Rachel Hazelwood
26th Jul 2024
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9
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Updated 26th July 2024
It’s the end of term and you’ll be starting to think about what to do with the kids over the summer holidays. It can be really hard to find fun activities and days out that don’t break the bank. Even a seemingly free trip to the beach can find you scrabbling around in your purse for loose change as they discover the joys of the Casadefinance Reader arcade – and let’s not forget the lure of the museum gift shop where the pull of another plastic toy or rainbow stripe pencil can be too much for them to resist.
Whatever your budget, a thrifty day out can keep the kids busy and entertained as well are creating precious memories, without the added worry of paying for it all. Here are some ideas of what you can do for free this summer:
Free days out: NORTH EAST
FREE*/ Age range – 0-12 / Open All Week
*Some activities incur a charge
From following free walking trails suited to all ages and abilities, to learning about salmon at the education centre or taking part in an osprey watch, Kielder Forest has lots of family-friendly activities.
FREE / Age range – ALL / Open every day all year round
With a paddling pool, a skate park and woodland to explore there is something here for all the family to enjoy.
FREE / Age range 3-8 / Open 19th August – 3rd September
Get your hands dirty with the free Build It Beautiful activity at Hullabaloo Park, a construction-themed play space for ages 3-8. The park also offers other activities, including neurodivergent friendly sensory sessions for ages 0-10, and a free play area the Imagination Playground.
Free Days Out: NORTH WEST
FREE / Age range – ALL / Open every day, all year round
Walk, bike or scooter as much as you like of this 33 mile sculpture trail, featuring over 70 pieces of artwork. Plan your route on the website, pack a picnic and enjoy some spectacular scenery.
FREE* / Age range – ALL / Open daily, 10am-5pm
*pre-booking entry is advised to avoid disappointment and remember some activities do cost extra
A brilliant interactive museum with something to interest all ages – from early years construction packs (free from reception) to talks and demonstrations.
FREE/ Age range – ALL / Open daily 10.30am – 4.30pm
This ‘high line’ garden attraction opened after months of work transforming the grade II listed viaduct in the heart of Manchester. Planted with trees and flowers it really is a special day out and well worth a visit. Booking isn’t necessary, and there are often guided tours.
Free Days Out: YORKSHIRE
FREE / Age range – 0-18 / Open at different times, check website
Leeds City Museum is free to attend – but even better, they run all kinds of free events for a range of ages throughout the summer, from Tiny Tigers crafting sessions to a community choir to board game design sessions and even augmented reality design workshops!
Check the website to discover what’s on.
FREE / Age range – ALL / Open every day, all year round
A family favourite there really is something for everyone at St Ives Park, including an adventure playground, a cycle route, a pond, nature reserve, café… it’s almost impossible to do and see it all in just one day!
FREE* / Age range – ALL / Open every day, 10am-5pm
*keep in mind parking in York can be pricey – Park and Ride may be best option. The museum car park has free accessible parking or £10 for the day and it closes at 6.30pm. Or, you can travel in on the train – the museum is next to the station!
Not just for train enthusiasts, this is a brilliant day out for everyone. There’s plenty of room to run around, interactive activities and a great outdoor playground. Bear in mind there are some major works happening around the museum and York station, so some parts might be closed.
Arrive early to do the museum (it takes around 2 hours) and then catch the free Road Train into York to find a cafe for lunch, picnic in the Museum Gardens, or wander the historical streets.
Free Days Out: WALES
FREE / Age range – ALL / Open every day, all year round
Geocaching is like orienteering combined with a treasure hunt. You have to find the coordinates of caches and record your visit when you get there.
Geocaching can be a fun activity for the whole family, with caches scattered across the UK. But why not take it a step further and explore the stunning surroundings of the Brecon Beacons, where you can find over 180 caches!
For those looking for a unique experience, you can follow the White Rabbit around Llandudno to spot over 50 statues and figures from the story. Alternatively, visit Margam Country Park in Port Talbot, which offers a range of free activities for families, including a castle, gardens, parkland, playground, and even alpacas to walk with!
In Scotland, you can visit the Kelpies, giant horse sculptures that are a sight to behold. In Glasgow, test your photography skills while searching for giant murals around the city center. The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is another great free attraction for families, with plenty to see and do.
In the South East, visit the Booth Museum in Brighton to see an incredible butterfly and beetle collection. Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats offers a unique day out with over 140 goats to meet. The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is another excellent option, with its own collection of Egyptian mummies.
In the South West, Heartlands in Cornwall offers plenty to see and do, including glassblowers in action and an interactive marble run. Roskilly’s is a working dairy farm with nature trails and live music events. The Museum of Somerset in Taunton is a great day out for the whole family, with themed galleries covering a wide range of historical eras.
In the Midlands, the Akamba Experience offers a taste of Africa with an exotic garden center, reptile house, and bird walk. Fans of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings can visit Sarehole Mill, which inspired Tolkien’s Middle Earth.
Self-Guided Tree Trail: Nature Adventure for Kids
This self-guided tree trail is a perfect outdoor activity for older children, allowing them to explore at their own pace and immerse themselves in the world of nature. It’s a great way to spark their interest in reading the Lord of the Rings!
FREE / Age range – ALL / Available all year round, starting at 8am on weekdays and 9am on weekends
The Tree Trail takes approximately an hour to complete, featuring some steeper sections as it guides visitors through the Arboretum. Along the way, you’ll discover the oldest and most fascinating trees in the area.
London: Free Days Out
FREE* / Age range – ALL / Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30am-4pm
*Donations are encouraged but not required
Meet Ben, Jerry, and Tom, the quirky alpacas at the farm! Explore the farm’s other animals, ecology area, herb and dye garden, and enjoy a relaxing picnic.
FREE / Age range – ALL / Available every other day at 10:30am
Don’t miss the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony in London. Arrive early, pack snacks and drinks, and make the most of this popular attraction with the kids.
FREE* / Age range – ALL / Open daily from 10am-5:50pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
*Entry tickets are free, but booking in advance is recommended to avoid queues
Explore the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, a must-visit for families in London. Discover fascinating exhibits like the dinosaur and volcano galleries.
More Ideas for Free Days Out
Consider these additional free or affordable activities for a fun day out:
- Head to the beach
- Visit a local park
- Embark on a nature trail to collect items for home sculptures (only gather fallen items)
- Attend reading time sessions or craft workshops at the library
- Check if your school offers holiday activities
- Encourage kids to declutter and sell items at a car boot sale for pocket money
sentence: “The students were excited about their upcoming field trip to the zoo.”
The students were eagerly anticipating their upcoming visit to the zoo for a field trip.