Being in the midst of the summer holiday, many parents are currently looking for ways to keep their kids entertained without breaking the bank.
As a result, Hodge reveals the potential costs of family outings and shares tips on having fun while staying in budget.
Christie Cook, managing director of retail at Hodge said:
“The six-week break is a great opportunity for families to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.
“However, with the current economic climate, it can be challenging to afford regular days out. Mixing more affordable home-based activities with occasional outings can help balance the costs.”
Cost breakdown of popular family activities over six-week holiday
Based on a family of four (2 adults, 2 children aged 2-15 years, except Go Karting for ages 8-12 children and 13+ adults)
| Activities | Per family (£) |
| Cinema | £58 |
| Zoo | £105 |
| Indoor trampoline park | £60 |
| Laser tag | £37 |
| Theatre | £148 |
| Aquarium | £126 |
| Go karting | £222 |
| Theme park | £106 |
| Escape room | £40 |
| Ice skating | £42 |
| Mini golf | £48 |
| Total | £992 |
Three budgeting tips:
- Board game nights: Spend time playing classic board games like Scrabble, Guess Who, or Kerplunk. These games not only entertain but also encourage family bonding at home without hefty costs.
- Budget-friendly movie nights: Skip the expensive cinema tickets and create your own movie night at home. Subscribe to streaming services like Disney+ or Netflix (monthly fees range from £7.99 to £10.99) or rent films on platforms like Rakuten. Enhance the experience by buying cinema-style snacks from the supermarket, such as popcorn, sweets and nachos. This not only saves money but also means you can enjoy a film in your pyjamas, in the comfort of your own home.
- Local events: Use platforms like Facebook Events to discover free or low-cost local events. From community fairs to cultural festivals, these events often provide entertainment options that are budget-friendly and enjoyable for the whole family.
Christie added: “Personally I love a good picnic and getting out in nature, whether that’s a day at the beach, a cycle along the canal, or trips to the playground to play whichever ball game the kids are into that week. Cheaper days out can be just as much fun as a trip to a theme park with a little imagination and hopefully a bit of luck with the British weather.”
