July 17th 2024.
Summer is just around the corner, and for parents, that means it's time to start budgeting for the upcoming months. With kids out of school and plenty of activities to keep them occupied, it's no surprise that summer can quickly become an expensive season. Luckily, financial expert Martin Lewis has some helpful tips to ease the burden and keep costs down while still ensuring your little ones have a fun-filled summer.
In his latest newsletter, Martin shares a range of advice that will help parents save money during the summer holidays. With the average cost of childcare reaching up to £943 per child over the six-week break, his tips are definitely worth considering. For starters, he encourages parents to take advantage of year-round schemes that can reduce the cost of childcare for children under 11. He also suggests applying for support through The Holiday Activity and Food Programme, which provides access to enriching activities and at least one free meal a day for four weeks during the summer.
It's important to note that enrollment for the HAF is not automatic, so it's necessary to contact your local council to see how the process works in your area. Some authorities also have deadlines for applying, so it's best to do so as soon as possible. Martin also recommends taking advantage of offers from retailers like Morrisons and Tesco, where you can get free breakfast or a free kids meal with an adult purchase through their loyalty schemes.
If you've been collecting Clubcard points at Tesco, you can also double their value by exchanging them for vouchers at popular attractions like Alton Towers, Legoland, and Cadbury World. This essentially gets you half-price entry to these fun destinations. And don't forget to check out the free workshops offered by major retailers like John Lewis and Pets at Home, which provide a fun and free way to keep kids entertained during the holidays.
For active kids, Martin points out a partnership between Lidl and We Make Footballers that offers two free football taster sessions for children aged 4 to 12. Simply download the Lidl Plus app and use the code provided to book your spot. And for girls aged 11 to 16, Nuffield Health clubs offer free fitness classes through their Move Together scheme. Additionally, kids aged 4 to 14 can participate in free 2K runs in parks all over the UK on Sunday mornings through Parkrun.
If you're looking for a more dramatic day out, the Kids Week theatre promotion offers a free child ticket with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket for over 50 shows, including popular productions like Shrek and Wicked. And for those rainy days, make sure to take advantage of discounted cinema trips offered by Cineworld, Odeon, and Vue during the summer holidays.
It's clear that with some budgeting and savvy planning, summer doesn't have to be a costly season for parents. So why not take advantage of these helpful tips and enjoy a fun-filled summer without breaking the bank? Have you tried any of these money-saving strategies before? Share your experiences with us!
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