A survey by Canadean Custom Solutions found that 33% of parents believe they will ‘struggle’ to cope with extra costs over the school holiday and will have to sacrifice the things they like in order to afford the summer.
The three biggest costs faced by parents will be treats (55%), days out (51%) and extra food and drink (49%) with 60% planning to shop around for special offers and discounts.
The Adam and Eve in Mill Hill, north London has several events planned to attract families this summer. A barbeque will run from noon until 5pm every Sunday, or until 9pm weather permitting. This is in addition to the Sunday roast and attracts between 50 to 100 people. Children eat at half the price of an adult meal at between £3 and £5.
Free meal
Family fun days will be held over the bank holiday with children’s entertainers, face painting and comedians and a date is yet to be confirmed for an outdoor family cinema night.
"Parents are looking for value and here they get quality as well," says general manager Nick Bragg. "Even at half price the children still get a decent-sized meal made with real food - not your generic fishfingers and chicken nuggets."
Pub operators are looking to cash in on families over the holiday as well with Whitbread’s Table Table offering mothers a free meal on Sundays all summer after 2pm and kids can eat free after school with any adult meal until 6pm. The children will also receive a 3D Monster Activity Pack.
Meanwhile, Mitchells & Butlers' Sizzling Pubs brand is offering meals for £1 when an adult meal is bought.
Spirit Pub Company's Wacky Warehouse brand has launched a Boredom Buster Booklet which gives free plays for the duration of July and August, for either one child or for three children, and comes with 23 vouchers for third parties worth over £400. The booklets can be brought now from any of the 75 Wackys at £10 for one child and £20 for three children.