Whether your child is already enjoying their summer holidays, or they’re about to begin, we've got 12 budget-friendly tips to help you get through the long break.
1. Get a £1 kids meal
Lots of supermarket and store cafés offer ‘kids eat free’ deals or similar during the school holidays. Here are some of the best offers we’ve seen, where you won't have to spend more than a fiver.
AsdaIkea:MorrisonsSainsbury’sPubs and restaurant deals
Some restaurants also have kids offers during the holidays if you purchase a main meal. Remember to check the terms and conditions of the restaurant before booking.
Bella Italia:BeefeaterDobbies Garden CentresHungry HorseLas IguanasTGI FridaysTravelodgePremier InnPreto:Purezza:Sizzling PubsThe Real Greek: Yo SushiYou could also consider getting a dining card, which could save you up to 50% at thousands of restaurants across the UK.
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2. Cheap cinema tickets
From Inside out 2 to Despicable Me 4, if your kids want to watch the latest blockbuster in the cinema, make sure you save on tickets. Most major cinema chains have offers during the school holidays.
3. Discounted days out
If you fancy a day out in the city, your train ticket can unlock savings.
Not only do some rail companies let youngsters travel for £1 when you buy an adult ticket, but National Rail offers two entry tickets for the price of one at a huge number of attractions nationwide, including the London Eye, Sea Life locations across Great Britain and several historic landmarks including Leeds Castle and Hampton Court Palace.
Before you book, check National Rail's Days Out Guide, which also explains which tickets are valid.
If you're a Tesco Clubcard holder, you can convert the points you earn on your loyalty card into vouchers to spend with its Tesco Clubcard Reward Partners. These can often be used at wildlife parks and theme parks.
Find out more:4. Theme park thrills
Buy theme park tickets in advance to save. For example, an adult day pass bought on the day at Thorpe Park will cost you £66, but bought online will cost you £29. Alton Towers is also doing a deal right now where you can get kids tickets from £19 before 3 September. So it's worth doing your research online before.
You can also convert Tesco Clubcard points into Tesco reward vouchers, which can often be used to buy tickets for theme parks and more.
Find out more5. Free kids workshops
How about making some slime, or learning how to care for a furry friend.
6. Kids Week theatre deals
As part of the ‘Kids Week’ theatre, you can get a free child ticket for those under 17 when you purchase a full-priced adult ticket for selected performances from Wednesday 24 July until Friday 6 September.
If you miss out, there’s also a few other deals you can use throughout the summer:
Disney Day Seats:Enter lotteries:Opt for cheaper seats: Book direct:7. Free Historic England sites
Did you know that many of the historic sites under Historic England are free to enter?
From mysterious prehistoric monuments to Roman ruins, and from mighty mediaeval castles to spiritual sites deep in the countryside, there’s plenty of England’s past to enjoy in peaceful settings.
8. Don't forget about free local events
Local councils sometimes run free half-term activities for kids, or sports workshops.
To see if you can join any nearby events, search your local council's name followed by 'half term activities' to see what's going on in your area, and look out for posters in the library or local park.
If you're not sure which local council covers your area, you can search on Gov.uk using your postcode.
9. Get active outdoors
Parkrun facilitates free weekly community running and walking events that take place all around the world.
The main 5k events take place on Saturday mornings, with Junior Parkrun for children aged four to 14 on Sundays. There is no time limit and no one finishes last!
Find out more10. Board game Olympics
Board games aren’t quite on the same level as the sport you'll be able to watch during the Paris Olympics this summer, but they can be just as competitive.
Our experts have reviewed hundreds of board games to bring you the very best, from classics like Monopoly and Articulate to newer games like Herd Mentality and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza.
But rather than buying them all yourself, you could invite friends over and ask everyone to bring a game of their choice.
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11. Learn something new
Not only are museums and galleries great for learning, but many are free.
Lots of museums have dedicated exhibitions for children, often featuring interactive displays, although you may have to pay to access some exhibitions.
During the school holidays and weekends, some museums also run activity sessions or days where kids can get involved in crafts. Booking in advance is recommended.
Find out more12. Summer reading challenge
If you fancy reading something new over the holidays, how about arranging a book swap with your friends and family.
Or visit your local library, some even allow you to read digital magazines and newspapers from the comfort of your own home.
To find out what your nearby library offers, visit your local council's website and sign up for free.
Find out more:undefinedsource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/cheap-and-free-things-to-do-over-the-summer-holidays-2024-aQvTb4W2H3mf