WARRINGTON’S IKEA store has introduced a host of free in-store activities for children this summer, as research reveals three-quarters of parents and guardians are concerned about the cost of a family day out during the school holidays.
The ‘Summer Funhouse’ event includes free drop-in and bookable sessions led by IKEA co-workers, with a number of additional deals and brand-new offers for families to enjoy. Each activity has been designed to promote creativity that is both fun and affordable, by using items that can readily be found within the home.
It comes as a recent study, conducted by Censuswide for IKEA UK, found that 65% of parents and grandparents said money was the main reason they can’t go on family days out anymore. Almost half (47%) of families are going out less together, with over two-thirds (69%) saying this is directly linked to the financial impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
The Summer Funhouse event looks to alleviate this by supporting families looking for low-or-no-cost activities to keep children entertained during the holidays. It’s part of ongoing efforts by the retailer to support families as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact finances, by rolling out a number of free in-store activities, offers and deals in select stores across the country.
The Summer Funhouse event will see three fun days a week including WonderFUN Wednesdays, Fun-packed Fridays, and Summer-fun Saturdays.
Activities for all the family that are taking place at select IKEA stores this summer include:
• Fabulous Frames (drop in or bookable): Little ones can get creative and draw their summer themed masterpiece, alongside decorating the frame to elevate the artwork even further
• Wonderful wall hangings (drop in or bookable): Putting creativity skills to the test, customers can use a BUMERANG hanger and strips of colourful fabrics to create a home decoration in a cost-effective way to bring a taste of summer into the home
• Summery storage (drop in): Where customers can learn to transform and customise a plain storage solution into one that’s suitable for drawing and decorating on.
• Storage Snap (bookable): A fun game using KALLAX units, for visitors to take it in turns to open two drawers in an attempt to find matching pairs[1]
• Messy modelling (drop in): Mini artists can put their modelling skills to the test and learn to make items on display using play dough
• Hide and seek (drop in): A classic game of hide and seek with a twist, where children will be challenged to find five items around the store within a set time limit, with exciting prizes up for grabs[2]
• What’s missing? (drop in): A scaled up version of an old favourite, where visitors have to identify which product has been removed from a roomset or display
• Summer Saviours (drop in): Little ones can help hunt down BJÖRN bears – which will be hidden throughout the store sitting on MUMMUT chairs
• Make a hot air balloon! (drop in or bookable): Using paper lanterns, kids can make and decorate mini hot air balloons to take home.
• Facepainting/Magician/ Storyteller/ Performer (drop in): Kids who attend their local IKEA over the summer holidays will be able to receive a free face paint whilst in store or can enjoy a book reading from a costumed-character or be wowed by a magician.
Richard Owen, Market Manager at IKEA Warrington, commented: “The summer holidays are a time to relax, have fun and spend time with family. That’s why we’re delighted to be hosting the free IKEA Summer Funhouse event to help customers build play into their day more easily and affordably – which is great for boosting the whole family’s wellbeing.”
“We look forward to welcoming customers in store this summer and giving them ideas and inspiration to encourage further creativity at home during the rest of the holidays.”
Visit IKEA’s Warrington events page for more information on the Summer Funhouse activities and how to book, as well as details on other IKEA store activities across the UK and Ireland. Customers can also sign up to become an IKEA Family member for free and receive exclusive rewards and discounts on selected IKEA products, workshops, ideas, plus a free hot drink in selected stores.
