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Top 10 Olympic Things To Do That Don’t Break The Bank!

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The whole country’s so excited for the start of the Olympics and whether you’re lucky enough to watch the Games in person – there’s so many more ways to celebrate than just watching on the tv!

To help families looking for fun Olympic-themed activities to keep them occupied during the summer holidays, here’s our favourite purse-friendly events across the country:

Olympic Mascot Walking Route
Mid July until 9th September
London
£ - Free

For a unique and free way to soak up the Olympic spirit, take the family to meet the mascots! The 84 statues of Wenlock and Mandeville are positioned all across London, near the capital’s historical and cultural sights, so you get some fresh air, great photo opportunities and a history lesson all in one!

Bee Detective Show
Royal Festival Hall, London
31st August – 2nd September

As part of the London 2012 festival, kids will be able to take part in a multi-sensory theatre experience and join forces with the world’s first Bee Detective! The show will combine performance, projected animations and invite kids to ‘waggle dance’ too. Sure to be a show to remember, it’s also accessible for deaf audiences with sign language and captioning throughout.

The Olympic Torch Relay
Now – 27th July
UK Wide
£ - Free

This is your last chance to catch the Olympic torch as it concludes its journey around the country. If you’re unable to visit, make sure you track the torch’s journey on torch cam or even get crafty and make your own for the kids to carry through the neighbourhood!

The Itch of the Golden Nit
23rd June - 9th September

A film that parents and children are sure to adore, this BAFTA-award winning animated adventure follows 11-year-old hero Beanie on an galactic journey to save his parents and the universe!

Created and dreamt up by thousands of stories and drawings from children across the country and voiced by stars like David Walliams and Catherine Tate for the London 2012 Festival, you can take the family to watch at any Picturehouse Cinema during the summer. 

The Games Walk
Now
River Thames from Eton to Dorney
£ - Free

Combining culture and the environment to create attractions which will last a lifetime, The Games Walk is another way to get some fresh air this summer and take in some alternative Olympic sights. There will be permanent and temporary artworks and exhibits along the walking route, with enough to occupy all ages. Also for a real treat – head to the performance week (28th July – 7th August) for days of music, dance and drama!

Have-A-Go Sports
28th July - 11th August
Hyde Park, London
£ - Free

If your kids love sport, then head to Hyde Park for your chance to try out nearly every Olympic sport there is! There are the popular sports such as football and volleyball and more unusual activities, including modern pentathlon and lacrosse.

Most sessions run for two or three hours so it’s long enough for them to really get involved and all the exercise will tire them out. What’s more – all the activities are free and completely supervised.

Godiva Awakes
28th July – 5th August
Coventry
£ - Free

On the 28 and 29 July this theatre production will be in Coventry bringing the legend of Lady Godiva alive using music, dance and fireworks to celebrate the Olympics. The 10 metre high statue will then travel down the A45 to London passing through seven towns for even more celebrations.

The famous Lady Godiva will be getting a big wake up call at the end of the month, as Coventry’s legend comes to life as a 10 metre high statue! Using music, dance and fireworks to celebrate the Olympics, the parade will travel down the A45 to London, passing through seven towns for even more celebrations.Although it’s free, you will need tickets, so we would advise booking in advance.

Sea Swim
Up until September
Scarborough
£4

Part swimming club, part creative club, Sea Swim celebrates swimming in the sea and uses that to help kids channel their inner creativity. Children get to swim in the sea and then create their own artwork, which can be displayed in the surrounding beach huts – turned mini art galleries. Ideal for all ages and as a very unique and special summer activity. There’s even tea and cake!
Sea Swim celebrates swimming in the sea and the creative inspiration it brings. The club is hosted in beach huts that have been transformed into mini art galleries and the club is open to all ages. To join, you just need to sign up, then go for a swim and create some artwork, which will be displayed in the gallery for the public to see.

Nowhereisland
25th July – 9th September (weather dependent)
South west coast
£ - Free

The newest nation in the world, Nowhereisland arrived in Weymouth this week and is currently recruiting 'citizens' at every stage of its trip. The moving island will travel over 500 nautical miles from the Arctic to visit eight ports and harbours along the south west coast, where there will be heaps of entertainment to enjoy including singers and a flotilla of surfers.

London 2012 Medals Exhibition
The British Museum, London
Ends 9th September

If you don’t have a medal of your own, but the kids want to get up close and personal with the bronze, silver and gold medals of the London 2012 Games – this is your next best option. The exhibit will explore the history of the medals from the mining of the metal all the way to the creation of the designs. There’s also chance to learn about the 19th Century Shropshire Games and see objects that were used in the first modern Olympics.

What activities will your family be doing to celebrate London 2012? Why not share your favourite events in your area with other mums by leaving a comment below and we’ll post the best ones!

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