WITH the school summer holidays in full swing, parents in Worcestershire are looking for places to take the kids locally without breaking the bank – so we asked our readers for their recommendations for free and cheap activities.

The May The Toys Be With You exhibition at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum in Foregate Street was a popular suggestion.

Described as an "exhibition of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters", it's free and runs until Saturday September 14, from 10.30am-4.30pm.

Also free at the museum, on the first Tuesday (August 6 is next) of each month from 11am-3pm, the Victorian Steward’s Chemist Shop opens for visitors to "take a peek inside and hear the fascinating story of how it came from Worcester’s High Street".

Another popular free activity is the Splashpad water play area in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester. It's listed as being open from 11am to 6pm during the summer holidays, but these hours change dependent on the weather.

Of course, there are other parks in and around the city which are free to enter and great in the summer, including Worcester Woods, Fort Royal, Diglis and Cripplegate.

Climbing the tower at Worcester Cathedral to see the stunning views was also recommended. This energetic activity is free for children under 16 but there is a £5 admission fee for adults. The tower opens at 11am on a weekday and Saturdays, with last entry at 4.30pm. On a Sunday it's 12.30pm-3pm.

A simple walk along the River Severn and feeding the ducks and swans was also recommended, as was The Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve near Alfrick which is open from dawn to dusk and described as a "beautiful reserve consisting of old valley meadows, woodland & orchard".

A National Trust membership was also recommended as the organisation runs many attractions in Worcestershire. A family membership for two adults and up to 10 children is £126 a year or £10.50 a month, or £78/£6.50 for a single adult and up to 10 kids.

Among the Trust's venues in the county are Croome, Greyfriars' House and Hanbury Hall. Opening times and entry prices (without membership) vary at each venue.

Top Barn Farm Park in Holt Heath is also a fun family day out with free admission, open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.