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Saving money during the school holidays

School holidays are an exciting time for children, but they can be difficult to plan if you’re a parent on a budget. From balancing child care to fun and affordable days out — there’s lots to consider.

Here’s our top tips for making school holidays special on a budget.

Food and meals

Kids eat for free

There are lots of restaurant chains that offer free or discounted meals for children during school holidays, so it’s a good idea to do some research and see what’s available in your area. In some cases you’ll need to pay for an adult meal to be eligible for a free kids meal, but not always.

Here are some current offers:

Tip: Some offers require an adult meal purchase, but not all so it’s worth checking the details for your local branch.

Food banks

If you’re struggling to afford enough food for your family, you might be able to get support from a food bank. You’ll normally need a referral before you can access a food bank.

You can  contact us on 01946 693321 for us to refer you to a food bank. You’ll need to discuss your situation with an adviser first. The adviser will ask you some questions to check you’re eligible for the food bank. If you’re eligible, they’ll give you a voucher for your nearest food bank.

Find out more about using a food bank.

Days out and activities

You don’t always need to break the bank to have a fun day out with your family. Consider making a packed lunch and going for a walk or visiting a free museum or art gallery. You can travel by train for less if you book advance tickets or use ticket splitting websites, particularly for kids.

Organisations such as the National Trust offer free family passes at various points throughout the year, so it’s also worth seeing if any similar schemes are running in the upcoming school holidays.

Holiday clubs and other support

There are a range of charities and other organisations that offer free or subsidised holiday activities:

Staying in

Sometimes you might not be able to get out and about, and it can be hard at times to keep children entertained at home. You could try:

Playing games on a phone, tablet, or games console can also be a good way to keep kids entertained at home, but remember to keep an eye on in-game spending to avoid racking up large bills. If you’re worried about being able to afford broadband, you might be eligible for a social tariff if you’re on universal credit or other benefits.

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Budget-Friendly Days Out with the Family

You don’t need to spend a lot to make memories this summer! There are plenty of low-cost or free activities that the whole family can enjoy:

🌳 Pack a lunch and explore:
 Take a walk in the park, visit a local nature trail, or have a picnic simple fun that costs very little.

🖼️ Visit free museums or galleries:
 Many cultural spots offer free entry, making them perfect for a budget-friendly day out.

🚆 Travel for less:
 Save on train travel by booking in advance or using ticket-splitting websites. Some discounts are available specifically for children and families.

🎟️ Look out for free passes:
 Organisations like the National Trust sometimes offer free family passes during school holidays. Keep an eye out for similar schemes in your area they go fast!

Set a Spending Limit for Your Family

Setting a spending limit is a smart way to manage your family’s finances especially during the summer when activities can quickly add up.

By knowing how much you have left after covering essential living costs, you can plan fun experiences without worrying about going over budget.

Need help getting started?

Our website has family-friendly budgeting tips, along with a free downloadable budgeting sheet to help you plan your spending and stay on track throughout the summer.

☀️ Cumberland Council's Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) - Free Summer Fun for Kids!

Cumberland Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is helping children have a fun, active, and supported summer break.

🎉 What’s on offer?
 From sports camps to day trips, there are still lots of exciting activities available!

✅ Eligible families can now book up to 20 fully funded sessions per child
 💳 Paid places are also available for those who don’t qualify

📅 Don’t miss out—spaces are limited!

If your child has free school meals, you can find and book free children’s activities and events in the school holidays.
You can search and book activities online, on our new booking system.

How to book

Booking HAF activities will now be easier, quicker and fairer for all families. On the new system you:

  • do not need a HAF code to book
  • can contact providers with any questions through direct messages
  • will see more detailed information about each activity
  • can access a more visual and user friendly platform
  • can request bookings for multiple children at the same time

Visit the EEQU website for a Quick guide on how to book a HAF session.

If you do not receive free school meals, you may be eligible if you are a:

  • cared for or care experienced child or young adult
  • young carers
  • child or young person on Resettlement Schemes or seeking asylum
  • home educated
  • child or young person who is classed as SEND or on a EHCP but not on free school meals, up to the age of 18

Some providers may offer paid for places or offer supplementary places through additional funding.

Advice about cost of living is available on the Cumberland Council website.

Contact the HAF team for any questions or assistance.

Email: haf@cumberland.gov.uk

👉 Check your eligibility and book now at:
 🔗 Cumberland HAF Webpage

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🎉 Free Family Fun Days This Summer!

Hosted by Cumberland Family Hubs

Looking for a fun day out with the kids this summer? Come along to one of our free Family Fun Days—open to families with children and young people aged 0–19 (up to 25 with SEND).

Enjoy exciting activities for all ages, including:

 🎨 Crafts & sensory play
 🎯 Outdoor games
 🌈 Colour Runs
 …and more!

📍 Dates & Locations:

  • Maryport – Wed 30 July, 1–4pm
  • Workington (The Oval, Salterbeck) – Tue 5 August, 11am–2pm
  • Wigton – Wed 6 August, 1–4pm
  • Carlisle (Morton Hub) – Mon 18 August, 11am–2pm
  • Longtown – Thu 21 August, 11am–2pm
  • Millom – Wed 27 August, 10am–1pm
  • South Whitehaven (Spoke Hub) – Thu 28 August, 10am–1pm

👉 More info:
 Family Fun Days – Cumberland Family Hubs

🌅 Summer Sunset Sessions

Our Summer Sunset Sessions are aimed at young people aged 11-19yrs and run late afternoon to early evening.

There will be a range of activities, including movies and music, sports and games, advice and support.  Best of all – pizza and snacks will be provided!  

These relaxed evening sessions are a great way to chill, connect, and try new things over summer.
 ➡️ Learn more: Summer Sunset Sessions

Have you claimed Child Benefit?

Child Benefit can be claimed by parents or guardians with a child:

  • Under 16 in their household or
  • Under 20 if they stay in approved education or training

You can get:

  • up to £1,331 per year for a first child
  • Nearly £882 for any other child

These rates are as of April 2024.

You can now claim fully online. The money should arrive within three days.

Additional support

If you’re eligible for free school meals during term-time, you could also be entitled to extra support during school holidays. Find out what help is available if you’re not sure whether you’re eligible.

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Please see our Contact Us page for details on how to access our help.
You can access help on the Citizens Advice National website.
There are also lots of other sources of help available locally.
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If you’re eligible for free school meals during term-time, you could also be entitled to extra support during school holidays. Find out what help is available if you’re not sure whether you’re eligible.