Seasonal kit can make or break a family trip, but it does not have to cost a fortune. The key is finding budget-friendly games, balls and accessories that actually get used, survive a few bumps and scrapes, and still feel like a good buy by the end of the summer.
We have picked out some of the cheapest seasonal options at Go Outdoors that are still worth packing, from compact card and board games to kickabout-friendly sports gear. Each one keeps the upfront cost low without feeling like a throwaway purchase.
Some of these are the very lowest-priced choices, while others cost only a little more but bring extra fun, comfort or durability. The idea is to help you save money while still kitting the family out with gear everyone will enjoy using.
These recommendations are based on a close look at specifications, pricing and how each product will be used in real life, rather than just chasing the lowest ticket price. We focus on simple, reliable products that justify their cost, even at the cheaper end of the range.
We look carefully at brands, materials and design, and where ratings are available we weigh up both the score and how many people have left feedback. Our goal is to steer you towards budget options that feel like sensible additions to your camping or holiday kit, not impulse buys that end up gathering dust.
By concentrating on value, practicality and everyday usability, we highlight gear that should deliver plenty of fun for a modest outlay.
We started by looking at some of the lowest-priced seasonal items available from Go Outdoors, focusing on products that suit camping, caravan and holiday park trips. From there, we filtered out anything that looked overly flimsy or too gimmicky for the money.
We prioritised simple games and sports gear that are easy to learn, quick to set up and compact enough to live in the boot or kit bag all season. Where possible, we favoured trusted brands and designs that have stood the test of time, so you are more likely to get something everyone is happy to play with.
The result is a short list of budget-friendly picks that cover a mix of activities, from card and board games for rainy evenings to outdoor play and kickabouts. They are all cheap, but each one offers a slightly different balance of portability, replay value and robustness so you can choose what suits your family and your budget.
Below you will find our top cheaper seasonal picks that are still worth adding to your kit list. Some are classic games that offer huge replay value for the price, while others are simple bits of sports gear that help make the most of open space at the campsite or park.
A few options come in at the very bottom of the price range, while others cost only a pound or so more but add extra fun or comfort. All of them aim to give you maximum enjoyment for a minimal outlay.
A fast-paced, compact card game from Hasbro that offers plenty of replay value for a very low price, ideal for travel and rainy evenings in the tent.
For around a tenner, this Hasbro card game gives you a lot of entertainment in a very small package. The simple rules mean most ages can pick it up quickly, which is ideal when you are on holiday and do not want to pore over instructions. The deck is compact enough to live in a daysack or glovebox all season, so it is always on hand for a quick game. As a card-based option, it works well in tents, caravans or pubs, where a bulky board game might be awkward. Coming from a big-name brand, it is likely to be better thought-out and more durable than many bargain-bin alternatives at a similar price.
Being purely a card game, it will not appeal to those who prefer more tactile board games or outdoor play. With no electronics or flashy components, it relies heavily on the gameplay itself, which may feel a little simple for older teenagers after a while. As with most card games, the cards can get dog-eared if they are used in damp conditions or shuffled roughly, so it pays to treat them with a bit of care.
This is a great choice for families or groups who want a cheap, packable game that works almost anywhere. It suits campers with limited space who still want something to play in the evening, and it is especially handy for those travelling light by train or in a small car. If you are on a tight budget but want a reliable, replayable game from a trusted brand, this is a strong pick.
A bright, camping-themed jigsaw that keeps younger kids occupied without taking up much space or budget in your holiday kit.
The Gibsons Kids’ Camping Jigsaw is an easy win for families with younger children, offering a calm, screen-free activity for a low price. The camping theme fits nicely with holidays and encourages kids to talk about their day’s adventures while they piece it together. A jigsaw stores flat and slides easily into a bag or under a car seat, so it barely impacts your packing. Gibsons is known for clear, colourful artwork, which helps keep children engaged and makes the final picture more satisfying. For the price, it gives you a lot of quiet playtime value, particularly on rainy afternoons or early mornings when you want to keep noise down around the campsite.
