd for the farm to reopen. Stonebridge is a charity that does not charge entry fees but is grateful for donations.
Discover nature
Take a festive walk. Wollaton Park, Colwick Park, Rushcliffe Country Park, Bestwood Country Park, The Arboretum … they are all great places to kick leaves and enjoy an “invigorating” stroll.
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park in Wollaton, Nottingham
(Image: Joseph Raynor / Nottingham Post)
Some of the parks also have children’s play areas, and places like Wollaton Park have a lake with geese and other wild birds. So, pack up, put on rubber boots if necessary, but get out and explore.
If you live nearby you may be able to walk to one of these open spaces, otherwise you may have to pay the bus or parking fees. For example parking at Wollaton costs £ 3 for up to 2 hours and £ 5 for day parking.
Go on a treasure hunt
To continue the outdoor theme, sign up for a treasure hunt trial. There are two to choose from – Nottingham City and Arboretum as well as Nottingham Lace Market.
The treasure hunt themed hiking trail could open up unknown areas of the city.
The arboretum park
(Image: Joseph Raynor / Nottingham Post)
For example, the Nottingham City and Arboretum Loop takes about two or more hours, depending on your walking speed, and is approximately 3.5 miles. The makers say that one trail booklet is enough for 4-5 people and the route is suitable for all age groups.
There is also a chance to win real treasures! All correct answers will be entered into a monthly prize draw for £ 100 with the mobile text service for clues if you get stuck.
Brochures cost € 9.99 to download at home.
And finally …
Please keep in mind that venues opening times may change during the holiday season. Therefore, find out more before you leave.
Of course, having a few days off can also give you the chance to plan ahead for the New Year, and if you’re looking for some post-vacation activity, Green’s Windmill may offer a solution. The windmill and science center will be closed until Tuesday January 4th, but you may be able to take a trip before school starts again. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free to visit and offers a great insight into how a mill works, but also learns the history of George Green, his achievements and even involved in some of the experiments in the small science center next to it, that fascinated him.
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