With the cost-of-living skyrocketing, parents are already stretched to their limits, and school holidays add to the mounting pressure of keeping kids entertained while sticking to a budget.

The average UK family is left with only £111 to spend on keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays this summer, equating to just £18.50 a week, according to new national research from QD Stores. Last year, parents spent more than double this figure, splashing out £234 during the summer but budgets are tight or non-existent.

For many families, there is zero fun money, with one in five (20%) saying there are no extra funds this year, so are desperate for ideas for free days out and cheap activities to keep their kids from complaining about being bored, or spending too much time on their screen.

The top free-of-charge activities include walking (68%), going to the beach (61%), or picnicking in the park or garden (50%).

For most spare cash will go on extra food and drinks and the rising household bills during the break, so Money Mum Gemma Bird has teamed up with QD Stores to share her tips on making a shoestring budget go further with lots of fun along the way.

The mum-of-two, who turned her money-saving tips into a bestseller, said: “Picnics are a great budget friendly activity that the whole family can enjoy, so it’s no surprise they are one of the top things that parents like to do over the summer hols.

“You don’t have to spend a lot of money, invest in a good quality picnic kit, which has everything you need to cover days out and even garden picnics for those days when you just can’t get out of the house. Pack your picnic full of food your kids enjoy and it’s much cheaper than buying food out, and healthier too!

“Also, encourage family time by taking a bag of activities such as a football or bat and ball set and make it a full day out. Spending time together with no phones, enjoying the fresh air in each other’s company is good for the whole family.”

The super saver also revealed ways to make toys exciting, and rather than splashing out on big-ticket items, Gemma revealed a way to make smaller toys feel brand new every day.

“You don’t need to spend huge amounts on expensive toys, look for great value pocket money toys to fill your toy box and rotate them over the holidays. Get a small box and mark them Monday to Sunday and get one out a day, that way they will feel like they are playing with a new toy every day,” she said.

Checking local forums, notice boards, and groups can give parents a heads-up on free events for the kids to attend.

Gemma shared: “Finally, check out those free activities to do in your local area, look at walking apps with walking trails, museums that offer free entry, or even have a look at council-run activities as they work out cheaper. Just don’t forget to pack your picnic hamper!” 

To help families make the most of free or budget activities this summer, QD has its Big Fun Small Spend campaign providing affordable ways to keep the kids entertained this summer on a budget, including how to create your own summer survival picnic kit for as little as £20.

QD's Nisha Collins said: “The cost of living, additional food, utility and entertainment bills, while keeping little ones entertained, are just some of the challenges many parents will face this summer."

For more information visit  https://www.qdstores.co.uk/and find your nearest QD Stores location.