That is why the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme is welcome news for parents and carers looking to make the most of the school holidays. Designed to help ease the cost of summer family fun, the scheme introduces temporary savings on eligible family-friendly activities, children’s meals and attractions.
For families in Beverley, Hull and across East Yorkshire, it could be a helpful way to make days out feel a little more affordable.
The Great British Summer Savings Scheme is a Government initiative created to help families enjoy more affordable days out during the summer months.
As part of the scheme, VAT is being temporarily reduced from 20% to 5% on eligible family leisure activities and children’s menu meals between 25 June and 1 September 2026.
This includes a range of family-friendly activities and attractions, helping households save money during the school holidays while also supporting the venues and businesses that rely on summer visitors.
For parents and carers, even small savings can make a difference, especially when planning several weeks of activities, meals, childcare and travel.
The summer holidays can be one of the most expensive times of the year for families. Children are out of school, routines change and parents are often looking for ways to keep everyone entertained, active and happy.
A single day out can involve entry costs, food, drinks, parking, travel and extra treats. Multiply that across several weeks, and it is easy to see why many families feel the pressure.
The Great British Summer Savings Scheme is designed to help make family days out feel more accessible. It may not remove every cost, but it can support parents and carers who want to plan enjoyable activities without every trip feeling like a big expense.
It is also a useful reminder that family time does not need to be complicated. Sometimes, the best summer memories are made through simple days out, shared play, a treat together or an activity that gets everyone out of the house.
Alongside the Great British Summer Savings Scheme, there are other ways parents and carers can make the school holidays more manageable.
By saving money on everyday essentials, such as childcare, meals and regular routines, families may have a little more flexibility to enjoy days out together.
Here are a few practical tips to help make summer spending go further.
During the summer holidays, childcare can be one of the highest costs for working families.
Parents and carers may find it useful to look into support such as free breakfast clubs, wraparound childcare and holiday activity programmes in their local area. These schemes can help with the cost of childcare, meals and activities, particularly during busy school holiday periods.
It is worth checking school updates, local council websites and Government guidance to see what support is available where you live.
If families can save money on regular childcare or holiday essentials, it may create more room in the budget for special days out and family treats.
A good summer holiday plan does not need to be packed with expensive days out.
Mixing paid activities with free or low-cost options can help stretch the family budget further. For example, you might plan a soft play visit for a rainy day, a picnic in the park when the weather is good, a library morning during the week, and a local playground trip when you need something simple.
This gives children variety without every day needing to come with a ticket price.
Free local activities can also be a great way to fill shorter gaps in the week, while paid days out can be saved for moments when you want something extra fun, active or memorable.
Planning ahead can make summer spending easier to manage.
Booking activities in advance means you know what you are spending before the day arrives. It also gives you time to compare options, check what is included and avoid last-minute decisions that can quickly add up.
When choosing days out, look for activities that offer plenty of entertainment in one place. Venues where children can enjoy soft play, role play, sensory activities, food and drink, and different zones for different ages can often feel better value for families.
British summer weather is not always predictable. One day it is sunshine, the next it is showers.
Having a few indoor activity ideas ready can help families avoid last-minute stress, especially when outdoor plans are rained off or it is too hot for children to spend long periods outside.
Indoor play centres, museums, libraries, cinemas and community activities can all be useful options to keep in mind. Weather-proof plans can make the holidays feel easier, especially for parents and carers juggling work, childcare and family routines.
If you have more than one child, finding an activity that works for everyone can be a challenge. Younger children may need a gentle, safe space to explore, while older children often need more active play and bigger challenges.
Choosing a venue with age-appropriate areas can make a big difference. Soft play centres with baby areas, toddler zones, larger play structures and imaginative role play spaces can help keep siblings entertained in the same place, without everyone needing the exact same activity.
This can make family days out feel smoother, especially during the school holidays.
A little preparation before leaving the house can help avoid extra costs on the day.
For family days out, it is useful to pack water bottles, spare clothes for younger children, comfort items, wipes and anything else your child may need.
For soft play visits, remember socks for children and grown-ups. Having the basics ready means you can focus on enjoying the day, rather than buying things you already have at home.
When planning summer activities, it can help to think about value as well as cost.
A good family day out is not only about the ticket price. It is also about how long children stay entertained, whether there is enough for different ages, whether food and drink are available, and whether the day feels manageable for parents and carers too.
Activities that keep children active, engaged and happy for several hours can feel like a worthwhile part of the summer plan.
For parents and carers looking for an active, weather-proof day out in East Yorkshire, Jack in the Box offers indoor fun for children of different ages, all under one roof.
Located in Beverley and easily accessible from Hull, Jack in the Box is home to exciting soft play areas, Jack’s Mini Village role play centre, interactive play zones, sensory areas and family-friendly food and drink. Children can climb, slide, crawl, explore, imagine and play, while grown-ups can relax and refuel in a welcoming setting.
It is a practical choice for rainy days, very hot afternoons or those moments when children need to burn off energy in a safe, fun and engaging space.
Jack in the Box is also a great option for playdates, family days out and birthday parties, with plenty to keep children entertained during the busy summer months.
The Great British Summer Savings Scheme is a welcome reminder that family time matters.
Whether you are planning a big summer day out, looking for ways to save on holiday activities or simply need somewhere fun to take the children, a little planning can help make the school holidays feel more affordable.
At Jack in the Box, families can enjoy soft play, role play, active fun, food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to make memories together.
To plan your next visit, explore Jack in the Box in Beverley and book your play adventure today.