Latest news with #familyoutings
Arab News
4 days ago
- Arab News
Saudi citizen turns farm into rural attraction in Jouf
RIYADH: The agricultural areas of Jouf are a popular summer evening destination during the school break. The region's mild evening weather in July makes its farms, resorts, and parks especially appealing. Evening temperatures in Sakaka average around 27 degrees Celsius, providing a pleasant setting for family outings, according to the Saudi Press Agency. West of Sakaka, Yousef Al-Haizan has turned his farm into a summer family destination, combining leisure and hospitality with agricultural heritage. Driven by his interest in agriculture and attachment to his land, Al-Haizan has added modern amenities while preserving the farm's local character. The site offers open-air seating under trees, areas for activities like horseback riding and motorbiking, and traditional spaces serving Saudi coffee and dates. The effort is part of a wider initiative to promote rural tourism and engage residents in regional development, the SPA reported. Covering about 70,000 sq. meters, the farm also includes an equestrian area boasting lessons for all ages; rural-style settings reflecting Jouf's heritage; a Bedouin tent; and other basic visitor amenities.
The Sun
05-07-2025
- The Sun
Universal Credit households can get nine FREE and cheap days out this summer holidays – see the full list
THE summer holidays can be expensive but getting out and about with your family doesn't have to break the bank - particularly if you are on benefits. Lots of UK attractions offer big discounts or even free tickets to people who receive Universal Credit or other benefits. 3 3 This means you can enjoy visits to some of the most famous historical landmarks, museums and zoos with your family this summer. We've found all the key places that offer discounts, including how much tickets cost and what you can expect when you visit. If you are planning a day out, contact the admissions office or check websites to see if you can get your hands on discounted tickets. Historic Royal Palaces If you receive benefits then you can get discounted tickets to several of the UK's most famous palaces. Historic Royal Palaces is a charity that looks after Kew Palace, Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London. It offers tickets for just £1 if you receive certain benefits including: Universal Credit Working Tax Credit Child Tax Credit Pension Credit Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Jobseeker's Allowance You need to book the tickets online then collect your printed tickets from the Ticket Office. You can claim for up to six people per household and only one needs to show supporting documents. Zoos You can get discounts on several zoos in the UK if you claim certain benefits. Families on Universal Credit can get tickets to London Zoo for as little as £3 per person. Peak tickets normally cost around £33, which means you could save £30. There are even free talks throughout the day where you can learn more about the lions, tigers and gorillas that live at the zoo. Whipsnade Zoo, in Dunstable, also offers £3 tickets to households on certain benefits. These include: Universal Credit Working Tax Credit Child Tax Credit Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Jobseeker's Allowance Meanwhile, Edinburgh Zoo and Highland wildlife park both offer tickets for just £7 per person - saving you 70% on adult tickets and 55% on kids' ones. You can book up to six tickets and you must all be from the same household. You need to book the tickets online in advance. St Paul's Cathedral Visitors to St Paul's Cathedral in London can get tickets for just £1 if they receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Employment Support Allowance. Family tickets for two adults and two or three children would normally set you back £62. You can buy the tickets up to three months before your visit or get them on the day. If you buy the tickets online they will be emailed to you. Make sure to bring supporting documents to prove that you are eligible for the discount. Eden Project If nature is more your thing, then visit the Eden Project in Cornwall. The venue includes the world's largest indoor rainforest, outdoor gardens, contemporary art and even performances. You can get discounted day tickets if you are on Universal Credit, Pension Credit or legacy benefits. The tickets can be bought online and cost £5 for adults and £1 for children aged between five and 16. Children under five go free. A small number of tickets are available on the day but you should book ahead of time to avoid disappointment. You will need to show proof of your Universal Credit, Pension Credit Employment and Support Allowance or other UK legacy benefit on arrival. Chatsworth House Chatsworth House has been the home of the Devonshire family for 17 generations. There are more than 25 rooms to explore, including a sculpture gallery, state rooms and a painted hall. Those who receive the following benefits can get adult tickets for £3 and children's tickets for £1: Universal Credit Pension Credit Working Tax Credit Child Tax Credit Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Jobseeker's Allowance Those in receipt of PIP payments You can only buy the tickets online in advance and will need to show proof that you are eligible when you visit. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre If you read your children a story before bed every night then where better to take them than The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre? The museum in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, is in the same village where the children's author lived for 36 years. Free cash schemes if you're struggling Many of us are still struggling with the high cost of living - but there's help you can get. New or expectant parents can get up to £442 a year to spend on food through Healthy Start scheme. Some new parents can get £500 via the Sure Start Maternity Grant. The money is designed to help you cover the costs of having a child. Councils also offer support through the welfare assistance schemes, to help cover the costs of essentials, from buying new furniture to food vouchers. The amount you can get varies but an investigation by The Sun found that hard-up Brits can apply for help worth up to £1,000. Discretionary Housing Payment is a pot of money handed out by councils to those struggling to keep a roof over their heads. A scheme is available for those who find themselves unable to cover housing costs, though the exact