Parents are being urged to take advantage of a government scheme that could make this summer's family days out significantly cheaper.
With families expecting to spend an average of £518 on activities and entertainment during the six-week school holidays, every saving counts.
The Government's temporary Great British Summer Savings scheme has reduced VAT from 20% to 5% on eligible family attractions and children's meals until September 1, with many of the UK's biggest attractions already passing on the savings.
That means families visiting popular sites could all pay less this summer.
Merlin attractions offering some of the biggest summer savings
Families planning a trip to one of the UK's biggest theme parks could see some of the largest discounts available through the Government's temporary VAT reduction.
Several Merlin Entertainments attractions are passing on the reduced 5% VAT rate, meaning families can save more than £20 on a single day out if buying tickets on the gate.
Among those taking part are:
- Alton Towers Resort
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
- Thorpe Park
- Chessington World of Adventures Resort
For a family of four, the savings include:
- Alton Towers Resort: Save up to £22.28 on gate tickets or up to £13.56 when booking online.
- Thorpe Park: Save up to £22.96 on gate prices or £13.56 online.
- Chessington World of Adventures: Families can also save up to £22.96 on gate tickets or £13.56 online.
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Savings reach £23.64 when buying tickets on the day, with online bookings saving between £12.88 and £14.60.
Because the discount is based on VAT, the biggest cash savings come on the most expensive attractions, making theme parks one of the best ways for families to maximise the scheme.
Children under the qualifying height continue to enter free at many of the parks, helping parents save even more.
National Trust joins the scheme
The National Trust is also taking part in the Government initiative.
Until September 1, visitors will pay less for admission to National Trust properties, while children's meals in National Trust cafés are also covered by the VAT reduction.
Families can combine the cheaper entry prices with the Trust's popular Summer of Play events taking place across hundreds of estates, gardens and historic houses throughout the holidays.
The organisation has also confirmed that visitors who booked eligible tickets before the announcement will receive refunds in the form of National Trust gift vouchers. Full details are here.
Labour is backing families this summer.
We’re cutting VAT on kids’ meals, cinemas, theatres and attractions, introducing free bus travel for children in August, and extending the fuel duty cut - helping families with the cost of living while supporting local businesses. pic.twitter.com/jU7F3Npm7A— Anneliese Midgley MP (@anneliese_midge) June 5, 2026
Cinema trips and restaurant meals are cheaper too
The savings don't stop at attractions.
Children's meals at many restaurant chains are included, with discounts available at:
- Pizza Express
- Wagamama
- Harvester
- Nando's
- Toby Carvery
- Brewers Fayre
- Beefeater
- Hungry Horse
Cinema tickets for children are also cheaper at participating chains including:
- Odeon
- Cineworld
- Vue
- Everyman
While each individual saving may only be around £1 or £2, they quickly add up across the six-week break.
Research suggests a family combining regular meals out, cinema trips and a couple of theme park visits could save almost £60 over the summer.
Families planning a trip to Knowsley Safari can also benefit from lower admission prices.
Jon Turley, General Manager at Knowsley Safari, said: "We know families are looking forward to spending quality time together this summer, and we're thrilled to help make days out more affordable."
The attraction has also launched a Summer Savings Pass, allowing unlimited visits throughout the school holidays.
Parents feeling the pressure
The discounts come as new research reveals just how expensive the school holidays have become.
According to a survey of 1,100 parents:
- Families expect to spend an average of £518 this summer.
- Nine in 10 parents say they feel financial pressure during the holidays.
- Two-thirds (66%) say rising costs mean they'll cut back on days out.
- Almost half believe theme parks no longer offer good value for money.
Expert shares top money-saving tips
Tara Evans, Personal Finance Editor at Confused.com , said: "Summer can be one of the most expensive times of year for families, especially when trying to balance childcare, days out and the pressure to keep children entertained. While the savings on smaller activities may seem modest, they can quickly add up over six weeks.
"The biggest wins will be on pricier attractions like theme parks, but it's worth checking whether businesses are passing on the VAT cut before booking. Combining this with kids-eat-free offers, loyalty points and free local events could make a real difference to stretched family budgets this summer."
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Even more ways families can save
Parents can stretch their budget even further by combining the VAT discounts with:
- Kids Eat Free restaurant offers.
- Railcard and train attraction discounts.
- Supermarket loyalty rewards.
- Free museums and local events.
- National Trust Summer of Play activities.
- Tax-Free Childcare for eligible holiday clubs.
Families can also find budget-friendly alternatives at destinations such as Hampton Gardens, Eastnor Castle, English Heritage sites and countryside parks, all taking part alongside low-cost and free outdoor activities.
With the scheme ending on September 1, families planning summer adventures are being encouraged to check whether their favourite attraction is participating before booking, as businesses can choose whether to pass on the VAT reduction.
