While kids are counting down the days until the summer holidays, parents are busy figuring out how to keep six weeks feeling fun – and affordable. From last-minute day trips to funding a steady supply of pocket money, the school holidays can quickly add up.
That’s why summer camps and activity clubs are becoming a go-to for families across the UK. So, what are parents actually spending, and how are they making it work? We surveyed 2,000 UK parents to find out:
How much families spend on summer camps and clubs
Which activities cost the most
How parents are budgeting for the summer holidays
The biggest reasons parents choose camps and clubs
The cost of summer camps and clubs
From living in yurts and acting out medieval quests, to more traditional activities like sports and music, there’s no shortage of summer camps and clubs for kids across the UK. With so many options available, two-thirds (65%) of parents surveyed said they use them over the school holidays.
But the costs can quickly stack up. On average, parents spend £349 per child over the summer, while almost a quarter (24%) spend £500 or more.
Summer camps are most popular in Northern Ireland
According to our research, parents in Northern Ireland are the biggest fans of summer camps and clubs, with 86% saying they enrol their kids during the school holidays. London follows at 75%, ahead of the North West (72%) and Scotland (69%).
What kinds of summer camps do kids actually want?
When it comes to choosing the right summer camp or club, every family is different. But a few clear favourites stood out in our research. Here are the activities kids enjoy the most:
Adventure or outdoor camps (44%) ⛺
Sports camps (41%) ⚽
Multi-activity camps (38%) 🪁
Art and creative activities (35%) 🎨
Music and performing arts (26%) 🎭
Educational or academic camps (18%) 📚
STEM or coding camps (15%) 💻
Language or cultural camps (11%) 🌍
Although it can be expensive, the majority of parents agree the experiences are worth it
More than two-thirds of parents (67%) say they feel pressure to spend money to keep their children entertained during the school holidays. And with almost three-quarters (74%) noticing the cost of summer activities rising in recent years, many families are feeling the strain.
But the majority still see it as money well spent – in fact, 59% believe the experiences and memories are worth the extra cost.
A third of parents want to reduce their children’s screen time
Cutting down on screen time is another big reason parents turn to summer camps and clubs, with a third (33%) saying it’s one of the main motivations. For 15%, finding a screen-free camp is their top priority.
Half of parents say summer camps are for socialising
While 45% of parents say they use summer camps and clubs simply to keep their kids busy during the holidays, many are hoping for something more than just a way to fill the time. Half of parents (50%) say they want to give their children a chance to socialise with other kids. Meanwhile, 45% want their children to learn new skills, and 42% hope the experience will help build their confidence.
Helping kids learn money skills over the summer
Summer camps and activity clubs can be a great way for kids to build confidence, try new things and make new friends. And for many families, the school holidays are also an opportunity to introduce children to the basics of managing money on a day-to-day basis.
Monzo for Under 16s is a free account designed to help kids build healthy money habits, while giving parents visibility and control along the way.
Kids get their own bright Monzo card to use in shops and online
They can pay for daily travel and take their card on school trips. They can even pay abroad with no fees.
They can use our Under 16s savings accounts to save towards goals like days out or a new bike. Our optional in-app saving sidekick will even celebrate and react to your child’s progress.
Instant spending notifications help parents keep track of what’s being spent
Parents can set spending controls and turn cash withdrawals and online payments on or off
Ages 6-15 • UK residents • Parent/Guardian account needed • Interest paid monthly • £10,000 maximum in savings per child • Ts&Cs apply.
Research methodology
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 Parents (aged 18+). The data was collected between 30.03.2026 - 08.04.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.