More than 80% of Welsh parents say cost prevents children from participating in outdoor activities

Parents want children to spend more time outdoors during the summer holidays and call for more cost-effective options

Tess Daly is an ambassador for Great British Racing’s Under 18s Race Free campaign

A new study has revealed that 87% of parents in Wales believe there aren’t enough low-cost activities available for children during the summer holidays, leading to more children spending fewer hours outside.

In research commissioned by Great British Racing for its ‘Under 18s Race Free’ campaign, it was found that parents in the country are becoming increasingly concerned with the sedentary lifestyle of their children, with 88% of parents wanting their children to spend more time outdoors during the school holidays.

The majority of outdoor activities on offer, however, are considered to be too expensive, with live sporting events highlighted as being particularly pricey: 82% of parents have been put off taking their children to live sport because of the cost of the ticket, while almost 62% of parents surveyed do not take their children to live sport at all.

Great British Racing ambassador, and parent of two, Tess Daly commented, “As a parent, the school holidays provide the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your children, yet finding activities that are stimulating, healthy and affordable can be a challenge. As a child my parents went out of their way to take me to live sport and I do the same for my kids now – there’s nothing better than a day at the races. As well as the thrill of the racing, the kids are able to run around in the fresh air and there’s plenty of activities for them too, from having their faces painted to meeting race horses.”

Tess recently visited a racehorse training yard to see the preparation that goes into getting horses ready for the races.

Tess is promoting Great British Racing’s unique ‘Under 18s Race Free’ offering though which accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge to the vast majority of fixtures at Britain’s 60 racecourses throughout the year, when accompanied by an adult*. There are three racecourses across Wales including Bangor-on-Dee which hosts its Family Evening on 19^th August, while Ffos Las and Chepstow will host three and six race events respectively, culminating in 13 race days in total taking place in Wales over the summer.

Toby Shaw, Director of Communications and Marketing at Great British Racing said: “With 13 race meetings in Wales during the summer holidays we hope that parents will bring their families for a fabulous day out at the races. Great British Racing’s ‘Under 18 Race Free’ offering provides many fantastic opportunities for parents to take their children to live sport during the holidays. There is so much to see and do on and off the track and it is a great way to experience the unbeatable atmosphere that live sport has to offer. ”

As well as unmissable action on the track, racecourses provide a range of free experiences for under 18s including pony rides, the chance to meet a racehorse and fairground attractions, making it a great and affordable day out for all the family. Kids will also be able to set their imaginations racing with the opportunity to go behind the scenes at several racecourses around the UK, stepping into the shoes of those that make every race meeting possible.

Find your local family race day here – under18sracefree.com.

Credit Great British Racing