No sooner have the children gone back to school than half term arrives and you have to find ways to entertain them without breaking the bank.

Here are some ideas to help keep boredom at bay that are kind on the bank balance.

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  Take them on a nature walk and have them collect dry leaves, conkers, small twigs and cones ready for crafts later in the week. Get them to keep a look out for animals  and birds and take or draw pictures of them
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  Using the leaves, conkers and twigs you’ve collected make autumn collages or conker people. This is a great way to keep them entertained if it’s raining.
• If you fancy a day out at a theme park then why not get a Prepaid BabeeCard? All card holders can join the Discount club which has discounts for Alton Towers and Legoland.
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  Going to the cinema can be very expensive so why not have a Movie afternoon at home. Hire a DVD or pick out your favourites from what you already have, make some hot chocolate and popcorn and snuggle on the sofa under a blanket.
• 
  Make a Jack O Lantern for Halloween. You’ll find large Pumpkins in the supermarkets and they also sell Jack O lantern kits - a great way to spend an afternoon. Have a ‘who can make the scariest or funniest lantern’ competition.
  
  Check out these free downloadable pumpkin stencils from Kraft Foods.
  
  You can also find a wider range at Better Homes & Gardens.
• 
  Baking is a great way to keep children occupied as long as you don’t mind some mess. Here is a simple cupcake recipe for you to try (makes 12):
  
  

Ingredients:
125g  unsalted butter, softened
125g  caster sugar
125g self-raising flour
Pinch of salt
2 medium eggs
beaten
2 tablespoons milk

To make – Pre heat oven 190°C or Gas Mark 5, line a 12 hole muffin tray with cake cases. Beat the sugar and butter in a bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs a little bit at a time.  Fold in the flour. Add the milk and mix.  Spoon the batter evenly into the cases. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown. Leave to cool for 5 minutes and then move to wire rack until cold. Decorate how every you like. Enjoy!

Whatever you do over the October Half Term make sure you have fun.

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