Summer is well and truly underway, leaving many parents wondering how they’ll keep the kids entertained on their already-stretched budgets.
No matter how frugal you are, extra spending adds up quickly over the school holidays. From meals to activities, the break can put a serious dent in your wallet.
But there’s no need to panic. A number of UK businesses are offering discounts and deals to help families save money without cutting back on fun — and we’ve rounded up some of the best.
So whether you’re looking to plan a full weekend of adventure, or just trying to keep lunch costs down, this go-to guide has an array of options to ensure your summertime schedule doesn’t break the bank.
Free kids meals
One of the simplest ways to save money this summer is to cut back on dining out. However, many places have promotions over the holidays, so you don’t necessarily have to miss out.
Bill’s
From July 21 to August 29 (excluding weekends), up to two children can eat free when one adult orders any main dish at Bill’s.
The offer runs all day, including the chain’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, applying to all children under 10. You’ll also be provided with story books, colouring in materials and stickers to keep the little ones entertained while you dine.
Browse the Bill’s menu and find your local branch here.
Prezzo
With the purchase of an adults main meal, children up to 12 years old will receive a free three-course kids meal at Prezzo, every day from July 14 to September 5.
All you need to do is sign up to receive a code via email, which you then show to the waiter at the end of your meal.
Prezzo has 180 branches across the UK. Visit the website for more information.
Save cash with Kids Pass
For a limited time, you can get a 30-day trial of the Kids Pass discount scheme for just £1, which gives you access to great discounts on activities, restaurants and events all across the UK.
Take a look here for more information.
Ask Italian
Parents who sign up to Ask Italian’s Perks rewards app can save this summer. All you need to do is claim a code, and you’ll get your hands on two free kids meals with the purchase of an adult meal.
Valid from Friday July 18 through to Sunday August 31, it makes for a budget-friendly holiday treat.
For more information on the offer, or to find your nearest branch, check the Ask Italian website.
Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay
Finding yourself in London or Edinburgh this summer? Head to Bread Street Kitchen, where children aged 10 and under eat free when accompanied by an adult ordering two courses from the a la carte menu. Kids can choose from mac and cheese, sausage and mash, meatball pasta and more, with no extra cost added to your bill.
This deal is valid every day at its Liverpool, Stratford, Limehouse, Southwark, and St Paul’s locations, or at the City, Heddon Street Kitchen, Battersea, Mayfair and Edinburgh branches on weekdays only.
Visit the Bread Street Kitchen website for more information.
Pizza Express
If your little ones are pizza and pasta fans, you can get a free, three-course piccolo meal at Pizza Express this summer with every adult main. And given these dishes start at just £12.25, it’s a major bargain.
There are 339 Pizza Express restaurants across the UK. For more information on the offer or to find your local branch, take a look here.
Heathrow Airport
Travelling with the whole clan? During the school holidays, Heathrow Airport is running a Kids Eat Free promotion across a variety of its restaurants.
With options in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 – including Leon, Shan Shui, Giraffe and Co-Pilots Bar & Kitchen – it’s a handy way avoid blowing too much holiday cash before you’ve even stepped on the plane.
The promotion is valid from July 18 to September 2, with one free children’s meal for each purchased from the adult’s menu priced at £14.95 or more.
Visit the Heathrow website for more information.
Angus Steakhouse
This popular London spot is offering children aged 8 and under a complimentary kids meal with the purchase of any main menu dish, alongside an activity sheet and crayons to keep young diners occupied.
Available everyday from 12pm to 5pm, across Angus Steakhouse’s five London locations: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Mayfair, Paddington and Oxford Circus.
You can find more information on the brand’s website.
Extra tips to save on food
Alongside restaurant deals, Metro money expert Rosie Murray-West has a few other tips to make eating out more economical.
Buying a pack of ice creams from the supermarket rather than a van at the beach will save you more than you’d think, especially if you have more than one child.
Or, if you need a caffeine hit while looking after the kids and happen to have a smart meter with Octopus Energy, you can get a code each week for a free tea or coffee at Caffe Nero or Greggs.
Discount days out
Days out can add up fast, but summer adventures don’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Take a look at our shortlist of the some of the best deals over the summer break.
SRO Audiences
If you’re a live entertainment lover but aren’t keen on ticket prices, SRO Audiences has got you covered. This service offers free tickets to a plethora of different TV shows — all you have to do is be an audience member.
With tickets to the likes of Loose Women, Would I Lie to You?, The Voice UK, the Graham Norton Show and 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown, there’s bound to be something you fancy.
It’s completely free to sign up, and once you have an account you can apply for tickets to all of these popular shows, and more.
Visit the SRO website to see the full list and apply for your seat.
Pets at Home
Begging your kids to take a break from the screen?
Head to Pets at Home, which is hosting free My Pet Pals workshops across its UK stores between July 19 and August 21.
These events – recommended for ages four and above – are designed to teach children about how to take care of a range of animals, with activities, a chance to meet store pets, a pocketbook with collectable stickers, and a My Pet Pals certificate.
Check out the Pets at Home website for more information and to book your spot.
Kew Gardens
Visitors to the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, Richmond, can claim two-for-one tickets with National Rail this summer.
As well as being London’s largest Unesco World heritage site and home to the largest collection of living plants on earth, Kew features a range of family-friendly activities, from a treetop walkway to a dedicated children’s garden. Better still, kids under four go free.
Check out full details and claim the offer here.
LEGO
As well as a range of online tutorials LEGO is hosting in-person Creativity Workshops this summer to keep kids’ imaginations flowing.
Its ‘Summer Fun with Music’ workshops – available at stores across the country – give children aged six to 12 the chance to design, build and decorate their own unique LEGO microphone for only £5. Affordable, enjoyable and educational is a rare combination for holiday activities, so you might want to reserve a place ASAP.
Check out your nearest location and book your spot here.
Virgin Media Gamepad at The O2
Open daily to the public, the Virgin Media Gamepad is your go-to destination for gaming fun that’s totally free.
Whether your child is a casual couch gamer or aspiring professional, they can choose from 16 Xbox Series X pods to raid, race and battle, every day at the Gamepad from 2pm to 7pm.
Find out more information on the Virgin Media website.
Everyman on the Canal
Head down to the steps of Granary Square, Kings Cross from June 30 to August 17 and catch free screenings of your favorite flicks — no ticket needed, just grab a spot on the canal.
From recent releases and family favorites to niche cult classics, there’s something for everyone’s tastes. Plus, you can either bring your own picnic or discover the canal-side bar which sells snacks, cocktails, ice creams, coffee and more.
Visit the Everyman website to take a look at the full film programme and menus.
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