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.
9. Flaming Grill pubs
The pub chain, which includes Lumbertubs and Whitehills in Northampton, is offering one free kids meal with a paying adult. The offer is valid Monday to Friday until September 5. Photo: Google
10. Frankie & Bennys
The Riverside eatery is offering one free kids meal per one paying adult meal. The offer will run everyday until August 31. Photo: Google
11. Harvester
The chain restaurant, which has branches at Grange Park and Riverside, is running a kids eat for £1 offer, with a paying adult. Parents will need to sign up to the Harvester app to redeem the offer. The offer is in place until August 29. Photo: Google
12. Hungry Horse pubs
The chain has six pubs in the county including Needle & Awl in Rushden, Ock & Dough in Wellingborough, The Warren in Kettering, The Queen Eleanor and Sixfields in Northampton and Chequered Flag in Corby. The pubs is running a kids eat for £1 with a paying adult until September 5. Children can also upgrade to a larger meal for 50p extra. Photo: Google