Applying for a Blue Peter badge is completely free – and could save you lots of money over the summer holidays
Children could get free access to hundreds of major attractions this summer, saving parents a significant sum when planning how to fill the six-week school holidays. All you have to do is be recognised by an iconic TV show—and it doesn’t cost a penny to apply.
Most Brits will know about Blue Peter and its badge system. The process of getting your hands on a Blue Peter badge is completely free – and unlocks a lot more than just bragging rights, such as free entry to several UK attractions.
However, you cannot just apply for one without good reason – they have to be earned. Thankfully, there are several different ways your child can prove themselves worthy of this honourable badge.
CBBC lists seven Blue Peter badges you can get
- Blue Badge: The original and most famous badge, earned by sending a “creative contribution” to the Blue Peter team.
- Green Badge: For young people who can show they are helping to protect the environment and why being green is important to them.
- Music Badge: For those with a passion for music, musical instruments or performing.
- Sport Badge: A recognition for trying a new sport and telling the Blue Peter team all about it.
- Book Badge: One for the book-lovers, happy to share about a book they have read and what they think about it.
The Gold Badge is “awarded to recognise and celebrate exceptional, outstanding achievements” for young people who already have at least one Blue Peter Badge. You must win or be runner-up in a Blue Peter competition to become eligible for an Orange Badge.
You can send in your free application online by setting up a My Blue Peter account here. If you are successful in getting one, it could help you get discounted days out, which quickly become very expensive over the summer holidays when school is not in session.
Children with badges and accompanying badge cards get free entry at more than 200 UK attractions. This includes lots of fun days out to theme parks, zoos, gardens, castles, and more.
The scheme allows kids as young as five and as old as 15 to get free access via the badge, meaning you could get up to 10 years’ worth of savings doing this. To get one in time for the school holidays, parents and children should apply as soon as they can, as it can take up to twelve weeks for the badges to come through, depending on which badge you’re applying for.
You’re only limited by the places on the list, which can be viewed in full here. The Badge Card is also free to obtain and must be applied for on the My Blue Peter website.
The full terms and conditions don’t mention any need to book in advance, but do remember that these attractions reserve the right to refuse entry on the day (for example, if they’re at full capacity). Be sure to mention your Blue Peter badge at the time of booking, whether in advance or at the gate.