Parents share top 10 summer activities to keep kids entertained on a budget

Parents have revealed their top 10 tips for a fun summer with the kids – which don’t cost the earth. A poll of 1,000 mums and dads, with children aged between five and 16, found free museums, nature walks, and water fights, are among the top ways to keep youngsters entertained on a budget.

Many also swear by making the most of cheap cinema tickets to keep them busy on rainy days, while others camp in the garden to keep them occupied.

And some have been making the most of the resources around their home, by setting up treasure hunts to keep them busy for hours – and away from their screens.

It also emerged parents spend an average of more than £500 over the six-week summer holidays entertaining their children.

But the rising cost-of-living is impacting parents’ finances, with six in ten unable to spend as much as they would have liked on activities this summer.

The research was commissioned by Santander to highlight its online Financial Health Check and budget calculator, which includes a range of support and tips.

One parent, Tam, from Greater London, has come up with a unique way to keep her kids entertained this summer, even while she is working full-time from home.

She said: “The summer holidays are always a challenge, especially when my partner and I are working full-time.

“My favourite activity is getting the kids to sort through all their toys and have a table-top sale in the front garden.

“I’ll sit working in the kitchen at the front of the house, so I can keep an eye on them, but they’re still getting that bit of independence that they long for.

“Decluttering, keeping the kids busy, and providing them with some holiday spending money – all at absolutely no cost!”

The research also revealed that overall, parents estimate their spend on fun activities over the summer increases by as much as 45 percent compared to term time.

Mums and dads will spend nearly £50 on additional toys, books, and magazines to occupy their little ones, as well as dishing out £44 on TV and movie costs, and more than £75 on meals out.

Due to these additional costs, 61 percent are worried about how much they will end up spending compared to previous years – and 49 percent are concerned they will spend beyond their means.

However, 36 percent have been preparing for the summer holidays by putting money aside for the sole purpose of keeping their kids busy over this six-week period.

The research, conducted via OnePoll.com, found bringing food from home (62 percent) is the top tip when it comes to saving money on days out with the children over the holidays – while 47 percent search for discount codes to reduce prices.

More than half (56 percent) also lean on friends and family for support more, with 34 percent relying on the grandparents for a helping hand.

Of these, 39 percent will ask them to take them out for the day when they need a break, and 26 percent will look for financial help with the additional expenses.

Josie Clapham, director of financial support at Santander UK, said: “With the school holidays only a few days away, and the cost-of-living still on the rise, many parents will be worried about the additional costs they will face this summer.

“For many, this year will be even trickier than before – so if you are feeling the pinch, you are not alone.

“That’s why we are offering free tools and support to help put parents’ minds at ease – allowing them to plan ahead and budget, while still making the most of their time with the kids this summer.”