Nilly Dahlia, a content creator and mum of three, says she prints out a six-week calendar with a range of activities for her kids during the holidays.
As part of their “summer bucket list”, they are planning to check out all the parks in the local area and she is prioritising low-cost activities throughout the summer.
“I feel like there’s this intense pressure to have Instagram-worthy holidays now,” she says.
“What’s wrong with just staying in the UK, staying out till sunset, riding your bike, just going to the river, like I did? I really want the kids to experience a nostalgic summer.”
Dahlia stresses there are many things on offer during the holidays that won’t break the bank, such as free kids’ meals in cafes and discounts on local travel.
And there are often offers at bowling venues and cinemas, she says, while her family enjoys a movie night at home every Friday.
“They each have a bowl of popcorn and treats and we move the sofas into two rows so it’s like a cinema.”
James Gray, communications and advocacy manager at Libraries Connected, says the summer holidays are also where libraries “come alive”.
He says libraries across the UK will hold the Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging kids to read more in a fun format, and many will be hosting events such as arts and crafts, performances and creative workshops, all for free.
