With the six-week holidays finally here, parents across the UK will be looking forward to spending more quality time with their little and not-so-little ones, whether that's enjoying days out, trips to the seaside, adventure parks or somewhere in between.But while making lifelong memories is priceless, many households know all too well how quickly costs can add up once school is out, with food, travel, childcare, and big-ticket attractions all piling onto the usual household expenses.Thankfully, there's no need to pinch pennies this summer, as there are dozens of places across the country offering free food and entertainment for children.From mid-July until early September, more than 30 restaurants, pubs and supermarkets are running kids-eat-free offers, while museums, outdoor attractions and entertainment venues are hosting a range of free events and activities.So, whether you're after a quick bite, a sit-down meal, a fun-packed show or an interactive activity to keep the kids entertained, there are plenty of options to choose from.With so many offers available, spending quality time together as a family doesn't have to break the bank. Check out our bumper guide to the best free summer offers and activities... Nemesis is due to close on November 6 and will return in 2024. Those who 'think they have what it takes to face Nemesis one last time' can put themselves forward as a final ride 'test specimen'. The lucky chosen few will board the inverted roller coaster with the creative originator, John Wardley Free activities and days out for kids across the UK Thorpe Park: Visitors under the height of 1.2m can enter for free Alton Towers: Visitors under the height of 90cm can enter for free West Midlands Safari Park: One free child ticket with every paying adult Resorts World, Birmingham: Free dinosaur-themed entertainment on Dino Fridays. The Green Park Nature Roadshow, London: Free wildlife-themed actitivies National Waterfront Museum, Swansea: Letterpress Printing and 'Sea Spectacular' play days Circus Fun Day, Cornwall: Clowns, jugglers, acrobats and live entertainment Hastings Pirate Day, Hastings Old Town: Parades, sea shanties and live entertainment Sandford Summer Festival, Sandford-on-Thames: Fairground rides, BBQs, Wizard of Oz-themed flower festival, and kids' fancy dress competitionPlus, much more... FREE MEALSAsk ItalianFamilies can enjoy up to two free children's meals every day at Ask Italian throughout the summer holidays when dining in. The offer runs until 6 September 2026 and is available at participating restaurants nationwide.Bella ItaliaBella Italia is offering one free children's meal from its Kids Menu with every adult who buys a main course from Sunday to Thursday during the summer break. Simply let your server know you're using the promotion when you arrive.Beefeater & Brewers FayreHeading out for breakfast? At Beefeater and Brewers Fayre, two children can eat breakfast for free with every paying adult who orders an unlimited breakfast throughout the summer holidays.Burger KingBurger King's popular Kids Eat Free deal returns from 23 July until the end of August, giving families a free King Jr. Meal with any adult meal purchased through the Burger King app. The offer also includes the Whopper Jr. for the first time, giving children an extra menu choice.Bill'sAt Bill's, up to two children can eat free when one adult orders any main meal, whether you're visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The weekday offer is available throughout the summer holidays until 1 September 2026.BrewDogBrewDog is giving families one free kids' meal for every paying adult from 19 July until 31 August. The offer is available at participating bars across the UK throughout the school holidays.Café RougeChildren can eat free at Café Rouge every day between 12pm and 4pm during the summer break. One complimentary kids' meal is available with every adult main purchased at lunch or dinner.ChiquitoFamilies dining at Chiquito can claim a free children's meal – including a main, side, dessert and drink – with every full-paying adult main course. Better still, the offer runs during every school holiday, not just the summer break.The Coconut TreeChildren aged 10 and under can enjoy a free kids' meal with every paying adult at The Coconut Tree throughout the summer holidays. The promotion runs from 13 July until 6 September, although serving times vary by restaurant and are usually available until 6pm.Côte BrasserieCôte Brasserie is serving free meals for children aged 12 and under from 18 July until 7 September. Every full-priced adult main includes either a free children's breakfast or a two-course meal.Farmhouse InnsFarmhouse Inns is extending its family dining offer over the summer holidays, with two free children's meals available when an adult buys a breakfast, main meal or carvery. The