But, thankfully, some chain restaurants and cafes are offering free kids meals, or discounted prices, across the six week holidays, to lend that much-appreciated helping hand to parents.
From supermarket cafes, to pubs and chain restaurants, there is something for everyone on offer, including two dozen options across Northamptonshire.
Below are 24 eateries in Northamptonshire where kids eat free, or for a discounted price, during the summer holidays.
1. Kids eat free or for a £1 in Northamptonshire
Some of the places where kids eat cheap during the summer holidays... Photo: Various
2. Asda
Kids eat for a £1 in Asda cafes, including in Rushden, Kettering, Corby and Kingsthorpe. The offer includes hot meals and kids will also receive a free piece of fruit. Photo: Google
3. Beefeater pubs
Beefeater pubs, including the Turnpike in Harpole and Oakley Hay in Great Oakley, Corby are offering a free kids meal with every adult meal until September 1. Parents will need to sign up to the newsletter by August 31 to receive a voucher to redeem the free meal. Photo: Google
4. Bella Italia
The chain restaurant, which has a branch in Sixfields, is offering one free kids meal, per paid for adult meal. The offer will run everyday until August 28. Photo: Google