The Range children's indoor activities under £6 for rainy summer holiday entertainment
From getting stuck in to giant art and craft sets to creating their own lava lamp, crochet animal or fridge magnet, there are endless things for kids to do when the weather is bad
The school summer holidays are well underway - but it's not quite all it's cracked up to be, with the sun also appearing to have gone on its holidays and the wet weather leading to days out being cancelled.
If you're desperately searching for other ways to keep the little ones entertained over the next few weeks that don't involve having to don the waterproofs and head out into the miserable weather, don't worry - there are plenty of things they can do indoors that won't involve you splashing out eye-watering prices. High street favourites including The Works and B&M are full of projects, toys and puzzles for all ages that are sure to make them forget all about the rain.
Budget-friendly favourite The Range is also ideal if you're trying not to break the bank while looking after the kids this summer, with a section on its website dedicated to summer holiday activities for under £10. We've picked out 12 crafty highlights from the retailer below that are sure to bring hours of creative fun indoors - and none of them will set you back more than £6.
READ MORE: IKEA is offering free events for children and families this summer
Bottle Sand Art - £2
There's plenty on offer at The Range for pocket money prices, including the Bottle Sand Art for just £2 which is sure to make for a fun and interesting afternoon. The kit comes with a selection of bottles in different shapes and sand in a range of colours, as well as a scoop, funnel and pointed tool, so kids can create their own unique art - even the whole family can have a go.
Create Your Own Pebble Art - £2.51
Another quirky twist on a crafty afternoon, the Create Your Own Pebble Art Kit is ideal for anyone big or small who wants to get in touch with their creative side. The box contains nine pebbles, black fine-liner, sheets of card and a glue bottle, as well as top tips on how to make a unique keepsake - if the weather allows, it's also a good incentive to get the little ones outdoors for some pebble-hunting too.
Paint Your Own Mug - £2.99
A fun one for all the family if you have kids aged six or older, the Paint Your Own Mug kit is another fun activity where you'll come away with something to treasure. One kit contains a ceramic mug, two paintbrushes and six paint pots, making it a great way to stretch those creative muscles and make a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one.
Make Your Own Lava Lamp - £3.59
Little scientists in the making are sure to love the Make Your Own Lava Lamp and glitter tube set. Containing everything you need to make two flashing lamps, this kit is ideal for keeping older kids aged 10 and above entertained with something a little different - and at the end they can proudly display something they've made with their own two hands.
52-Piece Art Set - £3.74
Lava lamps, pebbles and sand kits are all well and good, but sometimes you just can't beat a classic colouring kit - and The Range's 52-Piece Art Set is a bargain at just £3.74. The hexagonal set comes with mini markers, coloured pencils, crayons, paints and more, which will keep kids occupied for the whole of the summer holidays and beyond.
Pom Pom Kit - £3.99
Youngsters can pass the time and make something adorable while they're at it with the £3.99 Pom Pom Kit, which includes six different animal designs and instructions on how to create the fluffy friends from scratch. Suitable for ages six and above, little crafters will have new friends in the form of an owl, ladybird, rabbit and more by the end of their creative session.
Paint Your Own Plaster Figures - £3.99
With a variety of different packs to choose from including animals, dinosaurs or fantasy, the Paint Your Own Plaster Figures Set is another great option for mini artists who need something to keep them occupied this summer. Each set includes 10 plaster figures and a selection of paint pots, meaning that kids end up with a sizeable set to play with once they have finished their painting.
Paint and Mould Rainbow Magnets - £3.99
Suitable for ages five and above, the Paint and Mould Rainbow Magnets kit comes with six moulds and everything they need to make their own funky fridge magnets including five paints and, of course, glitter. Your kids can spend hours making their own rainbow, unicorn or heart-shaped magnets to proudly display on the fridge.
Create Your Own Glitter Pictures - £3.99
It's glitter galore in the four designs that come with the Create Your Own Glitter Pictures set, with no glue needed so kida can get straight on with making their own mermaid, unicorn, owl and flamingo-themed art. All they need to do is peel away the top layer of each design to reveal the self-adhesive tack underneath, and get sprinkling with 16 bags of glitter to choose from.
Giant Box Of Craft - £5.99
Let their imagination run wild with a classic Giant Box Of Craft, which is sure to provide hours upon hours of entertainment and bring out the crafty side in any youngster. Included in the box is everything from scissors, lollipop sticks and glitter glue to pompoms, paints and coloured card for any creative project they can possibly think of.
Crochet Kit - £5.99
Another cute one is The Range's Crochet Kit, which are priced at £5.99 each or £10 for two boxes. Perfect for older kids looking for a new hobby, there are three adorable designs to create (a bee, a snail and a bunny) complete with all the materials needed and step-by-step instructions to get started.
Soap Making Kit - £5.99
And finally, one that older kids and adults are sure to love is the Soap Making Kit, featuring everything they need to create eight soap designs and detailed instructions in a 24-page booklet to make sure you get them just right. At the end of it they'll have some unique and sweet-smelling gifts to keep for themselves or give to friends - and the booklet also comes with further project ideas for inspiration beyond the summer holidays.