Big family outings don’t come cheap – especially when they involve the holy trinity: cinema tickets, dinner out, and snacks that somehow cost more than the movie. But last Friday, we did all three for less than the usual price of just the film!
No catch. No coupons. Just a little trick we discovered that’s become our new best friend for family fun on a budget.
A Budget-Friendly Friday Night Out
We’d promised the kids a movie night after a long week – so off we went to our local cinema. Usually, that alone sets us back over £40. But thanks to a quiet little membership we’ve been using, we got cinema tickets deals across the board.
Even better? We grabbed dinner afterward at one of our usual family-friendly restaurants – complete with picky eaters, bottomless fries, and desserts “for the table”- and knocked 2-for-1 off the main meals with the restaurant deals we found!
Suddenly, the whole evening felt like a treat without the usual end-of-night guilt when the bill lands.
It’s become our go-to for family weekends, birthday treats, and spontaneous “don’t feel like cooking” moments.
Top Tips for a Cheap & Cheerful Family Night Out 💡
Want to try something similar? Here’s what’s been working for us:
✔️ Book ahead to check what restaurants near you offer the deals—we’ve found local gems as well as big-name favourites.
✔️ Pair an early movie showing with a late lunch—it’s usually quieter, cheaper, and avoids the dinner rush.
✔️ Combine offers—some restaurants also have “kids eat free” deals, and yes, you can often use both at the same time.
✔️ Bring your own snacks for the cinema if allowed (or sneak in a multipack of sweets—your secret’s safe with us!).
✔️ Keep it spontaneous—you don’t always have to plan a big outing. Sometimes a quick midweek meal deal and a family-friendly film is all it takes to lift everyone’s mood.
Our Total for the Night?
Here’s what we spent:
🎟️ 4 x cinema tickets (with discounts)
🍝 2 x adult mains (1 free with 2-for-1 offer)
👧 2 x kids’ meals
🍰 3 x desserts
🥤 2 x soft drinks + 2 “treat” slushies
🚗 Free parking nearby
Total: Just under £55.
That’s nearly half what we used to spend—and we didn’t have to skimp on anything.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy quality time out with the family. As we discovered, with a little planning and the right kind of membership, you can enjoy all the fun of a night at the cinema and a meal out – without the hefty price tag. It’s proof that making memories doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. Whether it’s a spontaneous dinner midweek or a weekend treat, there are plenty of ways to keep the costs down while still enjoying everything you love about going out together.
