Summer weekends are the perfect time to make family memories. But how do you do that without overspending? If you’re juggling priority bills or debts, there are plenty of options for budget-friendly family weekend activities that still feel special.
Here are some practical, wallet-friendly ideas to help you enjoy family weekends together this summer.
Check Out the Government’s ‘Summer Savings’ Scheme
From now until 1 September 2026, the government is cutting VAT on family days out, from 20% to 5%. This means you can enjoy cinema and theatre tickets, meals out and other attractions, while paying less.
Explore the full range of discounted days out at SummerSavings.gov.uk.
Money Off Attractions with Kellogg’s
Kellogg’s Cereal is offering discounted entry to over 20 attractions including Alton Towers, Legoland and the London Eye.
Until 30th June 2027, anyone that buys a promotional pack gets 25% off the price of two advance entry tickets.
This discount applies to online tickets, which are already cheaper than paying on the gate, so you’ll get even better value!
Cheap Kids’ Cinema Tickets
If you’re hoping to stay out of the sun, several cinema chains offer cheaper family films on weekend mornings.
Often, these will be previous releases rather than new ones – but schedules will vary by cinema. The main venues offering discounts include:
- Cineworld’s ‘Movies for Juniors’: Kids aged 14 and under (plus accompanying adults) can attend screenings for £2 on weekends and applicable school holidays. Available at over 80 locations.
- Odeon Kids: At selected locations, you can enjoy £1 tickets on weekend mornings and every day during the school holidays.
- Vue’s ‘Mighty Mornings’: Vue offers tickets for £2.49 when booked online. Families with children under 11 can take part every weekend from 10am (plus every day during the school holidays, subject to availability).
If you live near a smaller chain or independent cinema, check if they offer any weekend family promotions too.
Free Family Weekend Activities
If you don’t want to spend a penny at all, most towns have green spaces with free play areas and walking trails.
If you’ll be out for lunch, you could pack a homemade picnic, bring a blanket and some ball games or a frisbee to keep the kids entertained.
Check your local council’s website or social media for any free-of-charge summer activities too.
And if it’s not outdoor weather, remember many museums and galleries across the UK offer free admission.
Top tip: Check out the National Trust’s Summer of Play events. The events themselves are free but admission fees (to enter National Trust property/venues) do apply. Only children under 5 receive free entry.
Make Family Weekends Fun But Affordable
By planning ahead, avoiding impulse spending and remembering to pack your own snacks and drinks, you can avoid small costs adding up.
Walk where possible, car share or use family discount cards on public transport if available.
If it’s more than just budget-friendly family weekend activities you’re struggling with, maybe you can feel summer debt piling up, please get in touch with our expert debt advisors via our online debt advice tool, email, phone, WhatsApp or online chat.
