11 free things for kids this summer that many parents don't realise are available

Summer holidays can be expensive, but there’s lots of freebies that go beyond the usual parks and playgrounds.

From free swimming sessions and holiday clubs to meals, sports activities and museum visits, there’s plenty of ways to keep children entertained without spending a fortune.

Some of these schemes could save families hundreds of pounds over the six-week break, yet many parents don't realise they're available.

Here are 11 lesser-known freebies worth checking out this summer.

1. Free swimming sessions and lessons

Many local councils and leisure centres offer free swimming sessions for children during the school holidays, and some run free beginner swimming lessons as part of local health, sport or holiday programmes.

Exactly what's available depends on where you live. Some councils offer free swimming to all children during school holidays, while others provide free sessions for children of certain ages or those receiving free school meals.

The easiest place to start is your local council's website or your nearest leisure centre. Search online for your council name and "free summer swimming" to see what's available.

If your child has never learned to swim, it's also worth asking about free crash courses or beginner lessons, which are sometimes funded through local sports partnerships.

2. Free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) clubs

If your child receives benefits-related free school meals, they could be entitled to free holiday clubs throughout the summer.

Funded by the government, the Holiday Activities and Food programme offers children a range of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, cooking classes, outdoor adventures and day trips. A free meal is usually provided too.

The scheme is available across England, although each local authority runs its own programme.

Many parents receive information directly from schools, but if you haven't heard anything, contact your child's school or visit your council's website and search for "HAF programme".

3. Free library events and reading challenges

Libraries are one of the most overlooked free resources for families during the summer holidays.

Many run free story sessions, craft workshops, games afternoons and family events throughout the six-week break.

There's also the annual Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages children to read books over the holidays and often includes rewards, certificates and activities.

Visit your local library or check its website to see what's planned.

4. Free sports sessions

Many councils, charities and sports clubs run free holiday sports sessions for children.

Activities can include football, basketball, cricket, tennis, athletics and multi-sports programmes.

These sessions are often designed to encourage children to stay active during the holidays and are particularly common in parks and community centres.

Check your local council website, Active Partnerships network or community Facebook groups for details.

5. Free museum visits

Some of the UK's biggest and best museums don't charge an entry fee.

The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum and National Gallery are all free to enter, making them ideal for a budget-friendly family day out.

Many museums also run special family events during school holidays, including workshops, trails and interactive activities.

Although entry is free, it's worth booking tickets in advance where possible as popular attractions can get busy during the summer.

6. Free family festivals and community events

Summer is packed with free community events, many of which fly under the radar.

Family fun days, outdoor performances, local festivals, cultural celebrations and community picnics are often organised by councils, charities and local organisations.

These events can provide a full day of entertainment without the cost of a major attraction.

Check your council's events page, local newspapers and community social media groups for upcoming activities.

7. Free meals for children

With food costs still high, school holidays can put extra pressure on family budgets.

Many restaurants, supermarkets and cafés offer free or discounted meals for children during school holidays.

The offers change regularly, but supermarkets such as Asda and Morrisons have run popular schemes in previous years, along with restaurant chains including Bella Italia, Dobbies and Hungry Horse. Here’s an idea of previous offers.

Before heading out, check the latest deals online as eligibility rules often vary.

8. Free nature trails and treasure hunts

You don't need to spend money on an attraction to have an adventure.

Many parks, woodlands and nature reserves offer free activity trails, wildlife spotting sheets and family events throughout the summer.

Apps such as Geocaching can also turn a simple walk into a treasure hunt, with hidden caches waiting to be discovered across the country.

The National Trust and Forestry England websites often list free family activities too, even if you're not a member.

9. Free trial classes

Summer can be a great time for children to try something new.

Many dance schools, martial arts clubs, gymnastics centres and music providers offer free taster sessions or introductory classes.

These can be a useful way to keep children busy while helping them discover a new hobby or interest.

Search online for activities in your area or ask at local community centres and schools.

10. Get 2FOR1 entry to hundreds of attractions

If you're planning a family day out this summer, don't forget to check whether you can save money simply by travelling by train.

National Rail's Days Out Guide offers 2FOR1 entry and discounts at hundreds of attractions across the country, including popular destinations such as zoos, theme parks, aquariums, museums and historic sites.

In many cases, just one train ticket is enough to unlock the offer, meaning the savings can easily outweigh the cost of travel.

Before booking attraction tickets, visit the National Rail Days Out Guide website and check whether your chosen destination is included. If you're travelling as a family, combining the deal with a Family & Friends Railcard could reduce costs even further.

For larger families, this can be one of the easiest ways to save £20, £30 or even more on a day out.

11. Free financial support if money is tight

If you're worried about affording the extra costs of the summer holidays, there may be more help available than you realise.

Many councils offer support through local welfare assistance schemes and the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund earlier this year.

Depending on where you live, help may be available towards food, energy bills and other essential costs.

It's also worth checking you're receiving all the benefits you're entitled to. Millions of pounds in support goes unclaimed every year. You can use our free online benefit checker to do this.

A quick benefits check could help put extra money in your pocket before the holidays begin.

Don't assume summer has to cost a fortune

It's easy to feel pressure to spend money during the school holidays, especially when social media is full of expensive attractions and days out.

But some of the best activities are completely free.

A little research before the holidays start could uncover free clubs, meals, sports sessions and events that save your family hundreds of pounds over the summer.