Majority of UK parents are stressed about affording family days out over the summer

Almost seven in ten UK parents (69%) are stressed about affording family days out during the summer holidays, in part caused by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, according to a new study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.¹

The survey reveals that more than three-quarters of parents (77%) would like to take their children on excursions at least once a fortnight.¹ But, as the crunch on household expenditure continues, many are left struggling to find affordable days out.

The survey of 1,000 UK parents highlights the key concerns for families today. Chief among these worries are the escalating costs of activities (52%), the challenge of discovering affordable day trips (50%), and the considerable effort required to plan engaging, educational outings for their children (32%).¹

With the research also indicating that 80% of UK parents opt to travel by car when embarking on a family outing¹, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – whose range includes the Multivan, which boasts everything to keep the family entertained on the move, from seven seats to even a communal table – has teamed up with parenting expert, Jo Studholme, founder of the Parenting Expert blog, to offer parents some inspiration for low-cost days out with the family.

The research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles puts the average UK family spend at £93 for a single day out, amounting to upwards of £400 for the average family across the summer holidays, while 1 in 10 (14%) are likely to spend over £600.¹

As a result of the rising cost of activities, one in five (18%) respondents admit they have no family days out planned over the summer holidays.¹

Jo Studholme, Parenting Expert, comments: “Family days out are more than just a way to entertain the kids. They offer a wealth of benefits that contribute to a child’s development and strengthen family bonds. By thinking outside the box and considering your family’s interests, you can create memorable and enriching days out without spending a fortune. The key is to get everyone involved in the planning process and embrace the adventure!”

Jo’s Top Tips for keeping costs low but smiles high during the summer holidays with children are:

1. Embrace the great outdoors: nature is a treasure trove of free entertainment! Explore local parks, forests and beaches. Pack a picnic lunch, go on a scavenger hunt for interesting leaves or insects, or enjoy a simple game of frisbee.
2. Get crafty: arts and crafts projects are a great way to unleash creativity without breaking the bank. Use recycled materials like cardboard boxes, egg cartons, or toilet paper rolls for building, decorating, or designing costumes. You could even create nature collages out of those leaves and twigs you’ve scavenged!
3. Embrace the staycation: plan a staycation and explore your own city or town. Visit historical landmarks, local attractions with free admission days, or simply enjoy backyard camping.
4. Get active: explore your local area on a family bike ride, plan a pit stop for a refreshing ice cream treat. Alternatively, local swimming pools offer a fantastic way to cool down and have fun on a hot day.
5. Library adventures: libraries are a goldmine of free resources. Attend story time events, borrow books and audiobooks, or participate in some of the many educational programmes offered by libraries.

For the full list of tips, visit the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles VanLife blog

¹Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK parents, conducted in June 2024, commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.