How to do the Summer Holidays on a budget - free and cheap things to do
If the thought of the summer holidays is already making your bank balance nervous, you’re not alone. School holidays can feel like yet another expense we could all do without.
The good news is, you really don’t need to spend a fortune to keep the kids entertained. There are loads of free activities, cheap days out and holiday deals around the school holidays so here’s how to do it on a budget.
Half price bowling at Hollywood Bowl
Bowling is always a winner with kids and during the school holidays you can get half price games at Hollywood Bowl using the code SCHOOLSOUT50
Top tip - you need to book before 11am, but I think this is actually a great way to dodge busy periods and peak-time pricing!
Free activities at IKEA
IKEA is a brilliant day out during the holidays as they have so many free activities running including making hot air balloons, decorating plates, competitions, face-painting, breakfast with characters and much more! There’s even options for older kids too with a 16+ paint and sip and adult quiz nights!
Top tip - once you’re done, the kids can eat in the restaurant for just 95p
Free pet pals workshops
Pets at Home is running their popular Pet Pals workshops during the holidays which are completely free! These are 45 minute sessions where kids can learn about creating the perfect home for pets. They’re fun but are also really educational and definitely ideal if you’ve got animal lovers at home.
Note that spaces are limited so it’s worth booking ahead.
2 for 1 Merlin offer
Kids go free on their second day at Merlin theme parks if you book before the 27th July 2026. We’ve recently been to Chessington World of Adventures and it was amazing they have a new Paw Patrol world that’s just opened! It’s guaranteed to keep the kids busy all day. Just book using the links below!
Chessington World of Adventures
Free Football sessions
If you have a football lover in the house, or are looking to fill an hour without spending money, you should check out McDonalds free football events. They offer free football sessions for children ages 5-11 across the UK and the sessions are designed to help kids build confidence and learn new skills while having fun!
You can search for your nearest session online and book a place completely free of charge, and finding something free that also gets them outdoors and active is always a win!
You must book before the 31st July.
Free Paw Patrol Events
Smyths Toys are running a free Paw Patrol event across selected stores in the summer holidays. Kids can visit the new Paw-Patroller and complete challenges, play with the new Paw Patrol dino movie toys, meet their favourite characters and get a certificate and stickers!
The Entertainer also has lots of different Paw Patrol character meet-and-greet events that are running across the year! Check out what date they are coming to a store near you!
Hobbycraft workshops for under £10
Hobbycraft have so many workshops running for under a tenner including slime making, canvas painting, and beaded animal keyring workshops. There’s even options for adults too!
The workshops are for ages 3+ and cost £8. An adult has to supervise while the kids are there, and they get to take whatever they have made home too!
Three-night half-term holiday for £204
On Hoseasons you can get tonnes of mini getaways in great locations across the UK for just £175 for a family of four in the summer holidays.
They have up to 40% off last minute stays as well as 3 nights for the price of 2 so it’s definitely worth checking out.
Overall the school holidays don’t have to cost the earth. By mixing free events into at home fun you can keep the kids happy without putting yourself under financial pressure!
