Britain’s Boiling Point
Over Half of Families in the UK Cancel Summer Plans as Unpredictable Weather, Boredom, and Budgets Push Parents to the Edge
As we swing from storm warnings to scorchers, 67% of parents admit plans are regularly ruined by the UK’s unpredictable weather
Wednesday 6th August 2025: Tenpin has unveiled its UK’s Summer Weather Mood Index, revealing how much Britain’s unpredictable weather shapes our mood, plans, and bank balances during the summer holidays.
According to Tenpin’s ‘state of the nation’ research, 24.7°C is our collective boiling point – the temperature when outdoor fun in the UK flips from family joy to uncomfortably ‘unfun’.
Over a third of children (38%) prefer to stay indoors on hot, humid, or rainy summer days, with a similar number (35%) beginning to complain about the weather after just a few hours. This growing restlessness is prompting nearly 40% of parents to scramble for last-minute indoor activities to keep the family entertained.
All this contributes to what many are calling “Summer’s Vicious Cycle” with 71% complaining its either “too hot” to go out or “too boring to stay in”.
Summer Meltdowns
Being ‘too hot' has officially been named the number one cause of summer holiday mood-killers for UK kids (47%) with almost a third (28%) of parents citing sunburn and heat exhaustion as their biggest worry when planning outdoor activities, with bugs (19%) and hay fever also high on the list.
Rain, Boredom, and Budget Blowouts
But the heat isn’t the only summer holiday gripe. Tenpin’s research reveals the triple threat that can derail the UK summer:
- Boredom Busting: The second half of summer marks the point when many parents officially reach the 'end of their tether,' with almost a third (29%) citing the beginning of August as the most stressful time of the holidays.
- Budget Blues: Nearly half (42%) of parents say keeping to a holiday budget is ‘very or extremely challenging,’ with half of Scottish families admitting it’s a constant struggle or it’s exhausting (50%).
- Rain Roulette: Parents are willing to throw in the towel on outdoor summer plans with just a 58% chance of rain – hardy Scots are more likely to brave it needing a 61% chance forecast, but families in the East of England admit to packing it in at 53%.
Queue-xiety
With the British weather a national obsession, most (58%) of Brits constantly check or hope for the best when checking the forecast. But let’s face it, it doesn’t always live up to expectations. The same can be said for some of the most hyped and ‘popular’ summer destinations like theme parks and seaside attractions, with queues and overcrowding also adding to the summer stress. Over half (55%) of parents are completely put off venturing out or admitting they would choose less crowded options altogether, due to the traffic and long waits we’ve all experienced.
The Bank Holiday Gamble
The August Bank Holiday – seen by many as the “last big push for summer fun” – is also Britain’s most stressful summer weekend. Two-thirds of families (67%) admit their plans are a weather gamble or “often ruined.”
And while 39% see it as the final chance for summer memories, only 17% say it’s the highlight of their holidays, making it Britain’s most underrated long weekend.
Indoor Activities to the Rescue
With skies turning on a dime, kids getting restless, and budgets stretched to breaking point, families are looking indoors for guaranteed fun.
Graham Blackwell, Tenpin CEO said: “Every summer, British parents face a perfect storm – unpredictable weather, bored kids, and budgets under strain. Tenpin’s Summer Weather Mood Index is a fun way to acknowledge this very real struggle while offering families a guaranteed escape from the elements.
“At Tenpin, the fun never stops, regardless of what's happening outside. We understand families are desperate for stress-free ways to make the most of the summer holidays, whatever the skies throw at them.”
Looking to trade summer stress for guaranteed family fun? Tenpin is the summer hotspot with unmissable deals for the whole family, including £5.99 for one game of bowling and a Junior Burger Meal throughout the school holidays. Adults can also get in on the action with one game of bowling and an adult burger meal from £8.49*. Families can also enjoy a range of activities suitable for all ages including, laser tag, karaoke and escape rooms and the wide offering of food and drink available at every Tenpin site.
----- ENDS -----
NOTES TO EDITORS
The survey was conducted with a sample of N=2,000 UK parents/carers (with children under 18 in their households) via Focal data, member of the British Polling Council (BPS) and Market Research Society (MRS), between 24th-25th July 2025
*For T&Cs please visit the Tenpin website: Tenpin Summer Deal | Bowling & Small Burger Meal for £5.99!
For more information please contact: [email protected]
ABOUT
Tenpin Ltd is a leading operator of competitive socialising venues across the UK. Founded in 2003, the company has expanded into a portfolio of 57 entertainment centres. Tenpin Ltd brings friends and families together in the ultimate social entertainment destination. They offer fun bowling vibes with a twist, day, or night. With over 1,200 bowling lanes nationwide.
Want some more information? Visit https://www.tenpin.co.uk
Facebook: @tenpinuk
Instagram: @tenpin_uk
TikTok: @tenpinuk