Summer Days Out That Won’t Break the Bank
1. Kids Go Free & Discounted Entry Passes
Merlin Entertainments “Twice the Fun” deal: Visit two Merlin parks (Alton Towers, LEGOLAND Windsor, Chessington, Thorpe Park) for the price of one between 21 July and 17 August 2025, with the second visit redeemable until 30 September — saving at least £29 per person.
Kids Pass App: Offers discounts up to 57% on family days out (zoos, aquariums, theme parks) and up to 56% off cinema trips.
Annual passes from £6–£10: Local attractions like Cardiff Castle, Preston Park, SeaCity Museum, and British Motor Museum offer family or child access from as little as £6.65 to £25.65 annually.
2. Universal Credit & Benefit Discounts
Families on Universal Credit can access over 24 discounted attractions—including zoos and Cornwall's Eden Project—with child tickets from around £3.
3. Free & Low-Cost Local Activities
McDonald’s Fun Football: Free football sessions for kids aged 5–11, no purchase required.
Wildlife & Nature Sessions: Free pond dipping or birdwatching with Wildlife Trusts and RSPB at local reserves.
City Farms & Workshops: Many city farms (e.g., Vauxhall, Mudchute) offer free entry and seasonal workshops; garden centres and Apple stores host free kids’ sessions.
4. Free Cultural & Outdoor Events
Young V&A Summer Festival (London, 5–6 July): Free family creative sessions.
National Trust “Summer of Play”: Free crafts, nature trails, and sport-themed events at local estates.
Free attractions: British Museum, Natural History Museum, Bodleian Library — all offering free entry.
5. DIY & At-Home Fun
Ideas include home camping, slushy-making, bird feeders, fossil hunting, flower pressing, and more — inspired by The Guardian’s “50 fresh ideas” shortlist.
Innovative low-cost crafts (e.g., scrapbooks, dens, bake-alongs) also recommended by Sally J Hall.
Top Money-Saving Tips for Parents
Exploit tax-free childcare: Use these accounts to fund holiday clubs or childcare
Tap into loyalty & voucher schemes: Tesco Clubcard vouchers double for attractions; National Rail’s two-for-one deals via travel codes.
Check for local deals: Subscribe to providers like Planet Offers, KiddieAdventures, or MoneySavingExpert for regional offers.
See if you qualify for HAF or local food/activity schemes: Help is available across England and devolved nations via holiday programmes.
Free online & local library sessions: From reading challenges to coding & craft workshops — check council and library listings.
Final Take
By combining smart discounts, free community resources, and creative at-home ideas, you can craft a summer full of joy and discovery — without overspending. From national deals like Merlin’s summer offers to local council events and hobbies you can enjoy at home, there’s something affordable (and fun!) around every corner.
Enjoy a memorable, budget-friendly summer with your kids — because great days out don’t have to cost a fortune.