British parents are bracing for a summer holiday spending surge, with new research revealing they expect to fork out an extra £100 a week just to keep their children fed and entertained. On average, families will splash out an additional £611 over the course of the holidays, piling pressure onto already stretched household budgets.
A survey of 1,000 parents with children aged 5 to 14 found that costs can spiral even further for those booking clubs and camps, adding another £385 to the bill. Day trips are set to cost an extra £199, while food and snacks alone could push up expenses by £401.
With the long summer break looming, most parents admit they feel the pressure to keep their children busy – but are determined to do so without breaking the bank.
Four in ten have already started hunting for cheap and cheerful ways to entertain their kids, from scouring the internet for discount codes to seeking out free sports sessions and budget-friendly days out.
The research, commissioned by Utility Warehouse to highlight its Cashback Card, which is designed to help customers save by paying out cashback on purchases that go against their utility bills each month, also revealed the savvy tactics parents are using to keep costs down.
Many are packing lunches for outings, making the most of cashback and reward deals, and cutting back on personal treats to prioritise spending on their children. Others are turning to free local events to fill the holiday calendar.
Steve Long, spokesperson for Utility Warehouse, said: “With a mix of day trips, summer camps and even an increase in cost for keeping the kids fed, these additions soon add up, but there are some great ways they can save money.
“Shopping around for bargains and using money saving devices like rewards and cashback cards can be a big help.”
He added: “It’s no surprise that many families are looking to cashback to take the edge off summer spending. It can give customers an easy way to supercharge their savings on spending they’re already doing.
“With it coming directly off that month’s utility bills, we want to help to ease the burden in real time at one of the most expensive times of the year.”