Five nifty apps to help you enjoy budget-friendly days out

IF you’re after a day out on a budget, remember little costs such as parking, snacking and buying bottles of water can quickly add up. Arm yourself with some nifty apps to dodge the pricey pitfalls by sourcing free alternatives. Use our top tips to save on small costs when enjoying days out with the kids Credit: Getty PLAY TIME: The Playground Buddy app helps you find free slides and swings all over the world. It gives little ones a chance to let off steam without parents having to pay for indoor play zones. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Take a picnic and you’ll have a fun, free day out at your fingertips. BOTTLE IT: Get the Refill Return app to find places where you can top up water bottles for free, from public fountains to coffee shops. READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS It will save you spending on bottled water and protect the planet from more plastic waste. Prefer a hot drink? The app also shows places that offer discounts and rewards for bringing your own cup. DON’T SPEND A PENNY: All too often, people caught short on a day out end up spending money in a cafe or pub just so they can use the facilities. There’s no need to do that if you have the Flush app, which flags the nearest public toilets. Most read in Money NOSY PARKER: There are a few different apps to help you sniff out smart parking spaces. Just Park helps you find cheaper spots, including on private driveways, while Parkopedia allows you to easily see different parking prices so you can choose the most budget-friendly. Meanwhile, AppyParking+ shows you low-cost or free parking on the street. FOOD FINDER: Download the Too Good To Go app to find cafes, shops and restaurants giving away surplus food for a fraction of the usual cost. You can pick up bags of sandwiches, pizzas and cakes and tuck into the goodies while you’re out and about. It’s a great way to find local bakeries and cafes, whether you’re close to home or on a trip away. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day Save on this Raya desk lamp from Oliver Bonas Credit: Supplied LIGHT up the day with the Raya desk lamp from Oliver Bonas, down from £45 to £21.50. Bulb not included. SAVE: £23.50 Cheap treat Get this Dove men body and face wash for less at Co-op Credit: Supplied UPGRADE shower time with Dove men body and face wash, down from £3.15 to £2 in-store at Co-op. SAVE: £1.15 What’s new? Help give to charity when buying a Coburg Cob white loaf at Morrisons Credit: Supplied THIS month at Morrisons, the Coburg Cob white loaf is renamed “Cob for Care”, with 25p from every sale donated to end-of-life charity Marie Curie. Top swap Pick up this embossed stoneware bread bin for £65 at John Lewis Credit: supplied Or grab this one from Sainsbury’s for less Credit: Supplied KEEP loaves and rolls at their best in the embossed stoneware bread bin, £65 at John Lewis. Or take a slice off the price with Habitat’s bread bin, £20 at Sainsbury’s. SAVE: £45 Little helper Save on Blossom Hill soft and fruity white wine at The Food Warehouse Credit: Supplied SAVE £1 on Blossom Hill soft and fruity white wine, down from £6.50 to £5.50 at Iceland and The Food Warehouse. Shop & save Pick up this half price colour-in cardboard RHS garden shed from Hobbycraft Credit: Supplied BRING the outside in with the half price colour-in cardboard RHS garden shed from Hobbycraft, down from £25 to £12.50. SAVE: £12.50 Hot right now PERFECT for picnics, a pack of six Royal Gala apples is down from £1.80 to 90p with a Nectar card at Sainbury’s, saving 90p. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!