Top Discount Schemes Helping Families Save During School Holidays

With the six-week summer holidays now in full swing, many families are feeling the pinch. Recent findings reveal that 58% of parents are facing increased financial pressures during this period. On average, household outgoings rise by around £100 each week, accumulating to just over £600 over the entirety of the summer break.

These rising costs aren’t without consequence. Two-thirds (68%) of parents report that mounting expenses add to family stress, impacting 62% of them personally in terms of wellbeing. It’s becoming more common for families to rely on credit cards to cover the costs of summer activities.

To alleviate some of this financial burden, research conducted by Updraft-a company focused on helping individuals manage and reduce credit card debt-has identified several valuable discount schemes that parents should be aware of. Aseem Munshi, Updraft’s founder, highlights five family-friendly programmes designed to assist with budgeting summer outings:

Blue Peter Badge: Children aged 5 to 15 can earn this badge, which grants free access to hundreds of UK attractions, including zoos and theme parks. Participating venues range from London Zoo to The Dinosaur Museum, with potential savings between £5 and £26 per visit.
National Rail Family Offers: Families can benefit from various discounts on rail travel and related attractions. Examples include 2-for-1 deals at the London Transport Museum, potentially saving up to £23 per family visit.
The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge: This free programme encourages children to read during the holidays, offering book rentals and activities. For families, it provides an entertainment option that could save up to £54 when children read six books, considering the average book price of £8.99.
Holidays Activities and Food (HAF) Programme: A government-funded scheme targeting disadvantaged families, offering free meals, activities, and childcare for children aged 5 to 16 eligible for free school meals. This can save approximately £400 annually per child, equating to around £46 over the summer holidays.
Great British Summer Savings Scheme: Running from 25 June to 1 September, this government initiative temporarily reduces VAT from 20% to 5% on children’s meals, admission tickets, and activities. Additionally, children aged 5 to 15 benefit from free bus travel during August. Families who take advantage of regular cinema visits, dining out, and theme park outings could save up to £60 over the six weeks.

By utilising these schemes, families can significantly ease the financial strain associated with summer holiday activities, ensuring an enjoyable season without excessive spending.