The summer holidays can be an expensive time for parents with the cost of keeping children at home around an extra £40 a week, according to experts. Without even going out, just having children at home adds to your bills – according to energy tracking app Loop.
Steve Buckley, head of data at energy saving app, Loop said: “The school holidays can take a toll on parent’s purse strings as they look for ways to keep the kids entertained whilst they’re off school. But this year, costly family outings, holidays and treats may be off the cards for many families due to the cost-of-living crisis.”
He said the bill could add up to £40, adding: “That’s £40 extra per week added onto a family’s energy bill by just having the kids in the house for two weeks ‘doing nothing’. We looked at basic costs such as extra heating and lighting as well as the cost of running gaming devices, computers and the TV to keep the kids entertained. These costs are just for energy and before parents fork out for trips out and treats.
But if you are taking children out, you can bag a bargain thanks to a number of places where children can eat free – or for as little as £1 each.
Bargain-tracking site Money Saving Central has compiled a list of places where you can get free or cheap meals with your children over the holidays.
The list includes…
Asda Cafes
Children eat for £1 with no adult spend required from July – 25 until September 4
Pausa Cafes at Dunelm
Children get a mini main, two snacks and a drink free with every £4 spent at Pausa Cafes.
Whitbread Inns
Two children under 16 eat free with every £9.50 breakfast paid for by an adult.
Future Inns
Under 12s eat free with every adult meal bought during school holidays.
Table Table
Two children under 16 get a free breakfast with a paying adult.
Beefeater
Two children get free breakfast with a paying adult
Brewers Fayre
Two children get a free breakfast with one paying adult
Morrisons
Children eat free with every adult meal over £4.99.
YO! Sushi
Children eat free between 3pm and 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday until September 1.
Angus Steakhouse
Under 10’s eat free from the children’s menu between 12pm – 5pm with every adult meal.
Hungry Horse
Children get a free breakfast when accompanied by a paying adult between 9am – 12pm during the holidays.
Bella Italia
Children can eat for £1 with any adult main between 4-6pm Monday to Thursday.
Café Rouge
Children eat for £1 when you order one adult’s main meal. Excludes Saturdays
