New research from ParkLives, a free activity programme which is being delivered by Coca-Cola Great Britain in partnership with Newcastle City Council, has found that Newcastle parents expect to pay around £350 entertaining the kids this summer.
A third (33%) of Newcastle mums and dads are concerned about money when it comes to organising family activities while school is out.
Day trips to the seaside, visits to theme parks and trips to the cinema on rainy days were the most costly choice of activities for parents.
However, the summer holidays don’t need to be costly. Newcastle has a wealth of parks and green spaces and for mums and dads looking to save money over the school holidays and ParkLives is offering 16 weekly free and fun family-friendly sessions in more than 10 community parks across the city – including everything from yoga and Nordic Walking, to rounders and Tai Chi.
ParkLives offers all families in the city the chance to try their hand at new and exciting activities, without breaking the bank.
The research also revealed that almost half of parents (48%) are choosing to visit their local park at least once a week and almost a fifth (19%) wish they could visit every day or more. ParkLives is designed to make these visits more action-packed and fun while not costing a penny to join in.
Councillor Kim McGuinness, Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities at Newcastle City Council: “The majority of parents we’ve spoken to in Newcastle are spending their hard earned cash on trips to the seaside, visits to theme parks and activities like the cinema over the summer holidays.
“It’s great to get out and about and visit all these great local places but through the course of the school holidays it all adds up and can become really expensive. With this in mind we’re hosting lots of free activities for families to take part in within their parks and communities this summer.
“There’s everything from rounders and yoga, to Tai Chi and even Nordic Walking so we’d definitely encourage families to come along, join in and enjoy something different in the last few days of the holidays for free.”
Liz Lowe, ParkLives lead at Coca-Cola Great Britain, said: “We decided to bring ParkLives to Newcastle to help parents make the most of their time outdoors. Our sessions are completely free to join, so it’s a fantastic way to explore your local area without breaking the bank during the school holidays. Our sessions suit all ages and abilities so they’re perfect the get the whole family involved in.”
The summer programme runs until Monday 5th September, with daily activities available in more than 10 parks across the city. Sessions are 1-2 hours long, and are led by supportive and friendly trained instructors from the local area.
View the full timetable and save a space online at www.parklives.com.