The summer holidays can be magical, but they can also be expensive., especially for single and solo parents. Between admission tickets, parking, lunch, ice creams and the inevitable gift shop visit, a family day out can easily cost £100 or more. The extra gut punch is that a lot of attractions cater for two parent families primarily, so a 'family ticket' is two adults as standard, meaning it's even more expensive for single parent families.

The good news is that with a little planning, you can save a surprising amount of money without sacrificing the fun. From hidden discounts and free activities to concession schemes many families don't know exist, here are our favourite ways to enjoy a brilliant summer on a budget.

1. Check for Universal Credit and concession tickets

This is probably the biggest money-saving tip on the list.

An increasing number of attractions now offer discounted tickets for people receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other qualifying benefits. The savings can be substantial, making places that might normally feel out of reach much more affordable.

For example, attractions including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and several Historic Royal Palaces sites all offer concessionary admission for eligible visitors. It's always worth checking an attraction's ticket page before you book, even if they don't advertise discounts on their homepage.

2. Look for one-adult family tickets

One of the biggest frustrations for single parents is paying for a family ticket that assumes there are two adults. The good news is that more attractions are starting to recognise that families come in all shapes and sizes.

Before you book, have a look to see whether the attraction offers a one-adult family ticket. These are often labelled "1 Adult Family", "Single Adult Family" or "1 Adult + Children" tickets, and can save a significant amount compared with buying individual tickets.

Here are a few places that offer one-adult family options:

• Kew Gardens offers both one-adult family tickets and a dedicated Family (1 Adult) annual membership covering one adult and up to four children.
• National Trust offers a Family (1 Adult) membership, giving one adult and their children unlimited access to hundreds of places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Research has highlighted it as one of the organisations leading the way in recognising single-parent families.
• Bletchley Park has been praised for offering a proportionally better-value one-adult family ticket after reviewing its pricing with input from the single-parent charity Gingerbread.
• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers one-adult family tickets alongside its standard family admission options.
• Blenheim Palace offers one-adult family tickets for both day entry and annual passes, making it a more affordable option for solo parents.

Even if an attraction doesn't advertise it prominently, it's always worth clicking through the ticket options before you book. You might be pleasantly surprised.

3. A Blue Peter badge could save you hundreds

If your child has earned a Blue Peter badge, don't leave it sitting in a drawer. Badge holders can enjoy free entry to more than 200 attractions across the UK when accompanied by a paying adult, including castles, museums, wildlife parks and historic sites. It's one of the best-kept family money-saving secrets around.

Kids not got a badge? It's actually really easy to earn them and you can do it all online - another free activity for the summer!

4. Never pay full price for major attractions

Whether you're heading to Legoland, Chessington, Alton Towers or another big-name attraction, it's worth taking five minutes to look for offers before booking.

Two-for-one promotions, supermarket rewards, newspaper partnerships and advance booking discounts are available throughout the summer. Paying the headline ticket price is often the most expensive way to visit.

5. Find free company, not just free activities

When you're parenting solo, the summer holidays can feel like a lot of pressure. Not just financially, but emotionally too. It can sometimes feel as though it's all on your shoulders to keep the kids entertained every day. One of the easiest ways to make the holidays feel lighter is to spend time with other single-parent families. Sharing a picnic, meeting at a playground or exploring somewhere new together can make an ordinary day out feel much more special, and often costs nothing at all.

If you're a member of the Frolo Community, take a look at the Meetups section of the app. (Or become a member if you're not already!) You'll find everything from park playdates and beach trips to walks, coffee mornings, expert sessions and virtual events, all organised by and for single parents. If there's nothing happening near you, why not create your own? It only takes a couple of minutes to set up a meetup, and you might be surprised how many people are looking for exactly the same thing.

6. Swap soft play for the cinema

Rainy day? Family cinema screenings can be one of the cheapest treats around.

Many major cinema chains run discounted family screenings at weekends and throughout the school holidays, often showing recent family films for just a few pounds per ticket.

7. Check if your council offers free holiday clubs

If your child receives benefits-related free school meals, they may be eligible for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Depending on where you live, this can include free sports sessions, creative workshops, outdoor adventures, trips and meals throughout the school holidays. Places often fill quickly, so it's worth checking your local council's website before the holidays begin.

8. Keep an eye on free events

Summer is festival season, and not every event comes with a ticket price.

Many towns host free family fun days, outdoor theatre, live music, museum events, park activities and community festivals throughout the holidays. Your local council website and community Facebook groups are often the best places to discover what's happening nearby.

9. Don't forget your local library

Libraries have come a long way from simply lending books.

During the summer holidays, many host free craft sessions, story times, Lego clubs, family activities and, of course, the hugely popular Summer Reading Challenge. If you're looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon (or somewhere cool to escape a heatwave), your local library is a fantastic place to start.

10. Look for attractions where one ticket gives you a whole year

Rather than shelling out on a one-off visit, look for attractions that automatically give you access for a whole year.

A surprising number of UK attractions now turn a standard admission ticket into a 12-month pass, meaning you can pop back during half term, the October holidays or even next spring without paying again. If you've got young children who love visiting the same places again and again, it can be fantastic value.

Some attractions offering free or heavily discounted return visits include:

• Blenheim Palace – Many tickets include 12 months' free entry, so one visit can become unlimited access for a year.
• Royal Collection Trust – At places such as Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, you can convert your ticket into a 1-Year Pass at no extra cost by opting into Gift Aid before you leave.
• Black Country Living Museum – Buy a standard admission ticket and it automatically becomes an UnChained Annual Pass, giving unlimited daytime visits for 12 months.
• The Historic Dockyard Chatham – Standard admission includes unlimited return visits for a full year, making it great value if you're local enough to visit more than once.
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall – Pay once and enjoy unlimited visits for the next 12 months.
• Wells Cathedral and The Bishop's Palace, Wells – You can choose a 12-month Annual Pass instead of a day ticket, giving unlimited access to the gardens, palace and many family events throughout the year.

Absolutely loads of venues do this without shouting about it, so if you're booking tickets online, it's always worth taking a moment to check whether the attraction offers an annual pass or free return scheme.

11. Don't forget to save on lunch too

Food is often one of the biggest costs of a family day out.

Packing a picnic is always a great option, but if you're planning to eat out, check whether there's a nearby restaurant offering free or discounted children's meals.

We've rounded up dozens of the best Kids Eat Free and Kids Eat for £1 offers available this summer in our complete guide, helping you save even more on your day out.

Read next: Kids Eat Free This Summer: The Complete UK Guide for 2026

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