The summer holidays can be full of magic. Think warm evenings, ice lollies in the paddling pool, and the freedom of no school runs. But for single parents, they can also bring a lot of stress, especially when it comes to money.

You might be juggling childcare with work, trying to stretch your income further than usual, or simply looking for ways to make memories without overspending. The good news is there are plenty of ways to enjoy the summer on a budget and still have lots of fun.

Here are some practical, UK-specific tips and resources to help you through.

Make a simple summer budget

Before you start planning, take a moment to work out what you can realistically spend over the summer. A basic list of your income and essential spending is all you need to begin. Factor in any extra costs like time off work or additional childcare.

A rough weekly budget just for activities and treats will help you stay on track. You don’t need a complicated spreadsheet to make this work.

Try the MoneyHelper budget planner if you want a free, easy tool to get started.

Use trial memberships and discount passes

There are some great discount schemes that can help reduce the cost of days out and eating out.

• Kids Pass offers discounts on theme parks, attractions, cinema and restaurants. You can often get a 30-day trial for just £1. Visit kidspass.co.uk.
• Tastecard offers two-for-one deals at restaurants like Pizza Express, Zizzi and ASK Italian. A 60-day trial is currently available for £1. Visit tastecard.co.uk.
• Merlin Annual Pass has summer deals if you plan to visit more than one Merlin attraction such as LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE or Alton Towers. Look for their summer saver offers at merlinannualpass.co.uk.
• Blue Peter badge holders get free entry to over 200 attractions across the UK. If your child is aged 6 to 15, they can apply for a badge for free at https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/joinin/about-blue-peter-badges

Check for free or low-cost activities near you

Summer is packed with free family events if you know where to look.

• Many local councils offer free activities through their libraries, parks or community centres. Try searching for your town or county name with ‘free summer events for kids’ to see what is on offer.
• The National Trust has nature trails, bug hunts and outdoor games at many of its properties. Membership covers you for all National Trust properties across the UK and is a great investment.
• English Heritage often runs special summer events and historic re-enactments. If you are an English Heritage member, you can visit over 400 sites for free and bring up to six children under 18 with you.
• Southbank Centre in London runs free creative events and concerts for children over the holidays.

Get help with food and childcare

If your child receives free school meals, they may be eligible for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. These schemes offer free clubs with meals included.

You can find your local HAF provider by visiting your council’s website or searching on gov.uk.

For families not eligible for HAF, there are still plenty of subsidised or low-cost holiday clubs. Try:

• Premier Education for sport and activity camps across the UK
• SuperCamps for day camps with creative and outdoor play options
• Koala Club for affordable holiday childcare in some parts of the UK

Always check for sibling discounts and early booking deals.

Make use of your local library

Libraries are brilliant in the summer. They are free, calm and often run weekly craft or story sessions for children.

Most libraries take part in the Summer Reading Challenge which gives children fun incentives to keep reading.

Some libraries also offer free digital borrowing with services like BorrowBox and Libby, where you can access eBooks and audiobooks for free.

Cut the cost of travel

Transport can quickly eat into your budget, but there are savings to be had.

• A Family & Friends Railcard costs £30 per year and gives a third off adult train fares and 60 percent off kids’ fares.
• If you are in London, children under 11 can travel free on buses and tubes, and 11–15-year-olds can get discounted travel with a Zip Oyster card.
• Some areas, like Manchester and Nottingham, offer free bus travel for kids during school holidays. Check your local transport authority for offers.
• Trainline sometimes runs summer promo codes, so it is worth signing up to their newsletter for updates.

Plan fun at home and in your local area

You do not need to go far to have fun. Planning a few themed home days or local outings can take the pressure off your budget.

Try these ideas:

• Have a themed day at home like Dinosaur Day or Space Day with costumes, crafts and a themed film.
• Create a garden water park using washing up bowls, a hose and any pool toys or buckets you have.
• Host a kitchen disco or picnic in the lounge when the weather turns.
• Use apps like Hoop and Day Out With The Kids to search free or low-cost activities near you.

Connect with other single parents

Summer can feel lonely when you're parenting alone. Use the Frolo app to find meetups near you or connect with other single parents online.

You could team up for shared childcare, swap activity ideas, or plan low-cost days out with another family. Sometimes just knowing someone else is in the same boat makes a big difference.

If you're not on Frolo yet, download the app here to get started.

The best summer memories are not always the expensive ones. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can give your children a brilliant summer full of laughter, imagination and connection, without breaking the bank.

You are doing brilliantly. This summer is yours to enjoy.

‍