Parents will be forced to pay out an average of £100 extra every week during the summer holidays to keep their kids fed and entertained.
With parents expecting to pay out an extra £611 on average over the six-week break, on top of their usual expenses.
A study of 1,000 parents of children aged 5-14 revealed that, of those who spend on clubs and camps, this addition could push total outlay up by a further £385, the same for day trips pushing to £199 and for food and snacks to £401.
As 41 per cent are already starting to look for inexpensive ways to keep things fun for their children during July and August, such as searching for discount codes, ideas for cheap days out, or free sports sessions.
With 67 per cent admitting they feel pressured to keep their kiddies occupied for the extended break.
The research was commissioned by Utility Warehouse, to highlight its Cashback Card, which is designed to help customers save by paying out cashback on purchases that go against their utility bills each month.
Spokesperson Steve Long said, “The summer holidays can be costly, and while parents are focused on keeping their kids entertained.
"With a mix of day trips, summer camps and even an increase in cost for keeping the kids fed, these additions soon add up, but there are some great ways they can save money.
“Shopping around for bargains and using money saving devices like rewards and cashback cards can be a big help.”
Some of the top ways parents are trying to bring costs down include taking packed lunches on days out (42 per cent) or utilising cashback or reward deals on spends (35 per cent).
With 40 per cent saying it would be very useful to get cashback or rewards on shopping to help during the school holidays.
A third will cut back on treats for themselves to spend the money on youngsters instead, and 28 per cent are reliant on free local events according to the OnePoll.com data.
As over half (58 per cent) say they do feel pressured to constantly spend money on their children during the summer break.
They estimate they’ll go on six day trips during this period, with 38 per cent also going on an international trip, and 60 per cent a staycation.
Steve Long, at Utility Warehouse, added, “It's no surprise that many families are looking to cashback to take the edge off summer spending.
“It can give customers an easy way to supercharge their savings on spending they're already doing.
"With it coming directly off that month's utility bills, we want to help to ease the burden in real time at one of the most expensive times of the year.”
THE AVERAGE COST OF THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN THE UK:
CHILDCARE: £472
HOLIDAY CLUBS OR CAMPS: £385
GROCERIES AND SNACKS: £401
DAY TRIPS: £199
UTILITY BILLS: £348
TOTAL: £1,805; £611 of which is EXTRA costs
