Money Matters: Free and low-cost ways to keep the children happy this summer

The summer holidays are just around the corner – and while it's a time to have fun and make memories, they can also bring added pressure on parents’ and guardians’ pockets.

In this week's Money Matters column, our team have pulled together some ideas to help you and the kids enjoy the holidays, while keeping costs to a minimum.

Keeping children entertained for six weeks, while also covering the cost of food, travel, days out and any potential childcare, can soon add up.

The good news is there are plenty of free and low-cost things out there for all the family to enjoy this summer, you just need to know where to look.

Your local area is a great start. Many local parks, nature reserves, libraries and museums offer free activities throughout the summer. Libraries often host craft sessions, reading challenges and storytelling events.

A picnic in your local green space, a nature walk, a scavenger hunt or even a bike ride can make for a brilliant day out at very little cost.

Buying lunch while you're out and about can easily become the most expensive part of a day trip. Instead, pack some sandwiches, snacks and refillable water bottles before you head out. Not only will it save money, but you'll have more flexibility about where and when you stop to eat.

If you do fancy a treat, many restaurants and cafes run kids eat for less offers during the summer holidays, with some offering free meals when an adult purchases a main meal.

It's worth checking before you travel as offers can vary across the different retailers and dates. Some popular family-friendly chains running this deal throughout the holidays often include:

  • · Asda
  • · Beefeater & Brewers Fayre
  • · Chiquito
  • · Dobbies Garden Centres
  • · Frankie & Benny’s
  • · Harvester
  • · Morrisons
  • · Pizza Hut
  • · Tesco

Checking online before you set off to see where is offering these deals or for a discount code could save you a surprising amount.

If you’re visiting an attraction that charge admission, booking tickets online in advance is often cheaper than paying on the day.

You could also look at annual passes if you think you'll visit more than once over the year or perhaps consider splitting the cost with grandparents or relatives as a birthday gift.

There are also a number of local programmes happening this summer across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Staffordshire. They can be an excellent way to keep children active, entertained and socialising throughout the holidays, while helping families keep costs under control

In Shropshire, eligible children and young people can access free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) clubs, offering activities such as sports, crafts, cooking and outdoor games, alongside healthy meals, from 20 July to 20 August. Booking is now open via the Shropshire Council HAF programme.

In Telford & Wrekin, families can take advantage of a packed programme of affordable leisure activities running from 20 July to 30 August. Activities include swimming sessions, tobogganing, tennis, driving range experiences and soft play, with many sessions costing from just £2.

While, Staffordshire's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is offering more than 42,000 places for eligible children and young people aged 5-16. Families can book up to 16 fully funded sessions, including sports, dance, drama, outdoor adventures, creative activities and wellbeing sessions, with meals provided at most activities.

Many of us put a lot of pressure on ourselves to spend money on fun days out, when actually, children don't always remember the expensive days out – it’s often the simple moments that stay with them.

Swap creativity for spending. Try building a den, baking, having a movie night at home, organising a treasure hunt or letting children help plan a friends and family ‘mini Olympics’ in the park. These activities cost very little but create lasting memories.

To find out more about the schemes in your local area, visit:

9th July 2026