Parents spend almost £5k keeping 'bored' children entertained
A poll of 2,000 mums and dads with kids aged 17 and under found they'll spend an eye-watering amount of money taking them to theme parks and museums, or going to sports clubs
The average parent forks out nearly £4,600 per year to keep each of their children entertained, according to a survey of 2,000 parents with children aged 17 and under. They're likely to spend on outings to theme parks (£124), museum visits (£127), and sports clubs (£455).
Additional costs include holiday camps (£136), cinema outings (£143), and toys and games (£152), all contributing to the substantial yearly total. However, 45% find it challenging to keep their children entertained, with a significant 62% feeling pressured to overspend. This pressure might explain why almost all respondents (96%) rely on special offers and discounts to save money.
The research was commissioned by electric car manufacturer Leapmotor, which is offering four-year discount passes via Kids Pass, an app that saves families an average of £400 annually on days out, with the purchase of its C10 family SUV.
Nearly half (47%) of parents share planning responsibilities with their children, while 39% mostly let their kids decide. A mere 10% of parents make decisions without any input from their children.
Those surveyed believe their children's favourite activities away from home include going to the cinema, swimming, and visiting theme parks. Other popular activities are attending birthday parties, dining out, and participating in sports clubs.
But 80% of mums and dads prefer activities which will educate their kids in some way. The study also found they typically get inspiration for things to do from friends and family, followed by social media , and TV.
On average, those with children of talking age – generally aged three or above – will hear their kids utter those dreaded words "I'm bored" 128 times annually.
Carried out through OnePoll, the study found 62% 'always' or 'often' rely on their car to get their kids where they need to be for the purposes of keeping them entertained and those who rely on a car, travel 727 miles a year doing so.
Damien Dally, managing director, Leapmotor UK, added: "We understand parents are under constant pressure to find ways to keep their kids entertained.
"And our mission is about helping our customers get the best value possible be that from their car or their everyday adventures. We all have fond memories of those family days out traveling in the car."
COST OF KEEPING KIDS ENTERTAINED ANNUALLY:.
Museum – £126.89
Theme parks – £123.61
Throwing birthday parties – £176.62
Toys and games – £152.43
Clothes and accessories – £211.91
Visiting amusement arcades – £109.38
Visiting holiday camps – £136.26
Videogaming – £128.37
Visiting petting farms or zoos – £103.64
Visiting indoor trampoline or climbing parks – £130.86
Cinema trips – £143.46
Soft play – £122.52
Attending workshops or educational classes – £133.24
Dining out – £193.28
Attending sports clubs or activities – £454.68
Streaming services or subscriptions – £418.44
Attending music or dance classes – £384.36
Visiting swimming pools or leisure centres – £412.80
Day trips (not including museums theme parks, amusement arcades, holiday camps, petting farms or zoos) – £520.80
Books and magazines – £392.28
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