Another school holiday is almost upon us and it’s time to think about how much you are going to try not to spend while looking after the kids. Of course, you are going to want to make the most of this time together, but the financial pressure on some families can really be felt when school is out. Let’s have a look at the places where kids eat free during the school holidays.
School Is Out
Being out of school, even for just that one week of the half term holidays, can add extra financial stress to some parents. The number of children who get free school meals continues to rise. In January 2023, over 2 million pupils were eligible for free school meals, 23.8% of all pupils. That’s a lot of kids who might go without food during the holidays.
Free Family Fun
Having fun as a family during the holidays doesn’t have to cost a lot, if anything at all! A few great ideas include finding free local museums, going to the beach to build sandcastles and simply scoping out a new park for a morning of play. I’ve shared a post containing more ideas over on Instagram.
Kids Eat Free
Kids eat free at a number of different cafes and chain restaurants. There might be extras that are local to you that haven’t made the list. Hopefully, this list will help people in all corners of the country where there are more likely to be some of these places to eat. Some of these have specific dates they are available, but a lot of them run constantly. Make sure to check the T&Cs before you order. Of course, these are subject to change and could be pulled at any time.
Asda
At Asda cafes, kids eat for £1 all day, every day. There is no adult spend required.
Morrisons
Spend £4.49 or more at Morrisons cafe and get one kids meal, all day every day.
Tesco
At Tesco cafes, a purchase of 60p+ means that kids eat free.
Sainsbury’s
Children eat for £1 when dining with adult buying a hot main meal.
Whitbread Inns
Two under 16s dine for free with every adult breakfast.
Travelodge
Buy an adult breakfast for £8.99 and two kids can have a free breakfast.
Ikea
Children get a meal from 95p every day.
Dobbies Garden Centres
When an adult breakfast or lunch is bought in the Dobbies cafe, kids eat free.
Hungry Horse
Children eat for £1 on Mondays.
Bella Italia
Kids eat for just £1 when any adult main is purchased.
Table Table
When an adult buys breakfast two under 16s can have a free breakfast.
Future Inns
Children under 5 eat for free when an adult buys a meal.
Premier Inn
Two kids can have breakfast for free when accompanied by one adult buying breakfast for £8.99
Green King
Kids eat free when an adult meal is bought.
Brewers Fayre
When an adult buys breakfast, two kids can eat for free.
Final Thoughts
These are just a handful of places that are operating a kids eat free scheme, or as close to free as they can do as a business. I think one of the best offers is in Tesco cafes because if you have three kids, make 3 transactions of 60p and you’ll have 3 free kids meals. That’s £1.80 for 3 meals and the adult can eat what was bought for the £1.80. If you are struggling, there is help out there beyond kids eat free schemes. However, I hope some of these places listed will help you have some family fun and make memories this school holidays.
