Six ways parents can keep costs low during expensive summer holidays through vouchers, clubs and freebies

The Sun

20-07-2025

SUMMER holidays can be a financial nightmare for parents already stretched by the cost of living crisis.
Across the UK, families could be spending up to £1,000 more per week once school is out.
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And if they decide to go abroad, the average cost of a family holiday now tops £3,600.
But help is out there – and there are ways to ease the burden, especially if you're on Universal Credit or a low income.
Kids eat free deals
In England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, families can make the most of free offers, local council schemes, and low-cost childcare this summer.
Many cafes and restaurants run "kids eat free" offers during the holidays, helping to cut the cost of days out.
Supermarket chains like Tesco give kids a free meal as long as you buy something from the adult menu.
Asda has meals for children at just £1, and you don't need to buy anything else.
Restaurant chains like Pizza Express, TGI Fridays, Franco Manca and Bill's also usually have summer deals.
These offers are available to all families, not just those on benefits.
Free holiday clubs
Parents on low incomes can also get support from their local council through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
I've saved £15k on trips to Ibiza, Mallorca & Turkey with term time holidays - I'll never stop, fines are a tax on the working class
This gives children the chance to join in with sports, music or creative clubs, and includes a nutritious meal every day for free.
The support available depends on your council, but generally families with children who receive free school meals are eligible.
In some areas, kids can get a place in a holiday club for the equivalent of four hours a day.
Check with your local authority to see what's on offer and how to sign up.
Vouchers for bills and groceries
Another option for help is the Household Support Fund (HSF), which is also run by local councils.
This government scheme gives struggling households access to food or energy vouchers, or direct payments.
Councils across England have received a share of £742million in funding, which will run until March 2026.
Many councils offer vouchers for supermarkets or energy bills, while others send money directly to residents.
You usually qualify if you're on a low income, claiming benefits, or classed as vulnerable.
Again, contact your council to find out what help is available.
There are also handy apps that can help reduce food costs.
Apps to save on food
Olio is a popular option that lets households and businesses give away food they don't need.
Items are offered for free, but it's often first come, first served, so you have to be quick.
Another useful app is Too Good To Go.
It offers surprise bags of leftover food from restaurants and shops at a discounted price.
You won't know what's in the bag until you collect it, but it can be a good way to save on snacks and meals.
Free or cheap days out
Families on Universal Credit and other benefits can also get access to top attractions for a fraction of the usual cost.
ZSL London Zoo offers £3 tickets for those on Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, or Jobseeker's Allowance – a huge saving on peak tickets which usually start at £33.
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.'
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules.
'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.'
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.'
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.'
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'
Other spots such as York Castle Museum offer free entry, while you can visit Kew Gardens or one of the Historic Royal Palaces for just £1.
There are even more free or discounted activities, including cinema tickets for as little as £2.50, free sports sessions and library reading challenges that offer free prizes.
Childcare is another big cost for parents over summer, but there are ways to ease the pressure.
Tax-Free Childcare allows working parents to save 20 per cent on childcare costs.
If you've got two children in clubs for five weeks, that could be worth around £300.
This support is available for children under 12, or under 17 if they have a disability.
You can get up to £500 every three months – a total of £2,000 a year – per child to help with costs like nurseries and summer clubs.
However, if you're on Universal Credit or receive tax credits, you must not apply for Tax-Free Childcare as it can affect your benefits.
Instead, you can claim help through Universal Credit, which may cover up to 85 per cent of your childcare costs.
Summer doesn't have to break the bank.
From free meals and clubs to discounted trips and help with childcare, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the holidays without spending a fortune.
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