As a jigsaw, it is inherently less flexible than card or board games; once you have completed it a few times, some children may lose interest. It is also better suited to indoor or under-awning use, as wind or damp can quickly scatter or damage the pieces. Older kids and adults looking for something more competitive may find it a bit tame compared to other options on this list.
This is ideal for families with younger children who need a cheap, low-energy activity for tents, caravans and holiday cottages. It suits parents who value quiet, focused play and want something that does not rely on screens or batteries. If your budget is tight but you would like at least one dedicated kids’ activity in your holiday kit, this puzzle is a sensible, space-efficient choice.
Lightweight slip-on shinguards from Mitre that offer affordable protection for campsite kickabouts and park matches.
The Mitre Aircell Carbon Slip Shinguards offer affordable peace of mind for football-mad kids and adults who still want to have a proper game on holiday. Slip-on guards are quick to put on and take off, which is handy when you are playing casual matches at the campsite or park. Mitre’s Aircell design is aimed at improving airflow and comfort compared to basic solid plastic guards, which matters on warm summer days. For around £10, they are a relatively low-cost way to add a layer of protection that could save you from painful knocks. As a recognised football brand, Mitre brings a level of design experience you do not always get with no-name budget protection.
Slip-style shinguards can move around a bit during play if they are not matched with the right socks or fit, so they may not feel as locked-in as full wraparound options. There is limited information on exact sizing and padding thickness, so very serious players might still prefer to invest in higher-end guards. They are a specialist item compared with the other products here, so if you are not expecting to play much football, they may not see as much use.
These are best for families and groups who know football will be a big part of their camping trips, holiday park stays or park meet-ups. They suit budget-conscious parents who want basic but decent protection for kids without paying for top-tier match gear. If you or your children often jump into impromptu games, this is a cheap way to be better prepared and reduce the risk of painful knocks.
The classic Monopoly family board game at a very wallet-friendly price, bringing hours of entertainment for groups on rainy days and quiet nights.
Hasbro’s Monopoly Family Board Game gives you a huge amount of entertainment time for a very modest price, especially compared with many modern boxed games. It scales well from small to larger groups, making it a good fit for family holidays or group trips where numbers fluctuate. The familiar rules mean there is little learning curve for most people, and it tends to appeal across age groups. For evenings in the tent, caravan or holiday cottage, it provides a structured activity that can last hours, helping you get excellent value per play. As a classic from a leading brand, the components are generally durable enough to survive being packed and unpacked multiple times a year.
Monopoly games can run long, which will not suit everyone, especially younger children with shorter attention spans. The board and pieces take up more room than a card game, both on the table and in your luggage. If you already own a version at home, buying another just for trips may feel unnecessary unless you want a dedicated “holiday” set.
This is ideal for families or groups who enjoy classic board games and want an affordable centrepiece for evenings under canvas or indoors. It suits those with a bit more packing space who are happy to dedicate room to a full-sized game in return for plenty of replay value. If your budget is tight but you want one solid game that will keep everyone busy, this is a strong all-rounder.
A tough-feeling neoprene football from Hi-Gear that is kind to feet and ideal for beach, park and campsite games without breaking the bank.
The Hi-Gear Neoprene Football is designed with casual play in mind, making it a smart, inexpensive choice for campsite and beach games. Neoprene tends to feel softer on bare feet and shins than a traditional match ball, which is perfect for holiday kickabouts where no one is wearing boots. It should cope well with damp grass and sand, and it is less intimidating for younger players than a rock-hard ball. For just over £10, it is an easy, low-risk way to guarantee something active to do wherever you pitch up. Being from Go Outdoors’ in-house brand, it is tuned towards value, giving you a usable ball without the premium price tag of top-tier match gear.
A neoprene ball will not give the same precise feel or longevity as a high-end football used on proper pitches. It is not the best choice for serious training or league matches, where a match-quality ball would be more appropriate. Over time, heavy use on rough surfaces could scuff or wear the outer more quickly than tougher match balls.
This ball is ideal for families and casual players who want a cheap, forgiving football to live in the car boot or tent. It suits holidaymakers who play barefoot or in trainers and value comfort over match-level performance. If you are looking for an affordable way to encourage active play at the campsite, beach or park, this is a very easy win.
