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.
5. Bills
At the chain restaurant in Rushden Lakes, two kids can eat free per one paying adult Monday to Friday. The offer is on until Friday September 29, but does not include weekends. Photo: Northamptonshire Telegraph
6. Brewers Fayre
Telford Lodge in Kettering is offering a free kids' meal with every paying adult meal until September 1. Parents will need to sign up to the newsletter by August 31 to redeem the voucher. Photo: Google
7. Burger King
The fast food giant, which has two branches in Northampton town centre, one in Weston Favell and one in Corby, is offering a free kids meal with a purchasing adult. The offer is in place until August 31. Photo: Savvapanf Photo © - stock.adobe.com
8. Farmhouse Inn
The pub chain, which runs Poppyfield Farm in Sixfields, is running a Monday to Friday deal where children get a free main and ice cream, with a paying adult. The offer will run until September 5. Photo: Google