Summer Savings Guide: Free and Reduced Meals for Kids

As schools break up for the long summer holidays, families look forward to weeks of fun, sunshine, and memories. But while summer brings excitement for children, it can also mean added pressure on household budgets. With rising food costs, higher energy bills, and the daily challenge of keeping young ones entertained, the cost of living can quickly mount up during the holiday period.
To help ease the strain, a number of popular high street retailers, supermarkets, and restaurant chains are offering free or heavily discounted meals for children over the summer holidays. These deals, often available throughout the week or on specific days, mean parents and carers can treat their little ones without worrying about stretching their budget too thin.
What’s on offer?
From kids eating free with a paying adult to set-price children’s menus at a fraction of the usual cost, there’s a range of options designed to suit all tastes and dietary needs. Some supermarkets are running ‘kids eat for £1’ initiatives in their in-store cafés, while certain restaurant chains have special summer offers where children can enjoy breakfast or lunch free.
Plan ahead and save
It’s worth checking the terms of each deal in advance, as some offers may only run on weekdays, require an accompanying adult meal purchase, or be subject to local availability. Taking a few minutes to plan where to eat can result in significant savings over the summer, leaving more room in the family budget for other holiday activities.
Find out more
To help families make the most of these summer offers, we’ve put together a handy guide highlighting some of the best deals currently available. For even more discounts, dining vouchers, and tips on how to stretch your budget further, visit the Money Supermarket website.