21 free (or very cheap) ways to sprinkle joy for kids over half term

With February half term upon us, we've rounded up 21 tips to keep the wee ones entertained without a hefty price tag. Whether you're staying indoors or wrapping up to spend time outside, we've activities to make time fly – from glamping in the front room to having a virtual tiger come to tea in your kitchen.

Easter craft ideas from the MSE Forum

There's nothing like the approach of Easter to get a craftperson's fingers twitching. We asked the MSE Forum to share their MoneySaving DIY Easter inspo, and we were rewarded with pictures of homemade decorations, Creme egg 'warmers', pastel-coloured cakes and more.

Free or cheap half-term kids' activities

Many schools are off from the end of this week for half-term, and if things seem a little strange, it's not just because Halloween falls next week too. Even if you're not comfortable going out and about during half-term, there's still plenty of fun to be had at home for Halloween.

How to keep fit for free via YouTube, Instagram, apps etc

With gyms temporarily closed again across the UK, and many of us staying inside a lot more, exercise regimes may slip. But there are loads of free apps, online tools and resources that can help you keep fit at home. Handy if you're not able (or ready) to return to fitness centres – or if you just want to save £100s on a membership you won't use.

Why I paid a 7-year-old to draw me a picture

In January, I became a dad, and while pocket money's probably a way off (our nine-month-old baby isn't pestering us yet), it's something I've already thought about. How much would I pay, and what could my kid do to earn it?