Cutting costs

Family life can get expensive, particularly over the summer period. That's why we’re bringing you some helpful tips on how to cut costs and enjoy quality time with your loved ones – without breaking the bank.

While children have the summer holidays off, we know many parents and carers do not. Childcare support is expanding to help more working parents to juggle work and life. Support with your childcare costs might be available for your family, and you can use your entitlements flexibly with a range of providers, including nurseries and childminders. More information is available on our childcare page.

Our Family Hubs host lots of free groups and sessions for you and your family, all the way from pregnancy to groups for teens and young people up to 25 years old with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Bring your little one to a Baby Bounce and Rhyme group, get active with a Mini Move and Groove session or check out our SEND groups for young people across the county.

Whether you're after some furniture, summer clothing, garden supplies or sports equipment, our 'Reuse360' shops have some high quality, pre-loved treasures for you! We're doing what we can to reduce the number of items going to be recycled or disposed of as waste, which helps us to reduce our impact on the planet.

You can donate items at the sites drop off point too., so if you're having a clear out this summer, come along! If your clear out means you have lots to recycle, find out where and how to do this on our recycle page.

A great way to save money in a busy family home is to reduce food waste – and by doing this, you're also helping the environment. From savvy shopping and storing your food to making the most of leftovers, get some tips and tricks here.

Days out with the family can be expensive, but you might not fancy staying at home. That's where some free local attractions can help! Children go free at The Lost Sword Hunt at Clitheroe Castle, open every day until 31 July. There's a competition for a goody bag of souvenirs, a Medieval style craft activity and a cosy reading corner.

Do you have a Lego enthusiast in your home? Come along to our Saturday Lego Clubs and make some wonderful creations as a family, for free. Search 'Saturday Lego Club' here.

Want to get your child reading in preparation for the new school year? Our Reading Heroes groups can help children aged 4-12 years old to become a Reading Superhero. You can join up at any Lancashire Library at no cost.

Would you like to soak up some local history with family and friends? Our Xplorer pass offers 12 months unlimited entry to for the pass holder and up to three adults aged 19 and over, at a one-off cost of £25 (children under 18 go free). Using the pass, you can visit 5 of our museums at your leisure.

Lancashire's also has a wide range of free to visit country parks, picnic sites, open spaces, community woodlands, greenways and cycleways. Find out what Countryside sites and Public Rights of Way are in your local area.

And don't forget to check out our bus fare promotions and offers to help you make family outings more memorable as you take in Lancashire's beautiful scenery.