chain already offers free kids' meals on Fridays after 3pm, but families can take advantage of the expanded promotion throughout the school break.Franco MancaSelected Franco Manca restaurants are offering one free kids' pizza for children aged 12 and under with every full-priced adult main meal. The deal is available Monday to Thursday during the summer holidays at participating pizzerias.Frankie & Benny'sChildren can tuck into a free meal, two sides, dessert and a drink when dining with a paying adult at Frankie & Benny's. The family-friendly offer is available during every school holiday, making it a year-round saving rather than just a summer promotion.Future InnsChildren under the age of five can eat free at Future Inns hotel restaurants when accompanied by a paying adult. The offer covers breakfast, lunch and dinner across all participating hotels throughout the summer.Gordon Ramsay RestaurantsParticipating Gordon Ramsay Restaurants are offering free meals for children under 10 all day, every day during the school holidays. For every adult ordering two courses from the à la carte menu, one child can receive a complimentary main from the Ramsay Kids Menu.Las IguanasLas Iguanas' year-round family offer allows one child under 12 to eat free with every paying adult when using the restaurant's app. The free meal includes a main course, two sides and a dessert.Marco Pierre White RestaurantsChildren under 12 can enjoy a free two-course meal when an accompanying adult orders a full-priced main course from the à la carte menu. The offer usually runs throughout the school holidays, although it's not available after 6pm on Saturdays.Morrisons CaféChildren under 16 can claim a free kids' meal, complete with a drink, whenever an adult spends £5 or more on a main meal. The offer is available all day, every day, including throughout the summer holidays.Pausa Café at DunelmFor every £4 spent by an adult, children can enjoy a free meal at Pausa Cafés inside Dunelm stores. The offer includes a main, two snacks and a drink, and is available all day, every day throughout the summer holidays.Pizza Hut RestaurantsChildren aged 12 and under can receive a free kids' meal, including a main, side, dessert and drink, with every adult main purchased. The promotion is typically available daily from 3pm, with a minimum spend of £10 required.Premier InnFamilies staying or dining at Premier Inn can get up to two free children's breakfasts when an adult orders a full Premier Inn Breakfast or an adult Meal Deal. The offer is available for children under 16 throughout the summer holidays.PretoPreto is offering one free children's meal for every full-paying adult when families download an online voucher. The promotion is valid for children aged 10 and under from 4pm on weekdays during the school holidays.PurezzaVegan pizza chain Purezza offers children under 10 a free mini pizza with every full-paying adult main meal. Unlike many summer promotions, this offer is available all year round.Table TableAt Table Table restaurants, up to two children under 16 can enjoy a free unlimited breakfast when accompanied by an adult purchasing an unlimited cooked breakfast. The deal is available throughout the summer break.Tesco CafésTesco has brought back its popular Kids Eat Freescheme at more than 300 cafés and coffee shops across the UK during the summer holidays. Available on weekdays, children can enjoy a meal worth up to £4 when an adult buys any item from the café menu.TGI Fridays Kids can eat free at participating TGI Fridays until 6 SeptemberKids can eat free at TGI Fridays until 6 September, provided families redeem the offer through the restaurant's app. The promotion is available at participating restaurants nationwide during the school holidays.The Real GreekEvery Sunday, children under 12 can enjoy a free kids' meal, including a main, drink and ice cream or sorbet. The offer is available when an accompanying adult spends at least £10.Turtle BayChildren aged 10 and under can claim a free meal from the Little Turtles menu when dining with an adult who spends £15 or more on the main menu. The offer is available every day throughout the summer holidays.Village Hotels Pub & GrillVillage Hotels is offering one free children's meal with every paying adult at its Pub & Grill restaurants, excluding the Blackpool site. The deal runs from 20 July to 4 September, between 12pm and 5pm, and must be redeemed through the Village Rewards app.Whitbread InnsFamilies can enjoy up to two free children's breakfasts with every adult breakfast purchased at Whitbread Inns. Guests are advised to check the chain's email newsletter for participating locations and the latest offer details.YO! SushiChildren eat free all day from Monday to Friday during the school holidays at YO! Sushi when dining with a paying adult spending at least £10. The offer