One mum insists parents can keep both their budgets and their sanity intact this bank holiday with some savvy hacks
Casey Major-Bunce shared the unique ways she saves money on days out with her family of six – from rainy day activities to free souvenir artwork. The social media star has garnered a hefty following across social media for her notorious money and time-saving hacks under the brand Major Mum Hacks.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, the mum-fluencer shared her top “tried and tested” tips for parents to keep their kids happy and entertained this bank holiday without “breaking the bank and your sanity”. She explained: “You can still make memorable experiences with your children without spending a small fortune or remortgaging your home!”
Food
Depending on where you’re headed, feeding the family can be one of the biggest expenses on a day out, but being prepared can go a long way in helping your budget stay on track. Casey shared: “Preparing snacks at home can save you a small fortune and avoid the dreaded ‘I’m hungry!’ chorus that tends to erupt when you’re out and about! I always pack hotdogs or noodles in a flask.
“These meals are not only easy to prepare, but they also keep the kids satisfied without the hefty price tag of buying food on the go.” Treats-wise, Casey opts for ice lollies in the hot weather, and don’t worry about them melting because the savvy mum has another hack for that: “Pop your flask in the freezer for a few hours with the lid off to ensure your lollies stay frozen.”
Drinks
Similarly, the cost of keeping your family hydrated in the hot weather can be just as pricey, but this has a simple solution that saves Casey up to £20 on days out after she learned it “the hard way”. She shared: “Now I always carry refillable water bottles. It’s not only economical but also keeps the kids hydrated as they explore.”
Travel
Among Casey’s countless travel hacks to keep the kids entertained on the road, she also shared a simple fix for cutting down the cost of parking too: “I’ve found that sometimes it’s worth parking a little further away from our destination. A quick five-minute walk can save us £10, which I’d much rather spend on a treat later in the day. Plus, it gives the kids a chance to stretch their legs after the dreaded car journey.”
Activities
Sticking to the budget doesn’t have to mean staying at home, as Casey shared one of her favourite mum hacks: the Kids Pass. She explained: “This little gem gives you discounts on everything from cinema tickets to zoo trips. It’s a lifesaver for planning outings that keep the kids entertained without overspending. Right now, they have a fantastic offer for a 30-day trial for just £1!”
For those looking to avoid spending any dosh on a day out, simple, free pleasures are often just a moment away whether it be a beach, parks or any natural space which is usually completely free to visit. For these outings, Casey had one suggestion to make the day extra special by having the kids create their own souvenirs, also for free: “On our beach days, we bring along some paint to decorate stones. It’s a simple, inexpensive activity that allows the kids to express their creativity, and we all leave with a little piece of art to remember the trip by.”
Rainy days
Bank holidays don’t guarantee good weather, unfortunately, but the mum-fluencer does have some backup plans to cover that too: “Instead of being cooped up at home, why not go to a local museum? Many museums offer free entry or charge just a few pounds. It’s a great way to keep the kids engaged and learning, all while staying dry and entertained.”