The Max Card

Families are increasingly being priced out of day trips with the cost of some activities more than doubling over the last ten years. Trips to theme parks, leisure centres and cinemas have been hit by inflation busting price hikes of more than 50 per cent since 2004, according to research.  

However there is some good news in the form of the Max Card discount scheme as parents begin planning for the half-term holiday at the end of this month.  The national discount scheme is centred around making days out more affordable for foster families and families of children with special educational needs and disabilities aged 0-19 years.

Adventure centres and day-trip venues tend to be quite expensive, especially when you take into account the entry fee, additional charges for attractions and rides, the cost of a family photograph and, of course, the added cost of food, drinks and snacks.

Cardholders are able to access over 1000 attractions nationwide at a free or discounted rate. Current supporting partners include Legoland, Virgin Experience Days and Go Ape!

Nearly half the local authorities currently issue free Max Cards to eligible children and young people in their areas, with 55,000 families across England now benefiting.  

Local authorities administering the Max Card include Torbay, North Yorkshire, Buckinghamshire, Gateshead, Barking and Dagenham, Reading and Oxfordshire.

Natasha Lee-Johnson, Project Manager of Max Card said: "Factors such as melt downs and lack of finances can really deter families from enjoying days out together; we're here to remedy this as best we can and encourage families to visit new exciting attractions at a fraction of the ordinary cost.

“It's very humbling to see the readiness of attractions all over the UK pull together to make life a little bit easier for our youngsters and their parent carers."

To find out if you're eligible, please contact Max Card outlining your circumstances and which local authority area you fall under. The organisation will get back to you to advise if they operate in your area, and point you in the right direction for obtaining a Max Card.

You can also find out more information by visiting the Max Card website at mymaxcard.co.uk