A mother of two shared her strategy for enjoying the summer break with her kids on a budget of only £50 a week for activities. Kelly Miles, 33, aimed to create lasting memories for her 12-year-old and 10-year-old without overspending, sticking to a strict £200 budget for the past two years. She opted for cost-effective local options like free swimming for under 12s, library visits, and beach outings. To accommodate pricier outings, Kelly uses Monzo pots to save up in advance.
In response to increasing costs, she raised her budget to £300 this year, amounting to £50 weekly. Kelly emphasized the often overlooked expense of food, always ensuring she packs meals and snacks in an insulated backpack for her children. Kelly, a manager from Portsmouth, Hampshire, recalled her earlier struggles as a single mother on benefits and her determination to avoid debt, leading her to adopt her current money-saving habits.
She emphasized the importance of exploring free local attractions and nearby beaches, which require minimal expenses apart from parking fees. Kelly typically budgets £200 annually but increased it to £300 this year due to rising prices. By planning ahead and setting aside funds for pricier outings, such as visits to a mud trail, aquapark, Legoland, and theme parks with Merlin annual passes, Kelly estimates saving between £400 and £500.
Throughout the year, she gradually adds to her Monzo pot after covering essential expenses and savings, adjusting her contributions based on the proximity to summer. Kelly advised others to adopt similar saving techniques for summer holidays, especially as children grow older and seek more expensive activities. By pre-planning and bringing homemade snacks to outings, Kelly manages to reduce costs significantly, avoiding expensive food purchases at venues like parks and amusement parks.
She emphasized the importance of budgeting for food expenses, explaining how preparing homemade snacks like pizza rolls and pancakes can be more cost-effective and enjoyable for children. Kelly recommended bringing refillable water bottles to avoid overpriced beverages at attractions. Additionally, she highlighted the value of investing in durable items like an insulated backpack to keep food and drinks cool, along with purchasing beach essentials from discount stores to avoid inflated prices at tourist spots.
Kelly’s practical tips encourage families to plan ahead, prioritize cost-effective options, and be mindful of hidden expenses to make the most of summer activities while staying within a budget.