is available at participating restaurants across the UK.ZizziChildren under 12 can enjoy a free three-course meal from the Bambini menu when an adult orders a full-priced main course. The family offer includes a starter, main and dessert, making it one of the most generous kids-eat-free deals available this summer.FREE ACTIVITIES & DAYS OUTThorpe Park, Surrey Visitors under the height of 1.2m can enter Thorpe Park free of charge - and although they may not be tall enough to take on the park's most thrilling rides, there's still plenty to do. Little ones can experience a lineup of thrilling rides and attractions, including Zodiac, Rumba Rapids, High Striker, Amity Beach, Mr Monkey's Banana Ride, Sunset Cinema, Flying Fish, Roaming Entertainment, and The Playground.From 25 June to 25 September, Thorpe Park is also running an offer that gives ticket-holders free entry to a second theme park of their choice with the Thorpe Park Twice the Fun ticket. With prices from £29.75 per person, visitors to Thorpe Park can enjoy a second day out free of charge at the likes of Chessington World Adventures Resort, Alton Towers Resort, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort - or even revisit Thorpe Park. Alton Towers, StaffordshireSimilarly to Thorpe Park, kids under 90cm get free entry to Alton Towers - now home to Cbeebies Land and the world's first Bluey-themed rollercoaster. In addition, the park is hosting free Minecraft Meet the Mobs pop up events until 1 September, which are included in visitors' standard theme park ticket. The specialised event features a themed trail, hands-on activities at the Minecraft Hub, and costume characters. West Midlands Safari Park To celebrate the launch their brand-new Child Ticket, West Midlands Safari Park is giving away a free child ticket with every adult ticket purchased this summer. Drive through the safari, explore the walking trails, and meet everything from majestic lions to playful lemurs.Young V&A, LondonEvery Friday from 25 July to 29 August, families can enjoy a summer-long programme of free activities at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green.Children can create their own adventure story in Step onto the Stage, take on hands-on design challenges in the Open Studio, and explore playful activities in the Portal Trust Community Room. Suitable for all ages, the sessions are free to attend with no booking required, although children must be accompanied by an adult.Natural History Museum and Science Museum, London The Natural History Museum will be running free hands-on nature activities across the gardens and buildings this summer, where young visitors can meet pond creatures, spot pollinators, and take part in nature-themed crafts. At the Science Museum, visitors can enjoy free, interactive he Space Shows on weekends and get hands-on with real historical objects from the museum’s collection in drop-in sessions. Kids Kingdom Interactive Role-Play, NorwichFrom 20 July to 31 July, Castle Quarter shopping centre is hosting Kids Kingdom - an immersive role-play experience designed to spark young imaginations.Set inside a miniature town, children can try out different careers and explore real-world scenarios across eight themed zones, including a café, doctor's surgery and shop, encouraging creativity, teamwork and confidence through play. The event is free to attend.Dino Fridays at Resorts World, BirminghamEvery Friday from 25 July until 29 August, Resorts World Birmingham will transform into a prehistoric playground with free dinosaur-themed entertainment.Families can enjoy giant dinosaur meet-and-greets, ranger training, dino hunts, story sessions with baby dinosaurs and comedy caveman shows. There will also be balloon modelling (for a charity donation), an Adventurer Passport trail and selected petting zoo days. No booking is required.The Green Park Nature Roadshow, London On Thursday 30 July, from 11am until 3pm, The Green Park will host a free drop-in nature roadshow packed with interactive games and wildlife-themed activities.Young explorers can tackle a detective trail, examine fascinating nature specimens in a mini museum, get creative with wild crafts and take part in outdoor games inspired by the natural world.National Museum of Scotland, EdinburghThroughout the summer holidays, the National Museum of Scotland is hosting free family-friendly activities alongside its permanent interactive galleries. Expect hands-on workshops, object handling sessions and creative activities on selected dates.On Mondays and Fridays until 7 August, the museum is hosting free, drop-in Summer Family Fun sessions, featuring bug hunts, interactive object handling and hands-on crafts, with new themes each week. National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Throughout the summer, families can enjoy free drop-in craft