School summer costs: why it feels so expensive for parents

Last updated: 22 October 2026

The summer holidays feel expensive because several costs land at once: six weeks of childcare, more food at home, holiday prices that peak when schools break up, and new uniform and shoes for September. Holiday clubs alone cost families in Great Britain an average of £1,145 per child over the six-week summer holiday in 2026.

If you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. Between day trips, summer clubs, dinners out and the cost of school uniforms, managing school summer holiday costs can quickly become one of the most financially stressful parts of the year.

How much do the summer holidays cost parents?

Every family’s summer looks different, but childcare is usually the biggest single cost for working parents. Coram Family and Childcare’s Holiday Childcare Survey 2026 found that:

• covering the full six-week summer holiday with a holiday club costs an average of £1,145 per child;
• holiday club costs rose by 5% in a year;
• holiday childcare costs almost three times as much as after-school childcare during term time;
• the average weekly cost of a holiday club is £190 in England, £180 in Scotland and £224 in Wales.

On top of childcare come food, days out, any holiday away and the back-to-school shop. The easiest way to see what summer will cost your family is to write it all down. Our guide on how to manage the cost of the summer school holidays walks you through building a summer budget step by step.

Why are the summer holidays so expensive?

Childcare doesn’t stop when school does

If you work through the summer, the hours that school usually covers need covering too, for six weeks. That’s why holiday clubs and activity schemes can cost so much more than term-time childcare, especially if you have more than one child.

The food shop gets bigger

With the family at home, you’re providing more meals and snacks every day, and picnics, ice creams and meals out add up quickly. In a 2023 poll by Family Action, 70% of parents and carers said they were worried about food costs over the summer holidays.

Holidays and days out cost more in school holidays

Most families can only travel when schools are closed. In England, GOV.UK explains that a holiday is generally not considered an exceptional circumstance, and that you can be fined or face legal action for taking your child on holiday during term time. The council can fine each parent £80, rising to £160 if it isn’t paid within 21 days. With so many families booking the same weeks, demand for flights, accommodation and attractions rises, and prices often follow.

Back-to-school costs arrive straight after

Uniforms, school shoes, lunchboxes and stationery can put serious strain on your finances come September. There is some help: in England, from September 2026 schools must limit compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit to 3 or fewer, or 4 or fewer for secondary and middle schools if one is a tie.

The little extras add up

Summer spending can sneak up on you. Ice creams, treats, activity fees and last-minute trips are small on their own but add up over six weeks.

How can I keep school summer holiday costs under control?

1. Plan for the school summer holiday costs. Without a plan, it’s easy to overspend on childcare, activities and those little extras that add up. Start by listing your expected costs, including travel, clubs, treats and essentials. Seeing everything in one place helps you spot where you can cut back or spread costs more evenly across the holidays.
2. Start a back-to-school savings pot. By putting aside a small amount each week over the summer, you can soften the blow in September. Even £10 a week over the six-week holiday builds £60. Consider opening a separate savings pot to keep things organised and reduce the temptation to dip in.
3. Review your monthly spending. With the family at home, your spending habits may shift. You might save on commuting but spend more on food, entertainment or utilities. Take a few minutes to check your subscriptions, direct debits and energy usage. Cancelling anything unused can free up extra funds when you need them most.
4. Check the help you may be entitled to. Tax-Free Childcare can be used for holiday clubs, and children who get benefits-related free school meals may be able to get free places through their council’s holiday activities and food programme. Our summer holidays budgeting guide explains both.
5. Mix paid days out with free ones. Making memories doesn’t have to cost a fortune (see the ideas below).

What free summer activities are there for kids?

There are plenty of free and low-cost summer activities for families across the UK. Dates and places change each year, so check each website before you go:

• Pets at Home: My Pet Pals Workshops. Free in-store workshops in the school holidays, best suited to pet lovers aged 4 to 10, where children learn about pet care and receive a sticker and certificate.
• Barclays Big Tennis Weekends. Free tennis events at venues across Great Britain, perfect for families looking for active fun. Find your nearest event on the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) website.
• National Racehorse Week. An annual event, held in late August in 2026, when racing yards, studs and aftercare centres open their doors so families can meet the horses and see how they’re cared for.
• National Trust Summer of Play. Nature, crafts and family-friendly adventures at National Trust places. The National Trust says to check back each year for the new summer programme.
• McDonald’s Fun Football. Free football sessions for children aged 5 to 11 of all abilities, led by qualified coaches. Book your nearest session on the Fun Football website.

How can a financial plan help with summer costs?

If you’re finding the summer holidays financially stressful, we’re here to help. A personalised financial plan, created with a Lifetime coach, is a supportive and pressure-free way to get a clear picture of your finances and feel more in control.

Your plan will help you:

• Understand where your money’s going
• Plan for summer and back-to-school costs
• Set practical goals for the months ahead

Take a few minutes now to set yourself up for a calmer summer. Book a free, no-obligation chat with one of our coaches, or reach out today and start the new school year with more confidence and less stress.

Frequently asked questions

Why are holidays more expensive in the school holidays?

Because demand peaks. Most families can only travel when schools are closed, and in England taking children out of school for a holiday in term time can lead to a fine, so prices for flights, accommodation and attractions often rise.

How much does holiday childcare cost over the summer?

Coram Family and Childcare’s 2026 survey found an average of £1,145 per child to cover the six-week summer holiday with a holiday club in Great Britain.

How can I save for back-to-school costs?

Put a small amount aside each week over the summer in a separate savings pot. Even £10 a week over six weeks builds £60 towards uniform and shoes.

Where can I find free things to do with kids in the summer?

Look for free workshops, sports sessions and community events near you, such as the ones above, and check your council’s holiday activities and food programme if your children get benefits-related free school meals.

Written by Ione Morton, Marketing Executive at Lifetime

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