The summer holidays are in full swing and hard-pressed parents and carers will already be having to stretch the pennies further. There’s a long way to go until the return to lessons in September.
Families will no doubt have already been searching for things to do and places to eat that won’t break the bank. Keeping children entertained, and fed, can be a costly business.
Here are just a selection of offers that you may not have come across that might just make help the summer spend go that little bit further.
Stay and eat for free
There can be few things more exciting than a stop-over in a hotel for a youngster. If a full-blown holiday is out of the question this summer, a short stay at the Holiday Inn, Hull Marina, might be doable.
Kids under 16 stay free when sharing a family room, and kids under 13 also eat free from the kids’ menu, when accompanied by at least one full paying adult. The hotel is handy for lots of Hull attractions, such as the Old Town, Museums Quarter and Ferens Art Gallery, where plenty of free activities are taking place during the holiday.
Bounce more, for less
Inflata Nation Hull is ready for some sizzling bouncing fun – whatever the weather this school holidays. The inflatable theme park, in St Andrew’s Quay, opened in April and is already a firm family favourite.
Now it’s offering exclusive discounts for the summer break. Its Hull site offers super slides, obstacle courses and exciting games – plus an awesome giant ball pit packed with more than 250,000 balls – and visitors can book online now and receive a 15 per cent discount using the special code “SUMMERHULL”.
Make a meal of it with Marco Pierre White
Parents who want to take the kids out for a bite to eat without worrying about the cost during the school summer holidays can make the most of this offer where they can feed them for nothing. Available at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse restaurant at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, in Ferensway, as long as they are accompanied by a full paying adult, children under 12 will get their meal free of charge (conditions apply).
With people still concerned by the current cost of living, this is a great way to enjoy a meal out without breaking the bank. And any budding chefs inspired by their visit to the restaurant can sign up to Marco’s Family Circle, which will give them access to weekly downloadable recipes – such as mac and cheese, pizzas and New York chocolate brownie – and activities which they can enjoy at home.
Aldi voucher giveaway
Families in the Hull and East Yorkshire area can make their money go further by taking part in Aldi’s new summer support scheme. The budget supermarket is giving away a number of £50 vouchers each week, throughout July and August, that can be spent in-store at any UK Aldi on anything from groceries, snacks and toys to garden items from Aldi’s Specialbuy aisle.
Entrants will need to email their details to Aldi; winners will be selected at random from all valid entries to the giveaway. Terms and conditions apply – find out more here.
More to do at Hull Museums
Hull Museums is inviting families to “make history this summer” with a host of activities that include free and low-cost events, from hands-on archaeology sessions to vintage flair — ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Families can enjoy a varied programme of drop-in craft activities, family trails, and interactive exhibits, giving young explorers the chance to get hands-on with history across the Hull Museums sites.
New for summer 2025, Hull Museums is unveiling a pop-up food and drink offer, serving refreshments, sweet treats and ice cream. In the beautiful museum gardens, visitors will find large-scale lawn games perfect for playful breaks between museum visits; there is a wildlife trail; a “Summer at Hull Museums” passport with which to earn stamps for a visit (and rewards for a completed trail) and more – check out Hull Museums website for more details.