Three clever ways to stay cool on a budget as summer temperatures soar

WE have been baking in the heatwave this week but you can still stay cool, calm and entertained for a relatively small outlay. There are plenty of ways to chill on a budget. Here is how to stay chill for less this summer Credit: Getty Here’s what you could try . . . SHADY DEN: The woods provide plenty of cover when the sun is shining. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Adults and children can take turns in spotting wildlife and you could challenge kids to build a den for a fun and cost-free activity. Look for fallen leaves and branches then try to find a tree with a fork in the middle that’s low. READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS You can prop up sticks in the fork and then fan them out to create a structure. Use leaves, twigs and other debris to camouflage the hideaway. Be sure to take plenty of water and drinks to see you through really hot days, plus some snacks to enjoy for a woodland picnic. HIT THE SHOPS: Shopping centres and stores provide plenty of air conditioning when it’s hot outside and you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay entertained either. Most read in Money Pets At Home has free daily workshops for children over the holidays. Ikea also has free activities over the holiday period. For example, the store in Edinburgh is offering summer messy play sessions on selected Mondays and Tuesdays over summer. Activities and dates vary so check what’s on offer at your nearest branch. COOL FILMS: Head to the cinema and enjoy the air con while watching the big screen. Cineworld is celebrating its 30th birthday with free gifts for anyone who spends £15 or more at the snacks counter. You’ll get a ‘birthday card’ that could contain anything from free tickets to snacks. The chain is also running some giveaways on its social media channels X, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get tickets for £5 at Cineworld every Tuesday when you book online using Tesco Clubcard vouchers. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day Save £35 on this three-seater swing at onlinehomeshop.com Credit: onlinehomeshop.com UPGRADE your outdoor space with this three-seater swing, down from £90 to £55 at onlinehomeshop.com. SAVE: £35 Cheap treat You can give tired and dry toes a boost with these pampering socks, £2 from Superdrug Credit: Superdrug YOU can give tired and dry toes a boost with these pampering socks, £2 from Superdrug. What’s new? You can now pack Pringles in lunchboxes with these new Minis multipack bags, £2.25 for a pack of six from Sainsbury’s Credit: Sainsburys YOU can now pack Pringles in lunchboxes with these new Minis multipack bags, £2.25 for a pack of six from Sainsbury’s. Top swap This colourful fish jug is £34 at Dunelm Credit: Dunelm Or spend less for a similar jug, £9.99 from Wilko Credit: Wilko USE this colourful fish jug, for serving water or as a flower vase. It’s £34 at Dunelm. Or spend less for a similar jug, £9.99 from Wilko. SAVE: £24.01 Little helper Sign up to Boots’ Parenting Club through its Advantage Card to bag a free Aveeno bubble bath or hair wash for little ones Credit: Boots SIGN up to Boots’ Parenting Club through its Advantage Card to bag a free Aveeno bubble bath or hair wash for little ones. You’ll also get eight points per £1 spent on baby essentials. Shop & save Save £9 on this inflatable lounger at Robert Dyas Credit: Robert Dyas GET ready to relax at the pool with this inflatable lounger, down from £17.99 to £8.99 at Robert Dyas. SAVE: £9 Hot right now CO-OP members can now enjoy a British ranch steak and fries for £4, saving up to £3.90. Offer runs until August 18. 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!