amount varies as each local authority dishes out the cash on a case-by-case basis. Many energy forms offer grants to help cash-tight customers. The exact amount varies depending on your supplier and you circumstances, but could be as much a £2,000. Families on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Employment and Support Allowance can get tickets for just £1. You can get up to six tickets per household and can buy them online or by calling 01494 892192. Do not try to buy the tickets at the gate as only full-price ones will be available. RHS Gardens If you want to make the most of the good weather outside then head to one of the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens. You can visit for just £1 if you receive: Universal Credit Pension Credit Housing Benefit Child Tax Credit Working Tax Credit Income Support Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance There are gardens across the country in locations including Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, RHS Rosemoor in Devon and RHS Wisley in Surrey. You can book tickets for £1 and bring up to five people with you. Only one person in your group needs to be receiving benefits and you will need to provide proof of your income support when you arrive at the garden. The offer is only valid for standard garden entry and cannot be used on separate events such as RHS Glow. York Castle Museum York Castle Museum is one of the best places to learn about the history of the city, including its Victorian streets and prisons. Anyone on means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, can enter for free. Children in these households can also enter for free. You may need to show proof of eligibility to enter. Kew Gardens Kew Gardens boasts more than 500 acres of woodland and is home to one of the largest and most diverse botanical collections in the world. Anyone who receives Universal Credit or Pension Credit can get tickets for just £1. Every benefit holder is entitled to one universal credit adult ticket each. Visitors can also buy up to four extra guest tickets. You will need to show proof that you receive benefits.
The Guardian
30-06-2025
- The Guardian
Tell us about your favourite family back-to-nature trips – you could win a holiday voucher
Summer has well and truly arrived, and schools will be breaking up soon for the long holidays. It's a moment of high anticipation for the kids and possibly high anxiety for the parents about how to keep the kids entertained. We'd like to hear about your best family days out in the great outdoors, whether it be organised fun, such as a surfing course, an activity camp, or more spontaneous and free fun such as rockpooling on the coast or following a Forestry England nature trail. The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website. Keep your tip to about 100 words If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it's your words we will be judging for the competition. We're sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition. The competition closes on Monday 7 July at 10am BST Have a look at our past winners and other tips Read the terms and conditions here You can send in your best tip by filling in the form below. Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. First name only if you prefer This competition is only open to UK-based readers If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mom Is Left ‘Feeling Guilty' After Allowing Her Kids to Use Their Pocket Money to Pay for Family Day Out
A mother admitted that money is "always tight" a week before payday, regardless of how much she budgets for her family In a Mumsnet post, she said her children volunteered to use their pocket money to go on an outing together However, the mom was left feeling "guilty" after other parents commented about her making her children use their savingsA mother is feeling broken after her children publicly announced they used their pocket money to pay for a family day out. The mom explained in a lengthy Mumsnet post that money is 'always tight' by the end of the month, regardless of how much she budgets. A week before payday, she suggested to her children that they go to the park, picnic, ride bikes or do anything that didn't involve having to 'buy a ticket or spend any money.' 'They asked to do something which costs money, but offered to pay for it themselves with birthday/pocket money (adults go free),' the mom said of her children. 'At this point, honestly, I was pleased and proud they were showing initiative, cooperating with one another, negotiating as a team, etc." 'They have enough to pay without emptying their savings, so I happily agreed,' she added. The mother said that when they arrived at the activity, her children told the cashier they were only able to come after offering to pay for the outing themselves. Strangers standing nearby began 'tutting and muttering that no child should have to buy their own tickets' and critiqued her parenting. 'I sort of stuttered that I was actually very proud of them working together to find a solution to get to do something they'd wanted to do, then we moved away,' the mom said. 'I didn't want to start explaining the whole backstory, financial circumstances, etc. 'But now I'm starting to feel guilty, and maybe I should have held the boundary that a no money day is just that, regardless of where the funds come from,' she continued, before asking members of the forum to share their opinions. 'AIBU [am I being unreasonable] to have let them pay?' she asked. 'I was feeling really positive about it all till about 10 minutes ago :(' A flood of responses to the post attempted to reassure the mom that she isn't the only parent strapped for cash by the end of the month. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Many said they wouldn't have shamed her for allowing her children to pay for the outing. 'Not at all unreasonable, you've taught them a valuable life lesson that money isn't growing on trees,' one person commented. 'Ignore that nosey, judgey cow. I think this is totally fine 👍 it's not like you make them pay for their bed and board every week 🤷' another said. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! 'What happened to saving up to do/buy something? This used to be normal,' a third wrote. 'Now, kids seem to be given whatever they want whenever they want. Your children will understand the value of money, this woman's children may well be throwing a strop next time they aren't just given something simply because they want it.' Read the original article on People
