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.
21. Tesco cafe
Tesco cafes, including in Wellingborough and Corby, are offering a free kids meal (worth £4), with any purchase in the cafe, including a 65p piece of fruit. The offer is available until August 31. Photo: Adobe stock
22. TGI Fridays
The chain, which has a branch at Rushden Lakes, is offering kids eat free all day every day with a full priced adult meal. Parents need to be a member of the Stripes Rewards, which they can do by downloading the app before they visit. Photo: Google
23. Toby Carvery
The 'Home of the Roast', which has a branch in Northampton, will offer kids eat a carvery or breakfast for £1 every Monday to Friday until August 29. Parents will need to sign up to the carvery club to get the voucher. Photo: Google
24. Travelodge
The budget hotel chain, which has branches in Towcester, Wellingborough, Kettering and Northampton, is offering a £1 breakfast to all under 15s, as long as an adult is having an all you can eat breakfast. Up to two kids per adult. Photo: Google