**How Earning a Blue Peter Badge Could Save Families Hundreds This Summer**
As the long-awaited summer holidays approach, many parents will already be thinking about how to keep their children entertained—without breaking the bank. With the price of family days out at popular UK attractions ever-increasing, savvy families may wish to consider a surprising solution: the illustrious Blue Peter badge. This iconic symbol of achievement does more than just inspire childhood pride; it can also unlock free access for children to more than 200 attractions nationwide, potentially saving households hundreds of pounds over the school break.
While the Blue Peter badge was once seen largely as a collector’s item and a nod to creativity or community spirit, it now serves a very practical financial benefit. Any child aged between 5 and 15 who earns a badge—and the accompanying badge card—can access a network of partner attractions free of charge. These include some of the UK’s most sought-after destinations, such as theme parks, zoos, museums, castles and botanic gardens.
The process to obtain a badge remains rooted in the traditions of the beloved BBC children’s programme. Earning one is not a matter of simply submitting an application; Blue Peter badges must be deserved through creative or meaningful contributions. According to official Blue Peter guidance, there are seven types of badge, each awarded for different achievements. The classic Blue badge recognises a creative submission, such as artwork, poetry or stories sent to the programme. Youngsters with a passion for the environment might work towards the Green badge by demonstrating eco-friendly efforts in their local area.
There is also a Music badge for those who play instruments or foster a love for music, and a Sport badge for trying a new sport and reporting on the experience to the Blue Peter team. A Book badge invites children to share thoughts on their favourite books, while the Orange badge is for those who win or place highly in competitions run by the show. For truly exceptional achievements, there is even a Gold badge—often reserved for those who have already received another badge in recognition of their ongoing contributions.
Applying is a simple, online process. Prospective badge-winners or their parents must create an account on the My Blue Peter website and upload their child’s submission according to the relevant badge criteria. It is advisable to plan ahead, as the process—including delivery of the badge and required ID card—can take up to twelve weeks, especially at busy times of the year.
However, parents should not overlook the detail that consists of obtaining a Badge Holder ID card alongside the badge itself. This card, also free of charge, must be presented at participating venues and serves as confirmation of the badge-holder’s eligibility for free entry. The scheme’s current list of participating locations is regularly updated online, encompassing attractions across the United Kingdom.
One of the flagship partners, London Zoo, illustrates the financial benefit. For example, standard tickets for children aged 3 to 15 start at £22.50, often more at weekends or during peak periods. Over the course of the summer, families visiting several attractions could cumulatively save a substantial sum, making the Blue Peter badge a valuable asset for budget-conscious parents.
It is important to note, however, that while advance booking is often not compulsory for badge-holders, attraction staff reserve the right to deny entry for reasons such as venue capacity limits. Parents are encouraged to check with individual venues ahead of time and notify them of the intention to use a badge, to avoid disappointment on busy days.
In times when the cost of family entertainment is on the rise, rewards like the Blue Peter badge stand out not just as a mark of childhood creativity, but also as a practical money-saving tool. It serves as a welcome reminder that ingenuity and effort can open doors—literally and figuratively—for young people across Britain, offering benefits that extend well beyond a television studio or a stickered envelope.
As the six-week holiday looms, families are urged to apply without delay for a chance to not only give their child a sense of achievement but also make memorable, affordable memories together this summer. The Blue Peter badge, it seems, is not just a token on a lapel, but a gateway to adventure and savings alike.