Twiddling your fingers over the school holidays with restless kids? Look no further! Whether it's exploring the great outdoors, discovering local history, or getting creative with arts and crafts, we've rounded up the best free days out, activities, workshops and trails to explore with your children over the holidays.
From bird-spotting at coastal nature reserves to hands-on tennis coaching, there's something to keep every little explorer busy while school's out – without spending a penny.
Best free days out with kids
Get green fingered with Dobbies free kids gardening workshops
For green-fingered kids, Dobbies Garden Centre runs free workshops for 4 to 10-year-olds on the first Sunday of every month at its stores across the UK. Little Seedlings workshops get children planting and learning about nature and wildlife, and they’ll be given a welcome pack of stickers and a folder to store their activities each month.
If they’re a regular attendee, they’ll get a certificate after their third, sixth and twelfth workshops. Plus, most Dobbies stores also run a “kids eat free” deal, with a free kids’ lunch offered with an adult’s main meal. Your kids will be growing their own vegetables before you know it.
Carve out some time to meet the Gruffalo
All was quiet in the deep dark wood… except for the Gruffalo! In Keswick’s Whinlatter Forest, all the trails are free to access and you can find carved structures of all the characters from Julia Donaldson’s much-loved The Gruffalo. You just have to pay for car parking, but access to this Forestry England site is free.
There are 15 Gruffalo trails around the UK, so there might be one near you. Find out where the Gruffalo trails with Forestry England are here.
Visit a new city and do a free walking tour
Lots of companies offer a variety of free walking tours in cities around the UK, and you’ll just be asked to tip the volunteer guides at the end and donate what you think the tour was worth. You could even do this in your home city – these guides are a mine of information and will teach you lots you don’t already know about where you live.
Or better yet – consult our list of walks around the UK and find one near you!
See how marbles are made in Devon
The House of Marbles is a working glass and games factory located in a historic pottery, which is a real hit with kids if you’re faced with a rainy day while on holiday.
Kick off! Free kids football sessions
McDonald’s has partnered with UK football associations to run a series of free football sessions for kids aged between 5 and 11. They’re taking place at over 1,600 locations from now until 27 July, with one-hour coaching every week from FA-qualified coaches. You just need to pre-book online by filling in the form here.
Hit the beach
The beach is the ultimate playground for any child – and it's free! Whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring, there's loads to enjoy at any of the UK's beautiful beaches. Be sure to consult our list of the best family-friendly beaches in the UK before you go.
Experience traditional thatched croft houses on Skye
On the Isle of Skye, dive back into the ancient way of life with a village of thatched croft houses and an opportunity to experience living history at its best. If you’re there on a cold day, they’ll light the peat fire for you for a complete sensory experience. The Skye Museum of Island Life is free for children under 15.
Travel back in time in Wales
At St Fagans National Museum of History, you’ll be transported back to Victorian times, with 40 original buildings that have been re-erected on the site. There’s a chapel, a school, traditional homes, gardens, a working bakery and plenty of opportunities to watch craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills. We included St Fagans in our round-up of Britain's best outdoor and working museums, so check that out for other similar offerings.
Grab the tent – it's time to camp
The long days of the British summertime make camping one of the best activities to do with children. Try these tasty kids campfire recipes, invest in a great family tent or even try one of these forest or adventure camps for children. Make your night outdoors with the kids easy with our practical guide to how to make camping with children easy.
Explore the majesty of aviation up close
The RAF Museum Cosford is a great place to kill time on a rainy day in the Midlands with kids, with a range of old and new planes in hangars. Plus, it’s free entry for everyone. You just need to pre-book your visit online.
Hunt for bugs and look out for birds at a local nature reserve
Entry is free at many of the RSPB’s nature reserves, and at RSPB Titchwell Marsh in Norfolk, kids can grab a free trail map and hunt for wildlife along the trails. Look out for marsh harriers, sandpipers, and other migratory birds in sight of these accessible trails. Many RSPB sites offer free kids’ activity trails, scavenger hunts, and bug-spotting kits during the school holidays. Easter often includes themed wildlife walks and nest-building workshops. Grab your kids a pair of binoculars and hit the trails.
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Get moving in the great outdoors with a free Junior Parkrun
Just like Parkrun for adults, Junior Parkrun runs every weekend in parks all around the UK. But don’t get confused with the other Parkrun – Junior Parkruns take place on Sundays, usually at 9am. Kids aged between 4 or 14 can take part in weekly timed 2k runs – but they don’t have to run them. You can run, walk or even skip along!
Learn more about the botanical world
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh are the perfect blend of nature and play for kids over the holidays, with vast grounds to explore and themed trails and opportunities to spot wildlife. The gardens are free to access.
Enjoy art in the outdoors
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a brilliant place to see dazzling works by the world's leading artists set against the backdrop of the rolling Yorkshire hills. Tickets are free for under-18s, and there are lots of other free activities over the holidays. Why not give their Easter art and nature trails a go? There’s a free chocolate treat at the end…
Grab a racket and try these free kids tennis lessons
Barclays Big Tennis Weekends run at 60+ venues around England, Scotland and Wales throughout the year, with tennis, coaching and free play on offer. Rackets and balls provided. The Lawn Tennis Association recommends booking online in advance, but you could also just turn up and give it a go if there’s space.
Stuck in the city? Head to a farm!
Just because you’ve got to stay in the city with your kids doesn’t mean you’re stuck inside. If you’re in London, Mudchute Park and Farm on the Isle of Dogs is well worth a visit. Watch the animals fed and the sheep being moved around the farm. Windmill Hill City Farm in Bristol, Balsall Heath City Farm in Birmingham and Ouseburn Farm in Newcastle are also great options of UK city farms, and all free to access.