Cheaper theme park tickets and kids’ meals confirmed as VAT cut for summer holidays

Families can save on theme parks, cinemas and kids’ meals as Chancellor drops VAT on attractions to 5% this summer.

Published: May 21, 2026 at 1:14 PM

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With the summer holidays edging closer, many families are already juggling childcare plans and the rising cost of days out. Now, a temporary VAT cut promises to make everything from theme park trips to children’s meals a little more affordable.

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The government has confirmed that VAT on a range of family-friendly attractions and activities will drop from 20% to 5% over the school summer break, meaning cheaper tickets and meals at some of the UK’s most popular spots.

Here is what parents need to know.

When will the VAT cut apply?

The temporary VAT reduction will run from when schools in Scotland break up at the end of June until children return to classrooms in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 1 September.

That means families across the UK should be able to take advantage of lower prices throughout the bulk of the summer holidays.

What attractions and activities are included?

The 5% VAT rate will apply to children’s tickets at a wide range of attractions and venues. These include:

In practical terms, this could mean lower entry prices for family days out, as well as savings on those inevitable ice creams, lunches and quick pit stops between activities.

For parents planning bigger summer treats, such as a theme park visit or a theatre trip, the savings could add up, especially for larger families.

Feeling inspired? Check out our guides on the best deals and how to get cheap tickets to some of our favourite attractions:

Why is VAT being cut?

The VAT reduction forms part of a wider “Great British Summer Savings” campaign aimed at helping families manage everyday costs during the school holidays.

Announcing the changes, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the scheme is designed to ease some of the pressure on household budgets while supporting businesses during the busy summer period.

Whether it is a fun day out, a family meal or taking advantage of the thousands of amazing attractions across the UK, Great British Summer Savings will support families with the little treats in life while boosting business across the UK

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor

Alongside the VAT cut, the government also announced free bus journeys for children in August and reductions to import taxes on some basic foods.

How much could families save?

While exact savings will depend on how individual businesses apply the VAT reduction, a drop from 20% to 5% could make a noticeable difference.

For example:

It is worth noting that prices are set by individual venues, so the full saving may vary. Parents may want to check attraction websites in advance to see updated summer pricing.

What this means for summer planning

For many mums and dads, the long stretch of summer can feel financially daunting. Between entertaining the kids, organising meet-ups and factoring in holidays or staycations, costs quickly mount up.

Cheaper entry to soft play, adventure centres and local attractions could make it easier to say yes to spontaneous days out. For families staying in the UK this year, the VAT cut may also encourage visits to nearby museums, zoos and cultural events that might otherwise have felt like a stretch.

If you are mapping out your summer calendar now, it could be worth:

The bottom line for parents

The school holidays are meant to be full of memory-making moments, but the cost can often overshadow the fun. A temporary VAT cut on children’s tickets and meals will not solve every budget worry, but it could help make family days out more accessible.

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As always, it pays to plan ahead and check the small print. But if you have been holding off on booking that theme park trip or cinema outing, this summer may offer a timely opportunity to do it for a little less.

Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.

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