Balancing finances, feeding your family, and keeping children entertained during school holidays can prove to be a real challenge. If you’re worried about the increasing cost of food or finding fun, affordable activities to keep your children occupied during this half term, support is available.

Here is how you can enjoy the school break without overstretching your finances.

Dining out offers for kids 

Skip cooking and save on the bill! To help you stay within your budget, here are some of the best deals where children can eat for free or at a significant discount:

• Asda Cafe

  Kids eat for £1 all day, everyday. They also offer a free piece of fruit with every meal.

• Morrisons Cafe

  One free kids meal with an adult meal costing a minimum of £5, available all year round. Additionally, children and adults can enjoy a free breakfast with a piece of fruit during every school holiday (depending on availability).

• Tesco Cafe

  One free kids meal with any adult purchase made using a Clubcard (Weekdays only).

• Sainsbury’s Cafe

  Kids can get a hot meal for £1 with an adult spend of £5.20 or more.

• IKEA

  Kids meals starting from 95p are available from 11am onwards, without any minimum spend.

• Bill’s

  Up to two kids eat free per adult main course. Offer valid from Monday 25th May – Friday 29th May.

• TGI Fridays

  One free kids meal with an adult purchase of a main course. Offer valid for kids under 12 and between 11th and 31st May (Requires sign-up to the free Stripes Rewards App).

• Zizzi

  A free Bambini meal with an adult purchase of a main course. Offer valid from 24th – 31st May (Requires sign-up to the free Zillionaires’ Club app).

• YO! Sushi

  One free kids bento box when dining with a paying adult with a minimum spend of £10. Offer valid for kids aged 12 and under (weekdays only).

• Hungry Horse

  Kids can enjoy a full meal deal including a main, veggies, pudding and a drink for just £1 when an adult purchases a main course. Upgrades can also be made to a large kids meal deal for an extra 50p. Offer available from 25th – 29th May. (Check your local pub’s website before visiting as dates may vary)

Low-cost and free fun activities 

Keeping children entertained this half term can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of high-energy entertainment activities that you can do with your family across the region. 

• Local beaches

  With sunshie forecast for half term, why not grab a bucket and spade, pack a picnic and head to one of our beautiful local beaches:

  • Formby Beach: A stunning National Trust nature reserve backed by dramatic, sweeping sand dunes and pine woodlands (famous for its red squirrels). It’s a pristine spot for long, peaceful walks.
  • Crosby Beach: Located just a few miles north of the city centre. While not a traditional “sunbathing” beach, it is famous for Another Place, an art installation featuring 100 cast-iron figures by Antony Gormley stretching out into the sea.
  • Ainsdale Beach: Located between Formby and Southport, this wide expanse is the only beach in the North West to hold a Blue Flag. It is highly popular for kitesurfing, kite buggies, and landboarding.
  • New Brighton Beach: Located across the Mersey on the Wirral peninsula, this golden, sandy beach offers great views of the Liverpool skyline and is home to the striking Perch Rock Lighthouse.
  • West Kirby Beach: A favorite on the Wirral for families and watersports enthusiasts. It sits adjacent to the Marine Lake and is a prime spot for sailing and windsurfing.
• Shaun The Sheep Augmented Reality Trail (Liverpool ONE)

  Download the free ‘Fun with the Flock’ AR app and hop on an exciting interactive adventure to track down nine markers located across Liverpool ONE. Pick up a trail map from the information centre on Wall Street to get started. You could even win a £100 Liverpool ONE gift card for taking part!
  
  Details: Runs until 31st May.

• Return of the Detector Dogs (World Museum)

  Head to the World Museum to enjoy a free live demonstration of highly skilled Border Force dogs detecting hidden objects and smuggled goods.
  
  Details: Thursday, 28th May. Demonstrations take place in the Treasure House Theatre at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. No booking required.
  

• Make it! Craft Workshop (The Atkinson)

  Get inspired by the museum and enjoy a free arts and crafts workshop suitable for the whole family, with all materials supplied.
  
  Details: Thursday, 28th May from 11am to 3pm. No booking required.

• Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail (Speke Hall)

  A physical, interactive hunt through various National Trust sites where kids explore the gardens in search of 10 Mega Evolution Pokémon using a trail sheet. Complete challenges inspired by Pokémon powers and end the day with a photo opportunity!
  
  Details: Starts 23rd May. The activity is free, but normal site admission charges apply. Find your nearest trail here.

Fun activities at home

If the unpredictable British weather takes a turn or you’re unable to get out of the house, you can still have a great time indoors! Click here for interactive ideas to keep the children occupied right from your living room.