IF CHRISTMAS has hit you in the wallet, then shelling out for expensive trips with the family will probably be the last thing on your mind.

But spending time with the kids in the new year needn't break the bank, as Liz Walsh explains.

The mum-of-two runs TopDogDays, a blog which acts as a resource for hard-pressed mums and dads looking for top tips on how to rein in the costs when it comes to days out.

And Liz says savings can often be found in surprising places.

It's just a matter of knowing where to look.

To mark 100 years of Guiding in 2010, Trentham Gardens teamed up with more than 5,000 volunteers ranging from Rainbows, Brownies and Guides to Rangers and Young Leaders, to create a centenary garden.

The resulting work, A Stick In Time, picked up gold and Best in Show at BBC Gardeners' World Live, at the NEC in Birmingham.

To mark their success, the estate is offering free entry to the Italian gardens until August 31, 2011.

"Just ensure your child is wearing an item of their uniform and they should be accompanied by a full paying adult to take advantage of this offer," says 41-year-old Liz, who lives in Alton with her husband Brendan, 12-year-old daughter Neve and son Euan, aged seven.

Meanwhile there is two-for-one entry to the gardens, lake and adventure playground on February 13 and 14.

The venue also accepts Tesco Clubcard vouchers which can be redeemed against day and annual tickets.

"Wedgwood visitor centre and museum also accept Tesco vouchers, which have to be exchanged for reward tokens first," says Liz.

"Using these towards the cost of entrance fees is a great way to reduce your family spend and still have a great day out. There are lots of other attractions taking part in this promotion including Alton Towers and even Foxfield Railway."

Liz says that a Blue Peter badge doesn't just bring kudos.

"Flash a Blue Peter badge and your child can gain free entry to many top attractions including Calke Abbey in Derby and Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton," says Liz.

"Free entrance is strictly for Blue Peter winners aged between six and 15 that can show the Blue Peter badge and accompanying card.

"This is a great way to gain free entry to nearly 200 top attractions, but you must be with a full-paying adult."

Local museums, such as the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Hanley, provide a cheap programme of events to keep youngsters entertained throughout the year. Some activities are even offered free of charge.

Pit Pony Craft takes place at the Borough Museum and Art Gallery in Newcastle from January 8.

Held in conjunction with the Changing Landscapes exhibition, the hands-on workshops run between February 19 to 27, from 10am to 5pm.

And if you're a film buff, Liz recommends keeping an eye out for online deals.

"Vue cinemas offer tickets for 95p per person for a selected film each morning throughout the school holidays," she says.

"It's worth asking at your local cinema for listing choice and times, which are usually around 11am."