For many, school is well and truly out for the summer. With six weeks ahead, parents could face the struggle of keeping kids fed
There are parents who rely on school meals during term time so the long break might put added strain on finances if families are having to add extra food to their shopping trollies. But, there are places that offer some good deals when dining out with kids.
This makes incorporating a meal out as part of your summer activities something that won’t necessarily break the bank. Chains across the country, including supermarkets, cafes and sit-down restaurants, have all put out their summer specials which we have tried to round up below.
The list is by no means a complete guide and there will likely be more offers and deals available both locally and across the country. This serves as a rough guide that includes places accessible in most towns and cities throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Asda
Kids under 16 can enjoy a meal for only £1 at any Asda Café, not just during school breaks but all year long. They have a variety of options to choose from, including pasta with meatballs, fish fingers, chicken nuggets, all-day breakfast, and a vegan ‘hidden veg’ pasta dish. Alternatively, they can go for a pick & mix meal which includes a sandwich, drink, piece of fruit, and two treat items.
Beefeater, Brewers Fayre & Table Table
When you buy an adult breakfast at any of these three chains, you can treat two children under 16 to a free meal. The cooked breakfast buffet is priced at £10.99, while the continental breakfast buffet is £8.99.
Bella Italia
Kids aged 11 and under can enjoy a complimentary meal at the Italian-themed restaurant every Thursday, when accompanied by an adult purchasing a meal. From Sunday to Wednesday, children can dine for just £1 between 4 and 6pm with the purchase of an adult meal. The special deal consists of three courses and a beverage, with a variety of choices such as pizza, pasta, garlic bread, and doughballs.
Bills
The breakfast, brunch, and dining spot is back with a new deal for the summer holidays in 2024. Starting from July 22 until August 30, two kids can enjoy a free meal all day from Monday to Friday when accompanied by an adult ordering a main dish. The kids’ menu includes delicious options like buttermilk pancakes, mac & cheese, and fish fingers & chips.
Dobbie’s Garden Centre
Don’t forget to visit the café during your day at the garden centre! At Dobbie’s, kids can get a complimentary children’s breakfast with any adult breakfast, or a free hot meal or pick ‘n’ mix lunchbox with any adult main course. This special deal is valid daily at their restaurants and even comes with a free drink.
Farmhouse Inns
Farmhouse Inn pubs, which have 67 locations across the UK, have an impressive offer to families this summer – but you have to sign up to their email newsletter in order to claim it. You’ll get a code for free meals for up to three children when you purchase an adult breakfast, main meal, or carvery.
The offer is valid for a maximum of four adults and twelve children, who can enjoy a buffet breakfast, any kids’ meal, or a Junior Carvery. Plus, each child gets a free scoop of ice cream, frozen yoghurt, or sorbet. This offer can be used up to four times from July 25 to August 31, excluding Sundays.
Hungry Horse
Hungry Horse has restaurants all over the UK where kids can enjoy a meal for only £1 every Monday. For just £1.50, they can also opt for slightly larger portions.
Ikea
The Swedish furniture store always has affordable children’s meals available, not just during the summer. You can get mac and cheese or tomato & pasta sauce for only 95p, and children’s versions of the meat or plantballs with sides of mash, lingonberry jam and gravy for just £1.50.
Morrisons
Kids under 16 can enjoy a complimentary meal at Morrisons cafes when accompanied by an adult purchasing a meal worth £5 or more. This offer is valid every day, all day long.
The children’s meal can be a hot dish from the kids’ menu or a chilled snack pack, complete with a piece of fruit and a bottle of juice or water. The menu features options like build-your-own breakfast, bangers and mash (including a vegetarian choice), macaroni cheese, and a variety of sandwiches.
OK Diners
If you need a pit stop while on the road, head over to OK Diners where kids under 10 can enjoy a free meal from the kids menu with the purchase of an adult main from the a la carte menu. This offer is valid all day, every day at all locations (except for those on the A1). The kids’ menu features favourites such as spaghetti with tomato sauce, scampi and fries, and stuffed jacket potatoes.
Pausa Café at Dunelm
For spending just £4 at any of the 185 Pausa Cafés located in Dunelm stores, you can get a free kids’ meal which includes a mini main, two snacks, and a drink. This offer is available every day, all day, and can be availed at Dunelm stores nationwide.
Pizza Express
Summer just got more delicious with Pizza Express giving away complimentary kids’ meals from July 22 to August 11. Kids under 10 can enjoy a free Piccolo meal, complete with three courses including favourites like dough balls, pizzas, pastas, desserts, and even a bambinoccino, when an adult meal is purchased.
Sainsburys
Buy an adult main meal priced at £5.50 or higher and get a free hot main meal or lunch bag for your child at any Sainsbury’s cafe between July 15 and September 3. The customisable offer lets kids pick from sausages, fish fingers, chicken nuggets, pizza, or a shroomdog – along with a side, two vegetables, a piece of fruit, and a drink.
Sizzling Pubs
This pub chain always has a special deal for kids – they can enjoy a meal for just £1 every Monday to Friday starting at 3pm, as long as an adult main meal is purchased. And during the summer break, this offer is available from midday on weekdays.
Tesco
From July 22 to August 30, children can enjoy a complimentary hot meal or breakfast at any Tesco café, as long as they are dining in with a paying adult. This offer is available from Monday to Friday, excluding weekends, and requires a Tesco Clubcard to redeem.
Breakfast options include eggs, beans, or avocado on toast, crumpets with jam, or blueberry pancakes. The lunch meal deal offers a variety of mains such as tomato pasta, sausages, fish fingers, or chicken goujons, along with a choice of two sides and a drink.
TGI Fridays
Children can enjoy a complimentary meal every day at TGI Friday’s when an adult meal is purchased, as long as the adult is a member of their rewards program. Kids can choose from a variety of options on the Little League or Major League menu, such as the Chicken Burger, Fridays Hotdog, or Crispy Chicken Tenders. This offer is valid for children up to 12 years old.
Travelodge & Premier Inn
Enjoy a breakfast at Travelodge this summer if you’re travelling about the UK. For every full paying adult having breakfast, two kids aged 15 or under can eat for free. With nearly 600 locations across the UK, you can choose from a traditional cooked breakfast or a vegan option, along with lighter choices like yoghurts, fruit salad, and pastries.
Premier Inn also offers a similar deal of free breakfast for up to 2 kids under 16 when an adult orders a full size breakfast or meal deal. Indulge in unlimited cooked and continental breakfast options, cereals, pastries, and drinks during your stay.
Yard and Coop
Children can enjoy a free meal at the fried chicken restaurant every day except Saturday from 12 to 6pm when accompanied by an adult ordering a meal. The free meal includes a main course, dessert, and a soft drink, with options like chicken nuggets, chicken burgers, or vegan deep-fried seitan.
Yo! Sushi
The special summer deal at the conveyor belt restaurant offering Japanese-inspired cuisine sees kids able to enjoy a free meal from July 1 to August 30 when dining with a paying adult. With a minimum spend of £10 for the adult, up to three children under 12 can pick up a complimentary kids’ bento box.
