Families preparing for the May half-term break have received a welcome boost as consumer champion Which? unveils dozens of money-saving offers designed to help reduce the soaring cost of keeping children entertained.
Cinema Discounts
The Which? Money guide highlights major cinema chains including Cineworld, Odeon and Vue are all running discounted screenings during the holidays. Cineworld is offering its ‘Movies for Juniors’ screenings at £3.99 for both adults and children. Odeon is selling some family tickets from as little as £1 through its ‘Odeon Kids’ scheme. Meanwhile, Vue is running its ‘Mighty Mornings’ sessions from 10am daily, with online tickets starting from £2.49 per person.
Kids Eat Free and £1 Meal Deals
The Which? guide also rounds up a huge range of food offers available over half term. Asda is continuing its year-round ‘Kids Eat for £1’ offer without requiring an adult spend. Morrisons is allowing children under 16 to eat free when an adult spends £5 in its cafes.
Among the restaurant chains offering free meals for children are:
- Ask Italian – up to two children eat free with an adult meal between May 22 and 31 through the rewards app
- Bella Italia – children aged two to 11 eat free Sunday to Thursday with an adult main
- Bill’s – up to two children eat free with every adult main between May 25 and 29
- Frankie & Benny's – free children’s main meal with every adult meal purchased
- TGI Fridays – children eat free between May 11 and 31 for rewards members
- Las Iguanas – children under 12 eat free with an adult meal through its app
- Zizzi – free three-course children’s meals with an adult purchase for loyalty club members
- Yo! Sushi – children under 12 eat free Monday to Friday during school holidays with a paying adult
There are also cheaper breakfast deals available at Beefeater, Premier Inn and Travelodge, while Ikea cafes are offering children’s pasta meals for 95p.
Free Museums, Football and Holiday Clubs
Which? also urges parents to make the most of Britain’s free museums and galleries, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum and Tate Modern.
Families receiving free school meals may also qualify for Government-funded Holiday Activities and Food programmes through local councils, providing free childcare activities and meals during the break.
Football-loving youngsters can take advantage of free coaching sessions backed by McDonald’s and UK football associations, with more than 500 sessions available for children aged five to 11.
