The school summer holidays can be a stressful time for parents financially, but there are many ways to make it memorable without breaking the bank. As the cost of living crisis continues to put pressure on household budgets, families can still enjoy the six-week break by following these money-saving tips from Discounts for Teachers.
Eat Out for Less
Kids eat free deals are common during the summer holidays to ease the extra pressure on family budgets. Restaurants such as Bella Italia, TGI Fridays and ASK Italian are offering free meals for children throughout the break. Supermarkets like Morrison's provide free breakfast to all children and their parents until September 6 in their cafes. Tesco has introduced its own kids eat free scheme, where youngsters get one hot meal free when an adult buys anything else in the cafe.
Book Ahead to Beat Last-Minute Costs
Planning activities in advance helps families avoid expensive last-minute decisions and impulse purchases. Booking ahead allows time to compare prices and secure the best deals before they sell out, making it easier to budget for the weeks ahead.
Make the Most of Free and Low-Cost Days Out
Not every family activity needs a ticket. Free outdoor spaces like parks, beaches and woodlands keep kids entertained throughout summer. Packing a picnic with snacks from home makes a day out even more affordable. Staying at home can also be fun, with craft days encouraging creativity indoors or watching a family film on streaming services like Netflix or Prime. A trip to the local library to borrow books for free is another option.
Make the Most of the Discounts Available to You
Many discount platforms help families save on groceries to flights. For those in education or healthcare, Discounts for Teachers and Health Service Discounts are great options. Members report saving over £2,000 through these platforms, including significant savings on some of the UK’s best-loved days out and attractions. Using exclusive discounts before booking can reduce the cost of the same days out to a fraction of the price.
Save on Travel with Flexible Options
Transport costs can add up during holidays, but choosing the right options helps control spending. A Family & Friends Railcard reduces adult rail fares by a third and offers up to 60 per cent off children’s tickets. For longer journeys, coach travel is a cost-effective alternative. Operators such as Caledonian Travel offer trips across the UK and Europe at affordable prices, allowing families to explore further afield without stretching the budget.
