![Going to the beach is the top budget activity to keep kids entertained this summer (Image: SWNS)](/upload/news/2023/07/19/75675.jpg)
Going to the beach, to the park, or on nature walks, are the top ways parents plan to keep their kids entertained this summer – without breaking the bank, research has found.
Visiting free museums, and going swimming or on a bike ride, are other low-cost activities for some family fun during the school holidays.
And others will camp in the garden, or have water fights, in the hope that their kids can enjoy themselves on a budget.
However, it comes as a survey of 1,000 mums and dads, of 5-16-year-olds, found almost half (49%) are worried they will spend beyond their means this summer, amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
It emerged parents typically spend over £500 on keeping their children amused over the six-week school holidays.
But with rising costs, 61% are concerned about how much they could end up spending this summer, compared to previous years – and six in ten fear they will be 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.
And it seems that some mums and dads have been making the most of resources around their home, by setting up treasure hunts to keep them busy for hours – and away from their screens.
One such 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% 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.
However, 36% 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%) is the top tip when it comes to saving money on days out with the children over the holidays – while 47% search for discount codes to reduce prices.
More than half (56%) also lean on friends and family for support more, with 34% relying on the grandparents for a helping hand.
Of these, 39% will ask them to take them out for the day when they need a break, and 26% 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.”
TOP 10 WAYS PARENTS KEEP KIDS ENTERTAINED IN THE SUMMER ON A BUDGET:
SANTANDER'S BUDGETING ADVICE: