Free kids’ meals and cheaper family days out available across Northern Ireland this summer

Families looking to keep the cost of the school holidays down can now search for free children’s meals, discounted attractions and cheaper activities close to home.

Offers already available in Northern Ireland include kids eating free at YO! Belfast, reduced admission and children’s meals at The Ark Open Farm, and discounts on food and trampoline sessions at Airtastic.

A new postcode-search website brings the participating deals together, allowing parents to see what is available within a distance they choose.

Thousands of summer offers now listed

More than 1,700 offers from restaurants, cinemas, theatres and visitor attractions across the UK can currently be found through the Summer Savings website.

The scheme follows a temporary reduction in VAT from 20% to 5% on eligible children’s meals, family entertainment tickets and admission to participating attractions.

The reduced rate began on 25 June and will remain in place until 1 September 2026.

Businesses decide whether to take part and what discount to offer, meaning savings will vary between venues.

Northern Ireland deals families can find

Nando’s at The Junction in Antrim is offering 12.5% off its Nandino children’s menu.

Airtastic venues in Belfast, Lisburn and Bangor are advertising 12.5% off children’s meals and trampoline admission.

YO! Belfast is offering children’s meals free, while The Ark Open Farm near Newtownards has reduced the price of admission tickets and kids’ meals.

Airtastic in Newtownabbey and Armagh Planetarium are also among the Northern Ireland businesses and attractions highlighted as taking part.

Families should check the terms attached to each offer before booking, as availability and conditions may differ.

How to find offers near home

Parents can visit summersavings.gov.uk and enter their postcode to begin searching.

They can then adjust the distance they are prepared to travel and narrow the results by the type of food offer or attraction they want.

Participating restaurants and attractions are displayed in a list and on a map, together with details of the discounts being offered.

Once families find an offer that suits them, they can book a table or buy tickets in the usual way, with the advertised discount applied by the business.

What is included in the scheme?

Eligible food offers include children’s menu meals served and eaten inside participating restaurants.

Family and children’s tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions may also qualify.

Discounted admission can also be offered at participating amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions.

The scheme does not mean every eligible business must reduce its prices, and not every venue will take part.

The UK Government said it is continuing to encourage more businesses to sign up throughout the summer.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

“Thanks to our tax cuts, families will be able to enjoy more of the little treats and days out that make the British summer holidays so special.

“Our new website will make it easier for them to take advantage of Great British Summer Savings and help afford the moments that matter.”

The Summer Savings scheme will run until 1 September, giving families several weeks to search for cheaper meals and activities during the school holidays.

Families can search for participating venues at summersavings.gov.uk.