For families, summer days out are a real pleasure — heading off somewhere new, having fun together, and coming home tired but happy. But between entry fees, refreshments and travel costs, it can add up quickly. Here are some genuinely useful ways to save money on family days out this summer.
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Here’s How to Score Some Cheap Days Out With Kids
Amusing the kids during the school holidays can get expensive fast — and depending on the size of your family, cost alone can put you off going out at all. These tips are here to help you get more days out for less this summer.
We also have lots of ideas for FREE things to do in Ireland — some of our favourite places that don’t cost a penny to visit and still offer plenty of family fun.
Check for Brand and Retailer Promotions
Big brands regularly run “days out” promotions where adults or kids get in free, or where loyalty points convert into vouchers for attractions, travel and cinema. Kellogg’s has run a popular “Grown Ups Go Free” style promotion in past years, and supermarket loyalty schemes like Tesco Clubcard let you boost points into vouchers for attractions, cinemas and restaurants.
These offers change regularly, so it’s always worth checking the brand’s current promotion page before you plan your trip — don’t assume last year’s terms or partner venues still apply.
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Sign Up for a Venue’s Emails
Sign up for emails from any venue or attraction you’d like to visit — they often send special offers to subscribers. It’s also worth following their social pages for discounts, off-peak deals or news about special days.
Check Online Before You Plan to Visit
Visiting the attraction’s website is always time well spent. You may be able to save by booking online, and many venues run special days with extra discounts or off-peak ticket pricing.
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Avail of Reward Schemes
Many companies run reward schemes that offer members discounted tickets for days out, restaurants or entertainment venues. Check your supermarket loyalty scheme, as well as your energy, phone and insurance providers, for reward programmes you might already be entitled to.
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Grab Our Free Checklist
Plan a whole range of family days out with our checklist of 99 fantastic places to visit around Ireland — a handy way to keep track of where you’ve been and where to go next.
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Keep an Eye Out for Online Offers
Deal sites and cashback platforms often carry family days out discounts, so it’s worth signing up to their emails and checking in before you book. Availability and partner venues change regularly, so always confirm current terms on the site itself before you buy.
Consider an Annual Membership
If there’s a place your family loves to visit again and again, look into an annual membership — it can work out cheaper than paying per visit if you go often enough.
If you’re in the UK, National Trust membership gives you access to hundreds of places to visit, plus free parking at their sites. English Heritage also offers a good annual membership option.
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Zoo Membership Can Let You Visit Other Zoos
Some zoo memberships include reciprocal access to other zoos and wildlife parks — for example, annual passes with Dublin Zoo or Chester Zoo have historically included entry to a number of partner zoos across Ireland and the UK. Reciprocal arrangements can change, so check the current membership terms directly with the zoo before you buy, especially if a partner visit is part of your decision to join. See our guide to animal parks in the UK for more ideas.
Larger Family Tickets Can Help You Save
If you’re going with friends, check whether a family ticket works out cheaper than buying individual tickets. Some venues offer family tickets covering 2 adults and up to 6 kids, which can bring the per-person cost down significantly.
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Kids Pass
If you live in or plan to visit the UK, check out Kids Pass, which offers discounts on entry tickets and kids-eat-free deals. Their app lets members search for savings near them.
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Check if Your Employer Has Employee Discounts
Check with your employer, HR department or staff intranet. Staff social clubs and employee benefit schemes often include discounted entry tickets to attractions near your workplace.
Other Ways to Save Money on Family Days Out
- Go to lower-cost places — we’ve put together a list of places recommended by parents for good value for a family of four.
- Choose free places to visit — in Ireland, we have wonderful attractions that are completely free, such as the National Museum of Ireland sites. See our list of free things to do in Ireland.
- Check OPW sites — some OPW-managed heritage sites offer free or reduced admission on certain days. Check the OPW website directly for current details before you travel, as these arrangements can change.
- Look into the best transport option — is it possible to pre-book parking at a cheaper rate? Does public transport offer a more direct or cheaper alternative?
- Take a picnic and drinks with you — it really helps keep the cost of the day down.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest way to start saving on family days out this summer?
Start with what’s already available to you — check your supermarket loyalty scheme, sign up for emails from venues you’d like to visit, and always check a venue’s own website before booking, as online prices and off-peak deals are often better than paying on the day.
Are annual memberships worth it for family days out?
If there’s a place you visit often, an annual membership can pay for itself after just a few visits, and many also include perks like free parking or reciprocal entry to partner attractions. Check current terms directly with the venue before committing.
How can I find free family days out near me?
Look for free museums, parks, nature trails and OPW heritage sites, and keep an eye on our regularly updated lists of free things to do in Ireland.
Related Articles You Might Enjoy
- 100 Free Fun Things to Do with Kids in Ireland
- 10 Kid-Approved Free Family Days Out in Ireland
- 40 Fun and Free Things to Do in Dublin with Kids
- 12 Stunning Scenic Drives and Family Road Trips in Ireland
- Animal Parks in the UK: A Wild Day Out
Save These Tips for Later
Planning family days out on a budget takes a little research, but it pays off. Bookmark this article or save it to your browser so you have these money-saving ideas handy whenever you’re planning your next outing.
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