Keeping the kids occupied for FREE.

STARTING to tear your hair out at the seemingly endless school holidays? Many parents may be desperate to keep their kids busy but are by now fed up of digging into their pockets at every turn. But children's entertainment does not have to cost a week's wages, check out for free things to do in your neighbourhood:

Take your youngsters indoors or out to one of our local museums. A good many local authority owned museums are free so check out details either by calling the relevant centre or by clicking on your local authority website.

Plan a family away day - by leaving the car at home. Get on your bike and head off to a local park along with a ready-made picnic hamper. It is free, good exercise and fun for the family. But remember to take your umbrellas just in case it rains on your parade.

Arrange a rota with fellow parents to organise activities for the kids. It may sound like a difficult task to take care of half a dozen children for the day but when it leaves you free for the rest of the week it is worth the effort. Sharing childcare also means your youngsters are playing with others and enjoying a range of activities.

Become a bookworm. Local libraries not only have a good selection of children's books, many of them also arrange reading-based activities. Check with your local library either by telephone or see the local authority website.

Organise a sports day. Involve a handful of youngsters in a range of games and sports - not only does it keep them busy it also promotes fun-based exercise.

While away rainy days in the kitchen. There are plenty of child-friendly recipe books (if in doubt head back to the library) with ideas which are simple to follow and often involve no cooking at all.

CAPTION(S):

POTTY... having fun in the kitchen.