Exact date kids can get buses for free across England during the summer holidays

KIDS will be able to travel on buses for free in just a few weeks, giving families a much needed boost during the summer holidays. Come August 1, under-16s will be able to hop on their local bus for free. Kids can travel on the bus for free this summer Credit: Getty It forms part of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, which is also offering families discounts on food and days out. With child fares typically costing between £1 and £2, families will be able to save on the cost of travel on all participating buses. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! In London, children aged 16 and under can travel on the bus for free and discounted rates all year round. But prices vary from region to region outside of the capital. The government said the free fare will only apply on participating buses, so it may be worth enquiring with your local council ahead of planning a trip to avoid being charged. The scheme will end on August 31, giving families one month to make the most of the free travel. And it is not only bus fares which have been slashed as part of the government initiative. Peppa Pig World, Alton Towers and Legoland are among the well-known attractions taking part and have slashed VAT on visits to help families. Most read in Money Merlin Entertainments, which owns 20 venues including Alton Towers and Legoland, has also updated ticket prices to show “summer VAT savings applied”. Advance tickets for both parks now start at £29.75, down from £34. McDonald’s and Wetherspoons have also slashed the price of kids meals at their sites. There is no legal requirement for businesses to take part in the scheme, which runs across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland until September 1. With schools set to break up soon, many parents will be looking for ways to save on keeping their kids entertained. If that sounds like you, check out this list of 32 restaurants, supermarkets and pubs where your little one can eat for free. What attractions and restuarants are taking part? LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Thorpe Park Chessington World of Adventures Resort Alton Towers Resort Peppa Pig World Everyman Cinemas Cineworld Odeon Cinemas Vue Cinemas Pizza Express Wagamama Harvester Nando’s Beefeater Brewers Fayre Hungry Horse Toby Carvery McDonald’s Comment now