Lifestyle

Half-Term Hacks: 7 Cheap Family-Friendly Activities

Published

6 years ago

February 20, 2020

With half term coming up, you may be racking your brain for fun activities that will keep the kids entertained. But if you’re on a tight budget, this is easier said than done. While there’s always the option of considering your funding options to pay for family activities, you may wish to choose cheaper alternatives to save money wherever possible. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best cost-effective ideas that all the family will love.

Explore a museum

You’d be surprised how many free museums there are across the country. Wherever you’re based, there’s likely to be great galleries, exhibitions or art centres that you can explore with the kids. Not only will this keep them occupied, but it will educate them too.

Take a walk in the park

Are your kids more interested in sitting in front of a screen than going outside? Then it’s a great idea to take them to a local park or gardens for some fresh air. Pack a lunch and take some fun ball games to incorporate some exercise into your day!

Watch a film

If the weather isn’t kind to you, set up a family movie afternoon. This could be as simple as finding a film on Netflix and buying in some bags of popcorn. Or you could head to the cinema as there’s lots of offers for kids at the Odeon, Vue and Cineworld. Tickets can cost as little as £2.50 for the little ones!

Do some cooking

Teach your kids essential culinary skills by adorning your aprons and getting to work in the kitchen. There are lots of cheap, family-friendly meals online that can cost just £1-£2 per person and are quick and easy to make. Plus, it means you have some help making dinner!

Get crafty

Another great option if the weather is bad is to set your kids a craft task and watch their creativity flow. There are lots of fun ideas to choose from, such as drawing or painting, making dreamcatchers, experimenting with playdough and more!

Enjoy some sports

There are plenty of sports that you and your kids can enjoy on a budget. Take them to their local park to play football, ride your bikes down a cycle path or get competitive during a game of tennis at your nearest sports centre. The Lawn Tennis Association operates many free tennis lessons across the UK, which are well worth investigating if money is tight.

Go to a free event

With plenty of free events for families across the country, both the kids and your bank account will be happy. For instance, Hobbycraft and Dobbies Garden Centre do free workshops for kids in their UK stores. The National Trust also runs events throughout the year and have plenty of play areas and indoor adventures to enjoy.

We hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for the upcoming half term holiday!

Lifestyle

The Countdown Begins: Derik Fay’s Wedding Day Approaches as the World Watches

Published

7 days ago

December 30, 2025

Michelle Langton

With the clock ticking down, anticipation is mounting around the upcoming wedding of Derik Fay — the renowned entrepreneur, investor, and private equity titan who has quietly built empires while empowering others behind the scenes. Known for his strategic influence across more than 60 companies spanning fintech, real estate, wellness, media, and beyond, Fay is now preparing for what might be his most celebrated personal milestone yet: his wedding.

While details remain closely held, what’s clear is that this won’t be just another wedding. It’s the union of a man who has built his life and legacy through discipline, loyalty, and integrity — principles that now extend into his private life.

From boardrooms to bridal prep, Fay’s inner circle has watched him remain laser-focused, not only orchestrating billion-dollar business movements, but also thoughtfully curating every detail of this upcoming event. It’s a reflection of the same care and precision he brings to the companies he helps scale from obscurity to success.

As one close friend noted, “Most people just plan a wedding. Derik builds an experience. Just like he does with everything else — it’s meaningful, intentional, and completely unforgettable.”

And yet, amidst the glamour, it’s the emotion that resonates most. Friends, colleagues, and family alike have spoken of the joy radiating from Fay — a rare vulnerability for someone known for steely boardroom composure. It’s proof that even moguls with multi-million-dollar valuations and empires to manage are grounded by love, family, and human connection.

For someone who has helped countless founders achieve their dreams quietly in the background — often funding, guiding, and building their visions without ever taking credit — this moment in the spotlight feels well-deserved.

So as the final days approach, the world may be watching with curiosity, but those who know Derik Fay understand this is not the peak of a journey — it’s another step in a life built on authenticity, ambition, and unwavering commitment to both growth and heart.