Kelly Miles, a 33-year-old mum-of-two from Portsmouth, Hampshire, has revealed how she manages to survive the school holidays on just £50 per week on activities for her children, aged 12 and 10.
For the last two years, she stuck to a strict budget of £200 but has increased it to £300 this year due to rising prices. She aims to create “lovely memories” without falling into debt.
Focus on free local options
Kelly prioritises free activities such as free swimming sessions for under-12s, libraries, and day trips to the beach. She uses Monzo pots to set aside money for more expensive days out, chipping away throughout the year after paying essential bills and savings.
“I look at what I have around locally and what is free locally,” she said. She plans trips to mud trails, aquaparks, Legoland, and theme parks using Merlin annual passes.
Food is the biggest hidden cost
Kelly emphasises that food is often overlooked but is the largest expense on days out. She always brings meals and snacks in an insulated backpack, a purchase she says has lasted 10 years. “If you don't bring a packed lunch it can cost so much,” she said, citing a £3.50 bottle of Coke at Thorpe Park.
She bulk-buys ingredients like flour, eggs, and packets of biscuits to make pizza rolls, pancakes, and other snacks rather than buying pre-packaged items. She also advises buying items like buckets and spades at pound shops or supermarkets before heading to the beach, where prices are inflated.
Her top tips
- Look for free activities and events locally.
- Set aside a pot of money in advance for summer holidays.
- Set a budget.
- Bulk buy ingredients and snacks.
- Be prepared ahead of days out with lunch, snacks, and drinks.
- Invest in quality items like an insulated backpack and sturdy water bottles.
- Buy inflated items like bucket and spade beforehand.
Kelly estimates she saves between £400 and £500 each summer by following these methods. “I really would encourage everyone to do it,” she said.
