An enjoyable summer despite the credit crunch
Warwickshire County Council is reminding people that they can still have an enjoyable and activity packed summer despite the credit crunch putting pressure on many families.
High petrol prices, rising energy prices and a poor pound to the Euro exchange rate may be leaving families struggling to get away this summer, but a reminder is going out that there’s plenty for families to do nearer to home, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Summer is the perfect time to encourage children to pack away the DVDs and games consoles and instead swimming, bicycle outings, cricket, or just taking the dog for a regular run around the local park are all healthy ways to spend family time and stay active.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “Involvement in sport not only improves physical fitness and mental health, but it can also help children learn better co-ordination and social skills.
“If adults and children start getting out now on the roads on their bikes in the nicer weather, it will not only improve their fitness, but might be something they find they enjoy so much it keeps congestion off our roads in the future.”
Brush up those bike skills and introduce the family to local cycle routes and at the same time learn the route to their school therefore saving time and fuel costs as a result. Visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cycling to get information on the cycle routes, cycle training during holidays, public rights of way, events and other related items.
Also near to home the county council’s country parks offer an array of activities that children and adults can get involved in during the summer holidays. There’s treasure trails on cycles, walks through villages, flying a kite, fact finding discovery trails, sensory games, creepy crawlies discoveries and much more. Information is available at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/countryside
Alternatively get out on the 1,700 miles of local paths and bridleways as well as quiet roads, canal towpaths and land managed for public access. Learn the history of where you live, enjoy the countryside and do what you have always wanted to. Visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/countryside for more information.
Still not sure? Go to http://www.enjoywarwickshire.gov.uk for details of activities and events around Warwickshire this summer, as well as ideas for what to see and do in the county. There is a separate section for ideas on ‘Children’s activities’ within Warwickshire.
Plus many residents may not be aware that they can gain some great offers by going to http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/goldoffers where businesses and organisations around the county are offering local people the chance to gain money off everything from eating out to entry to attractions.