Summer support for families with children | Tenant news

With the summer holidays fast approaching, the pressure can be on families to plan ways to keep children fed, active, engaged and entertained without breaking the bank.

To give you a head start, we’ve put together information on low-cost or free summer clubs, food and activities.

Summer activity clubs

Many schools, sports centres, youth organisations and local charities run summer holiday clubs that offer a mix of games, sports, arts and crafts, and even day trips.

Sessions often run for a few hours each day and may be targeted to specific age groups.

Some clubs are fully funded, while others offer discounts or sliding scale prices for families receiving Universal Credit or other benefits.

Check your local council’s website or speak with your school, housing officer, or family centre to find out what’s available near you.

Food support

Feeding children through the holidays can be one of the biggest challenges for families, especially with the high cost of food.

The Holiday Activities and Food programme offers free meals and holiday clubs during school holidays for children who meet the free school meals eligibility criteria. You can contact your local council to find out more. 

Some supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants also run “kids eat free” offers during the summer. Keep an eye out in-store or visit www.moneysavingcentral.co.uk/kids-eat-free.

Local foodbanks or community kitchens may also run summer meal projects or provide extra support during the school break. You can find your nearest foodbank at www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank.

Indoor activities

Not every day needs to be packed with outings. There are plenty of easy, low-cost activities you can do at home or close by:

• DIY crafts and science experiments – Get creative with recycled materials or try kitchen science with baking soda and vinegar.
• Treasure hunts – Set up indoor or garden scavenger hunts using household items.
• Movie afternoons – Let your children create tickets, build a blanket fort cinema, and pick a family film to enjoy together.
• Cooking together – Get kids involved in simple cooking or baking projects. It's fun and teaches useful skills.
• Free online activities – Lots of websites offer downloadable activity packs, interactive story times, and drawing tutorials.

Local days out

Local parks, playgrounds, splash pads, and open green spaces are perfect for picnics, games, and exploring nature.

Libraries often run summer reading challenges, crafts, and family-friendly events at no cost. Check your local library's website for more information.

Museums and galleries may also offer free entry or low-cost workshops. Explore museums and galleries in your area by visiting Kids in Museums.

And remember, our Cost of Living Support Hub has additional information for families, including details of foodbanks and who you can approach for financial support.

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