Budget-friendly ways to keep the kids busy this summer Article

Travel restrictions are lifted this year, and we’re sure lots of families will be packing up their beach towels and caps, ready to jet off somewhere for a week in the sun (if you are, then read our blog post to learn where you can get all of your summer holiday essentials at Victoria Centre).

But with such brilliant weather predicted in Nottingham and the rest of the UK, there’s plenty of staycation fun to be had closer to home. Our team and retailers have a jam-packed schedule of free events, as well as lots of special offers that are just for your little ones to enjoy.

Choose your favourite one below and pay us a visit next time you’re running out of ideas to keep the kids busy this summer - and don’t forget about our range of delicious summer refreshers available in the centre to cool everyone down!

John Lewis & Partners is hosting a treasure hunt in-store - find the prize to be in with the chance of winning entry to Legoland Windsor and the Legoland Windsor Resort and Hotel. Find out more information about how to take part in the treasure hunt, which runs until 31 August, here.

You’ll find lots of places to keep hungry tummies happy on the upper mall. Clean Cut Kitchen is offering a special half price deal on all children’s bento boxes (£2.50), as well as lots of fruity smoothies and guilt-free treats for all of the family.

The Shake Lab, on the lower mall, also has a special offer for children this summer. Kids’ shakes are only £2 when bought alongside a full-priced product - perfect for those warm summer days spent out and about.

Yes, we’ve managed to bring the beach to Victoria Centre. Between 5 and 29 August, 10 tonnes of soft sand will be waiting on the upper mall, ready to be turned into castles, moats and whatever your imagination can dream up.

If you’re not a fan of sand between your toes, you can still get involved with some traditional seaside activities thanks to our retro game arcade and selfie opportunities. Entrance to Victoria Beach is free, but we are accepting voluntary donations for our charity partner, Hope Nottingham.

While stocking up on some bright back-to-school stationery at Smiggle, there’s another prize up for grabs. Pick up an activity sheet and create your own Smiggle character - if yours is selected, you could win a £150 gift card. Head in-store to find out more.

Our Wall of Fame is still in the centre (find it in the lower mall between Tesco and Holland & Barrett), and we’ve just installed two new boards that are waiting to be filled with lots of selfie snaps. Grab some fun accessories from Flying Tiger or Claire’s, before heading downstairs and taking your picture on our special selfie screen.

Visit The Entertainer any day to pick up an activity sheet - but if you come on Saturday, staff will be showcasing some of the latest toys in-store, including Wubble Bubble Ball, Phlatt Ball and Snap it!

What do you and your family have planned for this summer? Let us know on social media!