With the Summer holidays just a stone's throw away and children nationwide eagerly ticking off the days until school's out, parents might be left pondering how to keep their youngsters entertained during the lengthy break - particularly with the unpredictable British weather.

While the mounting costs of keeping the kids fed, hydrated and amused may be causing some parental anxiety, there are thankfully numerous budget-friendly (or even free!) activities this Summer that can help lighten the load.

From affordable day trips that won't empty your wallet, to complimentary meals for peckish little ones, we've compiled a list of some of the top budget-conscious options this Summer to help you navigate the holidays, reports Bristol Live.

Budget-friendly bites for tiny tummies

With the cost of living continuing to rise, many parents will be relieved to learn that supermarket chains such as Asda, Morrisons and Tesco will once again be extending their budget-friendly schemes to feed your children this Summer.

At Asda, parents can treat their little ones without any adult spend required.

Over at Morrisons, children eat free when an adult spends £4.50 or more on any meal at its cafés.

Tesco also offers a good deal for clubcard holders, with their 'Kids Eat Free' scheme which allows children to get a free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast or Kids Pick 'n' Mix deal with each item purchased by an adult, when presenting their clubcard at the checkout.

Museums and Galleries

Another cost-effective method to keep the children entertained and educated this summer is by visiting one of the numerous museums or galleries scattered across the country. With a range spanning from art and history to science and technology, there's an abundance of variety to captivate all age groups - most of which are free of charge.

In London alone, renowned establishments such as the Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the V&A, the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, the Science Museum, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery offer free entry, although many museums and galleries would gratefully welcome any voluntary donations towards your visit.

Beyond the capital, there's no shortage of options either, with standout attractions like Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry, the Biscuit Factory Gallery in Newcastle, and Halifax's Bankfield Museum - home to Colin Firth's Mr.Darcy shirt, among the choices that could delight both parents and children.

Libraries

Another excellent source of entertainment this summer is a visit to your local library. Many of these crucial institutions around the country are hosting workshops, reading sessions and craft-a-longs for children during the holiday period.

A standout feature is undoubtedly the annual Summer reading challenge, which encourages young bookworms to read a specific number of books during the Summer holidays to complete the task. This initiative not only promotes reading among youngsters but also exposes them to a diverse range of literature - with the added bonus of winning prizes along the journey.

Upon completion, the library rewards participants with a unique sticker poster and other exclusive incentives, including a medal.

National Parks

Embracing the great outdoors is another fantastic, cost-free way to spend the Summer, making a trip to one of the UK's numerous national parks an ideal choice for leisurely pastimes. Since these parks are publicly funded, entry is free (though parking fees may apply), allowing you to walk, cycle, and explore the vast majority of these natural landscapes without incurring any costs.

These parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic, with picturesque locations such as the Lake District, the South Downs, the Peak District, and the North York Moors providing some of the most scenic views to savour while enjoying a delightful spread. However, it's important to remember that, especially in warm weather, there's a risk of wildfires.

Therefore, despite the allure of a BBQ, they are strictly prohibited to safeguard both the public and the wildlife inhabiting the parks.

Jigsaws and Board Games

In a world dominated by digital screens, from televisions to gaming consoles and smartphones, the notion of spending a rainy day indoors engaged in more traditional pastimes might initially be met with scepticism by many children. However, jigsaws and board games remain excellent family activities that are not only affordable but can also serve as a wonderful bonding experience.

Parents can offer a peek into their own childhoods by dusting off timeless classics like Monopoly or Cluedo.

Ikea's Summer Funhouse

This year, furniture giant Ikea is joining the summer festivities by hosting its very own Funhouse activity at stores across the country. During these special sessions, children can create mini hot air balloons and photo frames, participate in story time, and learn about dances and poetry.

Pets at Home Pet Pals

For those little ones with a fondness for animals, Pets at Home are also offering a series of free sessions throughout July and August. These sessions, part of their My Pet Pals programme, aim to educate children aged 4 and above about animal care.

Participants will engage in various activities, meet store pets, and earn badges and stickers for their accomplishments.

The themes of the sessions will change weekly, providing keen young animal enthusiasts with the opportunity to attend multiple times and fully indulge their interest in pet care!

Dobbies Little Seedlings

Another splendid choice for children aged 4-10 years old is the complimentary Little Seedlings sessions offered by Dobbie's Garden Centre. The club, which typically operates monthly throughout the year, hosts special sessions during the summer holidays, and this year has chosen a fragrance-themed activity.

In August, Little Seedlings will transform into scent explorers, learning about the delightful aromas of summer in our gardens, homes, and parks. They'll uncover the secrets behind why flowers have scents, explore the most fragrant herbs, and delve into the extensive history of perfume making.

Additionally, they'll get to concoct their own petal perfume to take home.

National Trust Pass

Unlike many of the free options on this list, this one does require a modest investment. However, for £168.60 per annum, a family of two adults along with their children and grandchildren can gain unlimited access to numerous National Trust properties in England, Wales or Northern Ireland with a National Trust Pass.

This means that for £168.60 a year (or £14.05 a month), you could visit countless castles, grand homes, or historic gardens without incurring any additional costs - immersing yourself in the rich British history, architecture, and horticulture that are integral to National Trust properties.

Particularly, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in Yorkshire is a must-visit attraction, having been voted as Which?’s number one UK attraction in 2025.  Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire and Newark Park in Gloucestershire are also highly recommended for a visit.

Importantly, while the near £170 cost to entertain the children might be unaffordable for some families, it's worth scanning national and local newspapers as the National Trust frequently offers promotions for free day passes. These can be used at many of the trust properties across the nation.