“I’m Bored!”: 52% of Chicago Kids Complain Within a Week of Summer Break
New Groupon study reveals nearly 56% of parents are cutting back due to financial stress
Chicago, June 3, 2025
Chicago, June 03, 2025 – School Bells may be ringing for the last time this year, but for many Chicago families, summer is already testing their limits. New research* from Groupon reveals that more than half (52%) of kids say “I’m bored” within the first week of break, while nearly 56% of parents have cut back on outings due to economic concerns.
Caught between rising costs and restless kids, parents are being asked to do more with less - and over half (53%) worry their child won’t have a “good enough” summer.
Budget Stress Meets Burnout
The data reveals the dual strain families are facing this season:
- Parents expect to spend an extra $229 per child per week over the summer.
- 65% say they need to save up in advance just to afford those costs.
- 48% say summer spending impacts their ability to work.
- About 18% feel guilt about not doing “enough.”
To help families reclaim summer without blowing the budget, Groupon is launching Big Days Out, a campaign running from June 2–13 that features deeply discounted access to top local experiences. From arcade games to boat rides and water parks, the campaign makes it easier for parents to say “yes” - without worrying about the cost.
“Big Days Out is about reclaiming summer without breaking the bank,” said Dusan Senkypl, CEO of Groupon. “You don’t need a big budget to make big memories. We’ve always believed in making everyday life more fun for less. This campaign helps families focus on what truly matters: spending time together.”
Deals That Do Good
Groupon will donate $1 for every Big Days Out deal sold to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, up to a total of $10,000. This contribution comes directly from Groupon - not from the small businesses featured in the campaign.
Families can also download a free 6-Week Summer Survival Guide, packed with weekly ideas, planning tips, and creative ways to keep kids entertained - even on a budget.
Visit https://www.groupon.com/landing/big-days-out-chicago to explore deals, get inspired, and save your summer.
About Groupon
Groupon (www.groupon.com) (NASDAQ: GRPN) is a trusted local marketplace where consumers go to buy services and experiences that make life more interesting and deliver boundless value. To find out more about Groupon, please visit press.groupon.com.
Media Relations Contact
press@groupon.com
*This online survey of 1000 US Parents in Chicago was commissioned by Groupon and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between April 30, 2025 and May 8, 2025. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll is an MRS Company Partner, a corporate member of ESOMAR, and a member of the British Polling Council.