workshops, interactive exhibitions and seasonal activities during the school holidays at Swansea's National Waterfront Museum, with plenty of hands-on fun for younger visitors. Its jam-packed schedule includes Swansea Sea Festival from 8 to 9 August, Letterpress Printing & K'Nex Big Build sessions throughout July and August, and 'Sea Spectacular' play day on 5 August, featuring circus skills, den building, face painting, live music.Ulster Museum, BelfastThe Ulster Museum is running a variety of free family activities throughout the summer, including discovery trails, creative workshops and interactive galleries suitable for children of all ages.On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout July and August, the museum will open its Discover Centre to young guests who can draw from applied art collections, explore woodland animal specimens and handle old-fashioned toys. Park Activities, NationwideParkPlay offers free, weekly two-hour community play sessions with active games for all generations on Saturday mornings.Meanwhile, StreetGames is partnering with local councils and charities across the nation to provide Doorstep Sport clubs and activities in parks. Fancy staying closer to home? Many local borough councils now operate their own free or low-cost summer park activations, including walking football, fitness classes and community sports. Contact your local hub for more information. Big Butterfly Count, NationwideParks, nature reserves and wildlife centres across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland host free guided butterfly walks and family-friendly activities as part of the annual Big Butterfly Count, running from Friday 17 July to Sunday 9 August. Choose a place to spot butterflies and moths and watch for 15 minutes, record which species you see and upload your counts to this map to see how your data is contributing to nationwide research! FREE FESTIVALS & FUNDAYS Blackbird & Greater Leys Playday, Oxford On 21 July, Frys Hill Park will host its annual community Playday, featuring free inclusive workshops, active games, body zorbing, go-karts, DIY face painting, arts activities and plenty more family entertainment. Hastings Pirate Day, Hastings Old Town Hastings Pirate Day is one of the UK's biggest pirate festivals, running from 18 and 19 July with colourful parades and street performers Taking place on 18 and 19 July, Hastings Old Town and The Stade will once again welcome thousands of visitors for one of the UK's biggest pirate festivals.Expect colourful parades, live sea shanties, street performers and family entertainment throughout the weekend. Sandford Summer Festival, Sandford-on-ThamesFamilies can enjoy this free community festival in the heart of Oxfordshire on 18 July, running from 1pm until 7pm. Highlights include a Wizard of Oz-themed flower festival, kids' fancy dress competition, family dog show, BBQs, raffles, fairground rides, sweet treats and live music from Vinyl Daze and Jubilee Brass.Twirl & Swirl Fun Day, CoventryRyton Pools Country Park will host a free family fun day on 22 July, featuring face painting, colouring competitions and outdoor games. Standard parking charges apply.Hoopla! Outdoor Mini-Festival, Nottingham Designed especially for children aged up to four, Hoopla! returns to King Edward Park on 4 August, with free puppet shows, live music, sensory play and interactive art experiences. Circus Fun Day, Bodmin, CornwallOn 15 August, from 11am until 3pm, Priory Park Playground will host a free circus-themed day packed with live performances from clowns, jugglers and acrobats, alongside family entertainment and free parking. Merchant Square Summer Splash, GlasgowOn July 25 and July 26 during its outdoor Merchant City Festival, Glasgow's Merchant Square will host free-to-attend Imaginate Family Days. Running from 11am until 5pm on each day, visitors can expect high-energy acrobatics, interactive street theatre, and a massive, fully inclusive ceilidh. Cardiff Harbour Family Fun Days, Cardiff Cardiff Bay regularly hosts free summer family events, with outdoor performances, children's activities, live entertainment and interactive workshops taking place across the waterfront.Enjoy free, sustainable children's craft workshops every Wednesday in August, bee finger puppet making on 13 August, nature rubbings on 20 August, and constructing butterfly feeders on 27 August. Belfast Mela, BelfastOne of Northern Ireland's biggest cultural celebrations, Belfast Mela, running from 22 to 30 August, returns with free family entertainment, music, dance performances, arts activities and food stalls showcasing cultures from around the world.While Mela Day and Mela at 20 are ticketed events, visitors can attend the Mela Carnival (Free): Saturday, 22 August 2026 at at 12.30pm, setting off at Writers Square and ending with a party across Cathedral Quarter.