As the school summer holidays approach, we have some great ways for families to save in and around Brighton and Sussex.
At this time of year, children are looking forward to a nice long break from school during the summer holidays, but for parents, it can sometimes feel like a long six weeks, especially if they are juggling budgets and childcare costs.
School breaks can be expensive, with free school meals not always offered and childcare extortionate, but there are some deals in the local area that might be useful if you’re looking to save cash while still treating your kids to a meal out.
We’ve put together a list of local restaurants and cafes where kids can eat for free or for just £1 over the summer holidays. In addition we’ve added some extra links at the end for free or low cost childcare and travel, which will all hopefully help during the current cost of living issues.
However, it’s worth saying that with some of these offers you have to buy a full adult’s meal in order to access the free kids meals. But with others, like Asda, you don’t have to buy anything else to claim the offer.
So be sure to check the terms and conditions with all the places mentioned before you visit, just to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Local offers
All of these offers are available in branches in and around Sussex:
Between 23 July and 24 August, Monday to Thursday, you can get one free kids (aged 1-10) meal with every adult meal ordered at the Fiveways branch of this great local café.
Up to two kids can eat free all day from 21 July to 29 August (excluding Saturday and Sunday), when one adult orders any main dish (breakfast, lunch or dinner).
During the local school holiday dates, kids eat free all day in our restaurants when dining with a full-paying adult (minimum £10 spend).
Kids Eat Free all day every Thursday and for £1 until 6pm, Sunday to Wednesday at this great Italian staple.
Kids can eat for £1 at Asda cafes, and there’s no need to purchase an adult meal or meet a minimum spend. This offer is available all year round and children also receive a complimentary piece of fruit.
Children 12 and under receive a free kids pizza for every full-priced adult main meal you buy. This offer is available Monday to Thursday when you dine-in, and applies to individual kids pizzas rather than the extended children’s menu.
From 18 July to 31 August 2025, up to two kids eat free with every adult meal ordered. Just download the ASK Perks rewards app to get your code.
From 18 July to 7 September, little foodies can tuck into two delicious courses on us – with every adult main. Plus, it also covers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Other support
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)
Funded by the Department for Education, the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free activities during the longer school holidays. It is for those who are school aged in Reception to year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals.
You can use the links below to access information on the options for different areas of Sussex:
Up to four children under the age of 19, accompanied by an adult or concessionary pass holder, can travel free for journeys wholly within the Brighton & Hove City Council area (excluding night services) or for 50p each within the wider East Sussex area (excluding night services).
Other ways to save.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on listing websites like Visit Brighton, Family Grapevine and ABC Magazine to see what other offers and activities are taking place in and around the county.
We hope this goes some way to helping you budget throughout the summer holidays. And here’s hoping for some nice weather for lots of opportunities for playing outside or at the beach!
