One in eight (14%) families said they would struggle to buy even basic summer essentials such as sun-cream and sunhats for their children and only 16% said they can definitely provide their child with a similar summer experience to the one they had when they were younger.

The findings in Save the Children’s Big Summer Survey of 2000 parents also reveals 88% of parents think that the summer holidays puts both financial and emotional pressure on families with three in five (59%) saying the summer holiday is the most challenging of the year – ahead of the Christmas break (32%).

As children across England and Wales imminently break up for the six week break Save the Children is supporting children across the UK through its partners to give families access to free food, activities and support as well as providing a new online advice hub for parents.

The poll of 2,000 parents with at least one child aged 16 or under was carried out across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by Opinium. The pressures were particularly acute for parents with children age four to 13.

Dan Paskins, Save the Children's Executive Director for UK Impact, said: “No parent should be facing a summer of stress and worry, and no child should dread holidays. But sadly our survey has shown cost of living pressures are whittling down family budgets and aspirations, even for high earners. And for those on the very lowest incomes, it is clear there is no summer break from poverty.

“Save the Children is playing its part by providing cash grants, advice, support and holiday activities and food for kids. But there is a chance now with the incoming Prime Minister to keep children’s needs front and centre of any new plans for the UK and commit to further reducing shameful poverty levels.”

*Summer Holiday Emotions*

Parents had positive emotions about the holiday period, with excitement (44%) and joy (36%), but they also cited stress (40%), feeling overwhelmed (31%), anxiety (29%) and worry (25%). One in five parents (18%) described feeling guilty as they approach the holiday.

Parents who described themselves as financially worried are much more likely to associate the holidays with stress at 45%, compared to those who are not financially worried at 26%. They were more likely to feel overwhelmed (35%) compared to those not worried about their financial security (21%) and anxious (35% vs 14%). Conversely, it’s the parents who are not financially worried who are much more likely to feel excitement about the school break (55% vs 39%).

*Financial Pressures*

On average one in five parents (20%) worry about childcare and holidays club costs - a concern across all income brackets, and the same number also worry about struggling to feed the whole family over the break.

Save the Children’s 2026 survey findings suggest parents and carers will feel a similar pinch to last year in order to provide the basics for their families.

When asked how parents prepare for the summer holidays, they said that as well as reducing their own spending (36%), many save money throughout the year (29%) and over a quarter use their savings (28%) – that’s increased to a third of parents with a household income over £100,001 a year (33%). One in five (19%) borrow money or use credit ahead of the holidays.

*Missing out on childhood experiences*

The survey also found that a quarter of parents (26%) didn’t feel as though they were able to give their children the same or similar summers compared to what they experienced as a child.

When it came to what parent would struggle to afford the most this summer, holidays (47%) and family days out (42%) were top of the list.

15% of parents also worried that they would not be able to spend quality time together as a family. Parents are most worried that their children will spend too much time on screens (54%) or on their own (27%) during the break. Though 71% thought their children associate summer holidays with excitement.

Julie Wilson, Children's Community - Tameside in Greater Manchester, which runs activities for children in the holiday said: “For many families, summer isn't just about six weeks off school, it's six weeks of trying to make stretched budgets go further while making sure children don't miss out. We hear from parents who avoid trips to the park because they can't afford an ice cream or worry about saying 'no' to the small things that make childhood special.

"Through our Summer Together programme, we're creating more days, where children can play, families can connect and make memories together, and every child feels they belong, regardless of their family's circumstances.”

Mother-of-three Thea, who lives in London and works full time, said: “I dread summer. I work five days a week and I do struggle with the extra costs. Sunscreen, replacing outgrown shorts and sandals for three growing children is expensive. I have no budget left for an after-school club for my 11-year-old, and if I’m honest, he’s probably going to end up with more screen time than I am comfortable with.”

Mother-of-one, Rebecca, from Norfolk, said: “The summer holidays are always a struggle. The holiday programmes available are either booked way in advance or too far away or I’m unable to access by public transport. The cost of which is crippling. A trip to the beach 30mins away is £28 in travel alone. Everything is prohibitively expensive.”

Tariq Khan, Project Coordinator at Newport Support Network, a baby bank supported by the Baby Bank Alliance, said: “Summer can place extra pressure on families, especially when routines change, children are at home more, and household costs rise. Through referrals from health visitors, midwives, social workers, family support workers and community partners, we are seeing families needing practical baby essentials such as nappies, wipes, toiletries and hygiene items.

"For many parents, it is not one big crisis but lots of small costs building up at once. Baby banks help bridge that gap with dignity, making sure families can access the essentials they need without feeling judged.”

Save the Children has been working directly with families and communities across the UK, making sure children don't miss out on childhood because of poverty. Through our grants programme, we've delivered more than 10,500 grants reaching over 21,000 children, working alongside more than 120 trusted local partner organisations in 30 communities across the UK.

Save the Children is also a founding partner of the Baby Bank Alliance. The organisation works with and advocates for more than 250 baby banks in the UK that provide essential items like nappies, as well as signposting other key support services There are currently 400 baby banks around the country.

****

Save the Children’s new web resource for families with details of help and support can be found on the Save the Children website, search "School Holiday Support for Families".

This also includes the resource "Things to do with Kids for Free"

ENDS

Multimedia content, spokespeople, and case studies are available on request. For further details please contact Kate Proctor on k.proctor@savethechildren.org.uk or 020 7012 6841

Save the Children’s Big Summer Survey was conducted by Opinium between June 22nd - July 3rd 2026. 2,000 UK parents with at least one child under the age of 16 were polled. The full results can be found here (we can hyperlink to Opinium website)

The data was weighted to be representative of parents across the UK by the parents age, parents gender, working status and social grade.

About Save the Children:

Save the Children exists to create lasting change for and with children. In more than 100 countries including the UK, we make sure children stay safe, healthy and learning, and change the future for good. We find new ways to reach children, no matter where they’re growing up. For a century, we’ve stood up for children’s rights and made sure their voices are heard.

For more information visit www.savethechildren.org.uk

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