School holidays are all about making memories, but they don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’re planning a trip to a theme park, the seaside or simply looking for ways to keep the children entertained closer to home, a little planning can go a long way.
As a Consumer Champion, I’ve seen how quickly the cost of a family day out can spiral. It’s often not the admission tickets that blow the budget, but the hidden extras such as parking, food, drinks and those inevitable impulse purchases.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to enjoy fabulous days out without overspending before and during your stay. Read on to find out more.
Photo by Seljan Salimova on Unsplash
Before you set off
Use loyalty schemes for discounted tickets
Before paying full price, check whether you have any supermarket loyalty points or reward vouchers that can be exchanged for attraction tickets. Many people forget to look, yet these schemes can knock a significant amount off the cost of entry.
Consider an annual pass
If you’re likely to visit the same attraction more than once during the year, an annual pass could save you money after just two visits. Some even include free parking, discounts in cafés and gift shops, and reduced-price tickets for friends and family.
Look for off-peak or late entry deals
Some attractions offer cheaper admission later in the day or on quieter dates. If you don’t need a full day’s visit, these discounts can make a noticeable difference.
Make the most of travel discounts
Family Railcards, group travel offers and combined ticket packages can often work out cheaper than buying everything separately. It’s always worth comparing your options before booking.
Enjoy fantastic free days out
Some of the best family experiences don’t cost a penny.
Consider visiting:
- Free museums and galleries, many of which offer children’s activities during the holidays.
- Nature reserves, forests and country parks.
- Beaches, riverside walks and canal paths.
- Local libraries, which often run free storytelling sessions, craft activities and workshops.
- Community festivals and events organised by councils and local groups.
You don’t always need to travel far. Becoming a tourist in your own town can uncover hidden gems you’ve never visited before and create magical adventures for the whole family.
Save money on food and drink
Food is often where family budgets take the biggest hit.
Here are some easy ways to spend less:
Pack a picnic
A homemade picnic can save a family £30 to £50 compared with buying lunch and drinks at many attractions. It also means you can eat whenever it suits you rather than queuing at busy cafés.
Freeze your water bottles
Fill reusable bottles the night before and pop them in the freezer. They’ll help keep your food cool and provide chilled drinks throughout much of the day.
Check for children’s meal offers
Many restaurants run “Kids Eat Free” or “Kids Eat for £1” promotions during school holidays. A quick online search before you leave could save you a surprising amount.
Have a big breakfast
Starting the day with a substantial breakfast helps reduce the temptation to buy expensive snacks as soon as you arrive.
Ticket price savings
One of the biggest mistakes families make is focusing solely on the admission cost.
Before setting off, ask yourself:
- How much is parking?
- Can I bring my own food and drink?
- Are there lockers or other hidden charges?
- Is there free Wi-Fi instead of using mobile data?
- Will I be tempted by expensive gift shops?
These little extras soon add up, but planning ahead can keep them under control.
In a nutshell
Creating fabulous family memories doesn’t have to mean over stretching your purse. With a bit of research, some forward planning and a few savvy money-saving tricks, you can enjoy the best days out while keeping your spending firmly under control.
Sometimes the best adventures are the simplest ones. Whether it’s exploring a local woodland, visiting a free museum or enjoying a picnic in the park, the memories your family makes together are often worth far more than the price of an admission ticket.
Before booking any attraction, compare prices, check for voucher codes, look for loyalty discounts and factor in all the hidden costs, not just the ticket price. Just think, a few minutes of planning could save you enough for your next family day out.
