Some UK schools have already shut up shop for the summer, and the rest will be finishing up the term over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile my credit card is whimpering in the corner in anticipation of the bashing it's going to get once the school holidays start. Blimey, it's an expensive time of year, isn't it?

Summer playschemes, days out - it all adds up. So here are some tips to ensure that the summer holidays don't leave you in debt for the rest of the year:

Hide their toys
This is a bit of a sneaky one. Take a chunk of your children's toys that they don't play with much now, and hide them in the back of your wardrobe. This is your emergency stash, not to be broken into until the second half of the holidays. By the time you produce these playthings again in August, they'll be greeted like old friends and treated like brand new toys.

Go slooowly
Never plan more than one activity per day. That's setting the bar too high. Make the most of not being bound by the school timetable and take things at your own pace.

Visit a Saturday morning cinema club
One for rainy days. Entertainment for a quid, bring your own snacks and it's a great bargain way to spend the morning. All the major chains run these cheapo sessions - find out more about Saturday Cinema clubs here.
Arrange play swaps with friends
Having a friend round can be as much fun as a day out. Plus hopefully your child will be invited back to their friend's, giving you a day off as well.

Get a theme park discount card
A Merlin Annual Pass gives you discounted entry to a wide range of theme parks around the UK. Take a picnic when you go and save even more.

Travel discounts
Travel by public transport and you'll find lots of discounts. National Express offers a Family Coachcard, enabling kids to travel free. A National Rail Family Railcard entitles you to discounts, and if you order your Family Railcard here you'll save 10% on the price of the card as well.

Let them get bored
Don't feel that you have to be Chief Entertainment Officer every day. Give your children some space to create their own entertainment, preferably the kind that doesn't cost a fortune.

Share your tips - how will you save money over the summer? Leave a comment below