How to Manage the Cost of the Summer School Holidays

Last updated: 22 October 2026

To manage the cost of the summer school holidays, start early. List what the six weeks will cost, from childcare and food to days out and treats, set a weekly budget, book childcare early, claim any help you’re entitled to and keep a small pot for extras. A little planning means less pressure when September arrives.

What are the biggest costs of the summer holidays?

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. If you want to understand why it all costs so much, our article on why school summer costs feel so expensive for parents looks at each cost in turn.

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.

How do I budget for the summer school holidays?

1. List every summer cost. Write down childcare, food, days out, travel, any holiday away, clubs, treats and the back-to-school shop for September.
2. Put a figure next to each one. Use last summer’s bank statements as a guide, and check prices for clubs and childcare you plan to book.
3. Compare it with what’s coming in. Your income usually stays the same over the summer while your spending goes up, so work out the gap.
4. Set a weekly summer budget. Dividing the total over six weeks makes it easier to keep track as you go.
5. Book childcare early and claim any help. Booking early may help you secure a place and, in some cases, access lower prices (see the support below).
6. Plan your food shop. Meal planning, cooking in batches and taking packed lunches on days out all help keep costs manageable.
7. Keep a small pot for treats. Setting aside money for extras means fewer surprises, and less guilt about enjoying them.

How much does summer childcare cost, and what help is there?

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, families in Great Britain pay an average of £1,145 per child to cover the six-week summer holiday with a holiday club (Holiday Childcare Survey 2026).

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. It’s worth checking what help you can get:

• Tax-Free Childcare. For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2, up to £500 every 3 months for each child (£2,000 a year), or £1,000 every 3 months if your child is disabled. You can use it to pay for holiday clubs with an approved provider. You’ll usually need to be working, and your child must be 11 or younger (16 or younger if disabled).
• Universal Credit childcare costs. If you claim Universal Credit, you can get help with up to 85% of childcare costs, but Coram notes that it is paid in arrears, so you may need to pay upfront and wait a month.
• Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. In England, councils offer free holiday club places with a meal for children who get benefits-related free school meals. Government guidance expects councils to offer at least 4 weeks (16 days) of face-to-face provision over the summer holidays. Contact your local council to find out what’s available.

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.

How can I keep the summer food shop down?

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.

In a 2023 poll by Family Action, 70% of parents and carers said they were worried about food costs during the summer 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. If your child gets free school meals, check whether your council’s HAF programme runs near you. In England, from the start of the 2026 to 2027 school year, children qualify for free school meals if you get Universal Credit, whatever your household income.

Where can kids eat free or cheaply?

If you’re planning to eat out during the holidays, many cafés and restaurants run kids’ meal offers, often during school holidays. Offers, days and prices change regularly, so check the current terms before you go. When we checked in October 2026, these chains had kids’ offers running:

• Morrisons Café: a free kids’ meal with a qualifying adult main.
• Sainsbury’s Café: a children’s hot meal or lunch bag deal with an adult hot main.
• Bella Italia: kids eat free with an adult main on set days.
• PizzaExpress: kids eat free with a full-price adult main at its pizzerias in Scotland.
• TGI Fridays: a free kids’ meal with an adult main for Stripes Rewards members.
• Hungry Horse: kids eat for £1 on selected dates.
• YO! Sushi: kids eat free during local school holidays with a full-paying adult.

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. Once summer is over, our guide to budgeting for Christmas can help you plan for the next big seasonal cost.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I budget for the summer holidays?

It depends on your family. List childcare, food, days out, any holiday away and back-to-school costs, then divide the total by six to get a weekly figure. Holiday clubs alone average £1,145 per child for the six weeks, according to Coram’s 2026 survey.

Can I use Tax-Free Childcare for holiday clubs?

Yes, if the holiday club is an approved provider signed up to the scheme. The government adds £2 for every £8 you pay in, up to £500 every 3 months per child.

What is the HAF programme?

The Holiday Activities and Food programme gives free holiday club places, with a meal, to children in England who get benefits-related free school meals. Your local council runs it.

How can I save on food in the school holidays?

Plan meals, cook in batches, take packed lunches on days out and look for kids-eat-free offers, checking the terms before you go.

Support for your people

If you’d like help with your own budget, book a free, no-obligation chat with one of our coaches.

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

This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Lifetime is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 225795).