The cost of entertaining your kids during the school break can easily spiral out of control too.
But a fun day out needn’t cost the earth, with plenty of free attractions to visit across South Yorkshire.
Here are some of the best free days out in Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, from fascinating museums and galleries to scenic walks, farms and more.
All the attractions listed are free to enter, and if you take a picnic all you’ll need to cover is the cost of getting there.
These day trips are suitable for anyone, not just families, and you can visit them at any time of the year, though you should check they’re open on the day you’re planning to visit as not all of them are open throughout the week.
9. Visit a working mill in Worsbrough
The pretty village of Worsbrough, in Barnsley, is home to Worsbrough Mill, a 17th century working water mill. There's a museum, a play area, a shop, and a cafe serving freshly made meals using the flour milled on-site. It's set within Worsbrough Mill Country Park, a 240-acre nature reserve with willow sculptures and other public art to discover among the pretty meadowlands and wildflowers, and a 60-acre reservoir, which is popular with fishers and bird watchers. | Other Photo: Other
10. Jump in a pedalo at Millhouses Park
Millhouses Park is one of Sheffield's best-loved green spaces, with a pretty stream running through it and a popular cafe and pub, a skate park, a playground and water play area, and tennis courts. One of the most popular features is the lake where, during the warmer months, families can hop in a swan or dragon pedalo. | National World Photo: James Hardisty
11. Enjoy attractions new and old in Sheffield city centre
There's lots to do for free in Sheffield city centre, including the new Pound's Park, with water and sand play areas; a musical pocket park where you can play various instruments; the huge new Cambridge Street Collective food hall, which regularly hosts free events; the Peace Gardens, which during the summer holidays is home to Sheffield by the Seaside; the Millennium Gallery; Graves Gallery, with works by the likes of Cezanne, Turner, Bridget Riley, and Damien Hirst; and the Winter Garden. | National World Photo: National World
12. Feed the ducks at Forge Dam
Forge Dam is a pretty 49-acre park on the Porter Brook, in Sheffield, with great views, a popular cafe and a playground famous for its huge slide built into the hillside. | Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson