With the end of the first month of the summer holidays firmly on the horizon it’s time to give yourself a pat on the back. Navigating this time of year is never easy whether you’re a stay-at-home mum or a working parent, keeping the kids entertained can certainly feel all-consuming.
According to research, Sunday 3 August is when parents are predicted to reach breaking point, as six weeks of summer boredom, tantrums, snack raids and sky-high costs come to a head.
Last year, research showed that peak holiday boredom hit early on 1 August. But it’s not just the endless cries of “I’m bored” that are testing parents’ patience – the cost of keeping kids entertained is also piling on the pressure. According to recent ONS data, the average UK family will spend £1,057 this summer across food, entertainment, travel, and childcare.
And it’s taking its toll – 65% of parents blew their summer budget last year, while nearly half (48%) said keeping their kids entertained was their biggest concern.
But don’t panic! There’s still time to plan ahead, beat the burnout and ease mother’s load this summer.
Track Down Free Days in your Area
Councils, libraries, and museums often offer free entry or events over the summer holidays, but they’re not always well advertised. Websites like ‘Day Out With The Kids’ list hundreds of free family-friendly events across the UK – from local festivals and splash parks, to nature trails and storytelling sessions – and they’re well worth a look to help keep the kids occupied without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to head to our Family Events section of the website where you can find daily events happening near you.
Make ‘at home’ Exciting again
Don’t underestimate the power of a cardboard box, a garden hose, or a homemade treasure hunt. Rotate indoor and outdoor DIY activities – obstacle courses, themed movie nights, or even ‘kids cook dinner’ night. Cheap, cheerful, and buys you 45 minutes of peace.
Eat Out without the Bill Shock
We’ve all been there – the kids are begging for a burger but there aren’t any in the freezer. Luckily, many chains run ‘Kids Eat Free’ deals over the summer. Whether it’s Tesco cafés or Bella Italia – planning lunches around these offers can save families big bucks whilst keeping the children happy.
Let Deals do the Heavy Lifting
Saying no gets harder as the weeks roll on – especially when the kids have seen the same theme park advert on the TV three times a day. If a ‘want’ suddenly turns into a ‘need’, make sure you’re not paying full price. VoucherCodes.co.uk lists exclusive offers on theme parks, attractions, and family days out – so if you’re going to say yes, at least make it fit the budget.
Plan, Pace and Prep
Parental burnout often comes from trying to do too much in the first two weeks. Plot out your summer like a budget – mix in big days out with low-effort wins, and don’t be afraid to say no to expensive plans. Use free printable planners or colour-coded calendars to give kids structure (and reduce the ‘what are we doing today’ questions), so expectations are never too high.
