Summer holiday money-saving tips for families

Six weeks off school, sunshine (hopefully!), and endless opportunities for family fun – the summer holidays are a time that children love. But for many parents, this period can also bring financial strain, increased spending, and the challenge of keeping little ones entertained. Six weeks of complex childcare plans and trying to stop those dreaded words being uttered: “I’m bored.”

In a recent poll of 1,000 people carried out by insurance provider Reassured, it was found that the average spend during the summer holidays (including things like childcare, extra food bills and days out) is more than £1,000 a week. There’s no need to break the bank, though – to help you have a wonderful summer holiday without overspending, here are my top tips on how to save on family travel, days out and food.

Share childcare

Take turns organising playdates to save on summer childcare costs. Credit: Getty Images

One of the biggest costs for families during the summer holidays is childcare. When my boys were younger, I would share childcare with local friends by arranging playdates at each other's houses. 

Taking turns looking after each other’s children while the other parents worked proved to be a big win for the children, who enjoyed spending time with their friends, and also a big money-saving win for the parents.

Plan free outdoor activities

Get the family round the table and brainstorm some ideas for a free day out at least once a week. The great outdoors is your friend when it comes to budget-friendly fun. Classic favourites include picnics in the park, beach days, treasure hunts and scenic walks. 

While my family don’t live near a beach, we have gorgeous lakes nearby, with chalk rivers that are perfect for paddling and cooling down in. Not only are these activities free, but they also provide an excellent way for the family to stay active and enjoy nature.

Visit free attractions

You can get unlimited access to Kew Gardens with your Boundless membership. Credit: Getty Images

Many attractions offer free entry all year round, or have specific days when visitors can get in for free. Look out for vouchers in local newspapers, and special offers on websites. Don’t forget that Boundless members also benefit from unlimited access to a host of top gardens, nature reserves and historic sites, including Kew Gardens, WWT centres and Historic Royal Palaces sites (Boundless Plus only). 

Take advantage of discounts

From aquariums and zoos to theme parks and bowling, Boundless members also benefit from discounts on hugely popular family days out using Kids Pass. Get discounted tickets for attractions such as Drayton Manor, Edinburgh Zoo and Hollywood Bowl.

Sleep under the stars

Pitch a tent for some al fresco family fun. Credit: Getty Images

Camping is an affordable way to enjoy the great outdoors, and many campsites offer modern amenities to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable. 

If you don’t have the gear, why not borrow from friends to save some cash? There’s nothing better than gathering around a campfire as the sun sets, sipping a glass of wine and toasting marshmallows over the flames.

Last summer, my family and I enjoyed a staycation with a week of fun-filled activities. We mapped out a treasure hunt in our local park, had a DIY pizza night, and took a day trip to the beach. 

By packing a picnic and making the most of free local attractions, we managed to have an unforgettable holiday without breaking the bank. The best part? Seeing the children’s excited faces light up during our magical garden camping night.

If you fancy pitching up at a campsite, don’t forget that Boundless members get up to 20% off stays at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. There are lots of camping pitches to choose from in leafy surroundings, with excellent on-site facilities, activities and lots to explore.

Go to a festival for free

This is my go-to way of experiencing some of the best festivals in the UK – volunteering in exchange for free entry and, often, food tokens too. Over the years, I’ve worked in customer service roles at the Standon Calling and Lost Village festivals, typically volunteering for around 20 hours over the weekend and enjoying the rest of the festival for free.

Simply search your favourite festival and browse the volunteering roles available to see if any spark an interest. I love volunteering every summer and have made amazing friends and memories without spending a lot.

Pack a picnic

Eating out can quickly drain your holiday budget. Instead, pack snacks and meals for day trips. We like to spend family time baking flapjacks, or egg and cheese muffins for something savoury. 

Not only does this save money, but it’s also a healthier option. Prepare a picnic, grab a blanket and a football or rugby ball, and enjoy it at a scenic spot – double the fun!

Book your travel early

Book ahead to save on rail tickets. Credit: Getty Images

If you’re having a day out, carefully plan your travel ahead of time to make the most of your budget. Booking train tickets at least six weeks in advance can help you secure the best price. It’s also worth considering a railcard, such as a Family & Friends Railcard or a Network Railcard, which can offer significant savings. In some cases, you can cover the cost of the card in as little as two journeys.

Another option to explore is car hire, which could be a more cost-effective solution depending on your plans. Plus, with a Boundless membership, you can benefit from discounts on vehicle hire through Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Holiday Autos or Swift Go for motorhome hire, helping you save even more.

Create a budget – and stick to it! 

If money is tight, setting a budget for the summer holidays can help you stay in control of your spending. Plan ahead by allocating funds for key areas such as food, childcare, days out and summer camps to ensure that you don’t overspend. I also find it helpful to set a weekly budget, putting aside a set amount for each week. Once it’s gone, it’s gone – but if you manage to spend less, you might even have a little extra for special treats.

The six-week summer holidays are a joyful time for making memories, but they’re always made easier if you can save some cash. Hopefully, these tips inspire you to enjoy budget-friendly days out and make money savings this summer. 

Already a Boundless member? Simply log in to gain full access to all the offers and benefits included in your membership. 

Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.  

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to The Ramblers' extensive walking community, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by Britannia Rescue.