Parents would rather stay at home during the holidays

The biggest annoyances of summer day trips, such as greedy seagulls, sandy sandwiches and wasps buzzing around picnics, have been revealed in a poll of 1,000 parents with school-age children.

Other irritations include being stuck in traffic during hot weather, carrying heavy cool-boxes and enduring long queues. As a result, 32% would prefer to spend more time at home during the holidays for proper relaxation.

Despite 47% feeling pressure from social media to plan action-packed trips, an impressive 79% see time at home as an excellent opportunity to reconnect with their kids after a busy year of schooling.

A spokesperson for DFS, which commissioned the research, said: “Getting out and about can be exciting, but there is nothing wrong with staying home – in fact, going all out indoors can be just as fun and is sometimes necessary with the great British weather.

“Day trips with the kids can be a great way to relax and explore, but they often come with certain frustrations which is something we’ve seen through the research. Staying at home can also come with a sense of guilt for parents, but it shouldn’t.

“Despite there being mounting pressures from the likes of social media and other fellow mums and dads, activities at home and a bit of time spent on the sofa might be just what you and your children need.”

The study also revealed that 45% claim some of their favourite days are spent with their kids in the comfort of their own home. It assists 33% in maintaining a stress-free day, while 14% enjoy organising play dates for their children’s friends.

Additionally, 24% appreciate the opportunity to relax on the sofa for a bit. Interestingly, 42% believe their kids prefer staying at home during school holidays due to the lack of a set schedule.

Another 42% think that having access to personal items like tablets and gaming consoles is a major draw, while 35% relish the chance for a morning lie-in. Nearly one in five (18%) are most likely to find their child unwinding in their bedroom, but 17% would typically discover them playing in the garden.

Parents have observed benefits from their children spending time at home during the summer, including stronger family bonds (41%), and generally being happier and more relaxed (48%).

According to data from OnePoll.com, 76% believe that spending time at home with their child during the six-week break helps foster their creativity and imagination.

The average parent will devote three hours to planning or overseeing activities – with baking, watching TV, and engaging in board games or puzzles cited as their child’s favourite pastimes. However, 58% believe it’s crucial that the summer activities they participate in are educational.

Despite a quarter of working parents engaging their children in organised activities multiple times a week, nearly half still find juggling work and keeping the kids entertained challenging.

DFS’s summer sofa selfie contest launch week has prompted a company spokesperson to say: “The summer holidays can feel like a lifetime for some parents – especially if you need to juggle work as well.”

“While there are lots of great activities children can take part in, staying at home offers numerous benefits, from cost savings and comfort to personal growth and quality family time. It provides a chance to relax, pursue personal interests, and enjoy the local community, all while avoiding the stress and expenses associated with travel.”

“To be in with a chance of winning your dream sofa, simply share a picture of your summer sofa moment tagging @dfs and #DFSSummer on Instagram.”