How to Manage the Cost of the Summer School Holidays

The true cost of the school holidays

School holidays can be one of the most expensive times of the year for many families. Whether it’s paying for childcare and family days out to rising food bills and higher travel costs, it can quickly add up. In this blog, we look at some of the biggest costs to plan for and share tips to help you make the most of the summer without stretching your budget.

Planning ahead can help you enjoy the summer holidays without putting extra pressure on your finances

For many families, the six-week summer break is one of the most expensive times of the year. From childcare and food shopping to days out, holidays and keeping children entertained, school holiday costs can quickly add up.

If you’re wondering how to budget for the summer holidays, you’re not alone. Many households find that their usual monthly budget doesn’t stretch as far once the school term ends.

The good news is that with a little planning, it’s possible to manage those extra expenses without missing out on quality family time. Understanding where your money is likely to go is the first step towards creating a realistic school holiday budget and reducing financial stress.

Childcare can quickly add up

If you’re working throughout the summer holidays, childcare is often one of the biggest expenses to budget for. In fact, according to Coram Family and Childcare, working parents face an average childcare bill of £1,145 per child over the six-week summer holiday.

Holiday clubs, childcare providers and activity schemes can provide valuable support, but costs can soon mount up, especially if you have more than one child. Booking early may help you secure a place and, in some cases, access lower prices.

It’s also worth checking whether you’re eligible for support such as Tax-Free Childcare or local Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes, which may be available through your local authority.

Why do holidays cost more during the school break?

Many families don’t have the flexibility to travel outside of school holidays, which means demand for flights, accommodation and attractions increases significantly during the summer months.

As demand rises, prices often follow, making family holidays much more expensive than at other times of the year. While a holiday abroad may not be possible for everyone, planning local day trips, exploring nearby attractions or spreading activities across the six weeks can be a great way to enjoy quality time together without overspending.

Why does the weekly food shop suddenly cost so much?

When school breaks up, so does the routine. Instead of one or two meals at home, many families are suddenly providing breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks every day. Add in picnics, ice creams and meals out and it’s easy to see why food spending increases over the summer.

Family Action found that 70% of parents and carers worry about food costs during the school holidays, making it one of the biggest financial pressures families face.

Planning ahead, cooking in batches and taking packed lunches on days out can all help keep costs manageable.

Family food offers this summer

If you’re planning to eat out during the holidays, these offers could help your money go a little further:

• Asda Café – Under 16s eat for £1 all day, every day.
• Morrisons Café – One free kids’ meal with an adult meal costing £5 or more.
• Tesco Café – Kids eat free with any adult purchase when using a Clubcard.
• Sainsbury’s Café – Children’s hot meal or lunch bag for £1 with an adult hot meal.
• Dobbies Garden Centres – Kids eat for £1 with any adult breakfast or lunch.
• IKEA – Kids’ meals start from just 95p every day.
• Bella Italia – Kids eat free every Thursday and for £1 between 4pm and 6pm, Sunday to Wednesday.
• PizzaExpress – Kids eat free with qualifying spend (offer varies by time of day).
• TGI Fridays – Free kids’ meal with an adult main for Stripes Rewards members.
• Hungry Horse – Kids can enjoy a main, drink and pudding for 88p.
• YO! Sushi – One child eats free with an adult spending £10 on weekdays during local school holidays.
• Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery – Kids eat for £1 on Fridays with an adult main (Rewards Card required).

Please check individual restaurant websites before visiting, as offers, participating locations and terms may vary.

 It’s not just the obvious costs

During the summer holidays, it’s often the smaller, everyday purchases that have the biggest impact on your budget. Ice creams at the park, cinema trips, extra snacks, activity fees or last-minute days out can all add up over six weeks without you even noticing.

Rather than trying to avoid these expenses altogether, it can help to set aside a realistic budget specifically for summer spending. Having a little money allocated for treats and activities means you’re less likely to feel guilty about enjoying them or face an unexpected financial shock once the holidays are over.

The summer holidays should be about spending time together, not worrying about money. By planning ahead, making use of available discounts and keeping an eye on your budget, you can reduce financial pressure while still making the most of everything the summer has to offer.

Helping employees build financial confidence starts with the right support. Get in touch to find out how Lifetime can help your people feel more in control of their money.

Written by Ione Morton, Marketing Executive