A new study has revealed that 78% of parents in Yorkshire 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 across the county are becoming increasingly concerned with the sedentary lifestyle of their children, with 85% 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 – 78% of parents have been put off taking their children to live sport because of the cost of the ticket, while 57% 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 are 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; watch here.

Tess is promoting Great British Racing’s unique ‘Under 18s Race Free’ offering through 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. Yorkshire is home to nine racecourses that will be filling the summer holidays with ten fantastic family fixtures among 41 race meetings during the summer holidays.

Beverley and Thirsk both host themed family days with a PAW Patrol day on 30^th July and a Circus themed day on 25^th August at Beverley, and a James Herriot ‘All Creatures Great & Small’ family day on 9^th August at Thirsk. Catterick hosts two family days with a Forces Family Day on 6^th August for military families and a Carnival Day on 19^th August with fayre ground games. Pontefract, York and Ripon also host dedicated family race days with many free activities for children, including inflatables and face painting.

Charlotte Russell, General Manager of Go Racing Yorkshire said, “We are thrilled to be part of Great British Racing’s ‘U18s Race Free’ campaign and offer children the chance to be part of 41 live sporting events throughout the summer holidays. Yorkshire’s racecourses offer ten specific family days over the summer holiday period, providing a fantastic value for money, full day out. We are proud to be home to nine racecourses across the county, each one offering unique family fun for everyone, combined with competitive racing.”

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.

Please check individual racecourses for Terms and Conditions.  For more information visit under18sracefree.com