Top low-budget ideas for self-care the whole family can enjoy

Time with the family, whether on holiday or at the weekend should be an opportunity to enjoy rest and relaxation together... except it doesn't always work out that way. Fun as it is to spend time together, it can also be exhausting trying to please everyone. So, how can you spend time together and enjoy a little self-care as well without breaking the bank? Here are some of our team's top tips.

Family nature walks

Spending time in nature is scientifically proven to be good for you, and fresh air is always a great way to tire out abundantly energetic little ones. Get out in the fresh air - wellies, waterproofs and all, whether you're going for a stroll around the neighbourhood, or to nearby parks and trails. Getting time away from all those screens, it's an opportunity to talk, move, connect with nature and one another.

Budget tip:

Turn your walk into a learning game, spotting different birds, insects, trees and plants as you go.

DIY spa day at home

When the weather's not playing ball or you've expended lots of energy out and about, take a little time to spa at home, teaching the kids about self-care in a way that's fun and enjoyable for all. Run a warm bath with Epsom salts, essential oils, or bubble bath, or make DIY face masks using natural ingredients like honey, yogurt, and oatmeal. You can even give each other hand massages or enjoy a foot soak with warm water and soothing scents.

Budget tip:

Use ingredients you already have at home, like honey, olive oil, salt, and sugar for face masks and scrubs.

Family movie night

Movie night is a classic family bonding ritual, ideal after a day of adventure and activities. You can start the proceedings way before you sit down, voting for a movie of choice, preparing the popcorn, and snuggling up on the sofa with all the duvets to make it a real experience.

Budget tip:

Use streaming services you already subscribe to or watch movies on free platforms like YouTube.

Mindfulness and meditation

Teaching mindfulness and meditation can help the whole family cope with stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional wellbeing. There are simple, guided meditation videos available online for beginners of all ages. You can also help little ones to practice mindfulness by focusing on something in the present moment each day, like listening to the crunch of the leaves when you're walking.

Budget tip:

Free meditation apps or YouTube videos offer guided sessions for all ages.

Cooking together

Cooking can be a really meditative act of self-care, and it's a lovely way to spend time together as a family as well. Whether it's baking biscuits (and getting your hands right into the dough) or cooking dinner, it's a great way to get kids to appreciate and understand nutrition and healthy eating, as well as the pleasure of preparing food for others.

Budget tip:

Plan meals around affordable, nutritious ingredients like beans, vegetables, rice, and pasta.

DIY crafting and art projects

Painting, crafting, and drawing, are all wonderful ways to spend an afternoon, whether it's cutting up shapes and sticking them in a repeat pattern, colouring in or making cards, it's a learning process that can also be deeply relaxing and meditative, as well as an opportunity to spend time together. If you're worried about mess, then a reusable scroll is a great way for kids to paint using water alone.

Budget tip:

Use recycled materials like old magazines, cardboard, and fabric scraps for crafts.

Do the gardening

While it's still chilly out, it's a great time of year to start getting out into the garden and planting seeds in trays so kids can watch them germinate over the coming weeks. Research shows that getting your hands into the soil is really good for our mood and our health, and kids generally don't need much enticement to get a little grubby. Sweet peas and Marigolds are great options - easy to go and exceptionally pretty, or why not try tomatoes so you can have your own summer crop.

Budget tip:

Don't forget to harvest your own seeds from flowers like Marigolds - then you can plant those next year without buying more!

Home workout sessions

Want to fit in a workout? Get the kids involved as well. There are plenty of free workout routines online for all ages and fitness levels. You can join a family yoga session, dance together, or follow an online routine that everyone can do in the living room, helping everyone to burn off a little excess energy.

Budget tip:

Look for free workout channels on YouTube or apps that offer free trials.

Tidy up together

Channel your inner Mary Poppins and turn tidying up into a game, clearing out unnecessary clutter to create a calm, organised space, not to mention tiring everyone out in the process. It's a great way to foster teamwork as a family, and you can always incentivise with a reward (like that movie night) at the end.

Budget tip:

Reuse containers and bins you already have at home to organise items. A little creativity can make it fun.

Dinner at home

Turn dinner into a special occasion, but instead of dining out, make your home into the restaurant. Have the kids design menus in their arts and crafts session, set the table, choose the background music, and cook together before enjoying the fruits of all that work.

Budget tip:

Make more than enough so that there's plenty of leftovers for the next day.