Top 30 Free Things UK Families Can Do This Summer

April 29, 2026 | Blog, Uncategorized

30 Free Things to Do with the Kids This Summer in the UK

Looking for free summer holiday activities to do with the kids this summer? In this guide, we’ve rounded up 30 free activities across the UK to help you make the most of the school holidays without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planning a full day out or simply looking for inspiration close to home, there is something here for every family.

From coastal adventures and National Trust walks to cosy indoor days and creative activities at home, we’ve rounded up 30 fun, free ideas for families to enjoy this summer. If you’re looking to save money on family days out, this guide is a great place to start. For more great days out, head to our deals page for discounted tickets to top attractions this summer.

Jump to a Section

Whether you’re hoping to make the most of the sunshine, planning for a rainy day or looking for ideas to enjoy at home, jump straight to the section that suits you.

🌳 Free Outdoor Activities – Beaches, National Trust walks, country parks and more.
🏛️ Free Indoor Activities – Museums, libraries, galleries and rainy-day inspiration.
🏡 Free At-Home Activities – Creative ideas to keep the kids entertained without leaving the house.

Free Outdoor Activities for Families

Taking the kids outdoors is a must-do during the warmer weather. Not only is it a free summer holiday activity, but it’s also a fantastic way to explore some of the UK’s most beautiful places together. Whether you’re looking to burn off some energy, enjoy a family picnic or simply get everyone away from their screens for a few hours, spending time outdoors is a great way to create lasting summer memories without spending a penny.

Visit a National Trust site with free-access areas – Many National Trust places have free grounds, trails or coastal paths, including parts of the Lake District and Northumberland Coast. Why not take a picnic and wander through some of the UK’s most beautiful spots? Many locations also have cafés, play areas and family-friendly walking routes, making them ideal for a relaxed day out. Head to the National Trust to find the site closest to you.
Explore an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Try the Northumberland Coast, the Cotswolds or the Yorkshire Dales.
Go to the beach – Build sandcastles, paddle or try rock pooling. It is a perfect day out without the added cost. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and a bucket and spade to make a full day of it.
Visit a public garden or botanical garden – Many councils run beautiful free gardens and parks at this time of year. With attractive displays, family events and plenty of room to explore, a few hours in a garden can be the perfect activity for a sunny day.
Walk a family-friendly nature trail – Forestry England sites often have free-access trails for the whole family to enjoy. Many also include waymarked routes, wildlife-spotting opportunities and picnic areas.
Go on a scavenger hunt – Make a list of things for the kids to find in your local area and let them run wild.
Go geocaching – If you’re looking to turn a simple walk into an adventure, geocaching is a brilliant free activity for families. Often described as a real-world treasure hunt, it involves using a free app to find hidden caches placed by other players. It’s a great way to encourage children to explore outdoors while adding a sense of adventure to an ordinary walk.
Visit a river, lake or waterfall – These can be lovely places for wildlife spotting, relaxing and, where it is safe and permitted, paddling.
Go on a scenic viewpoint or hill walk – Short walks with rewarding views are perfect for families who enjoy the outdoors.
Explore historic ruins or castle grounds – There are hundreds of historic sites across England that you can visit completely free. English Heritage cares for hundreds of sites, including castles, abbeys and ancient ruins that do not require an entry ticket.

Free Indoor Activities for Families in the UK

While summer is the perfect time to get outdoors, the British weather doesn’t always cooperate. Having a few go-to indoor activities can make all the difference when the rain sets in or you simply want a more relaxed day. Many of these attractions also offer seasonal events during the summer holidays, so it’s always worth checking what’s on before you visit.

The good news is that across the UK, there are plenty of free indoor places to visit with kids. Many are not only entertaining but educational too. Whether you’re looking to spark curiosity, encourage creativity or just keep little ones busy for a few hours, these ideas are well worth adding to your summer plans.
Visit a museum – The UK is home to some of the best free museums in the world, particularly in major cities. From natural history and science to transport and local heritage, museums offer a brilliant mix of learning and fun. Many also include interactive exhibits designed specifically for children, making them a great option for families of all ages. Some of our favourites include the National Railway Museum in York, the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford and Discovery Museum in Newcastle.

Go to an art gallery – Art galleries can be a surprisingly enjoyable day out with kids. While they tend to be quieter than other attractions, many now offer family-friendly features such as activity trails, colouring stations and interactive displays.
Visit your local library – Libraries are often underrated when it comes to family activities, but they can be a real gem, especially during the summer holidays. Many run free reading challenges, craft sessions and storytelling events, giving children something to look forward to while encouraging a love of books. Many libraries also publish their summer events online, making it easy to see what’s happening in your local area. You can find your local library here.
Explore a National Trust indoor space – Although full entry to National Trust properties usually comes with a fee, there may be ways to enjoy parts of some locations for free. Cafés, shops and certain public areas can sometimes be accessed without a ticket, while selected properties host free open days or family events during the year. Check the individual property before travelling.
Visit a local church or cathedral – Many churches and cathedrals are free to enter and are full of history, character and impressive architecture. From stained-glass windows to centuries-old features, they offer a peaceful and fascinating space to explore and can be a great way to introduce children to local history.
Attend a community centre event or workshop – During the school holidays, many community centres organise free or low-cost activities for families, ranging from arts and crafts to group workshops and play sessions. These events are often designed with children in mind and can be a great way to meet other local families too.
Visit a shopping centre play area – For younger children, shopping centres can be a practical option on a rainy day. Some include free play areas or designated children’s zones, providing somewhere to burn off energy when outdoor play isn’t possible.
Watch an indoor performance or exhibition – Across towns and cities, especially during the summer months, you’ll often find free exhibitions, performances or pop-up events taking place indoors. These can range from small theatre shows to creative displays in galleries and public spaces.
Visit a local heritage centre – Heritage centres are a great way to learn more about the place you live or are visiting. Often smaller and quieter than large museums, they provide a local perspective through displays, artefacts and storytelling.
Explore an aquarium or visitor centre with free sections – While larger attractions may charge entry, some coastal towns and nature reserves offer free visitor centres or small marine displays where children can learn about marine life and local wildlife. These can be a useful addition to a day out or a standalone activity when the weather isn’t ideal.

Free At-Home Activities for Summer

Not every summer day needs to be spent out and about. Whether the weather turns or you just fancy a slower pace, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained at home without spending a penny.

These activities are perfect for mixing in between bigger family days out and can be just as memorable.
Have an indoor cinema day – Turn your living room into a mini cinema for the day. Pick a theme, such as Disney, superheroes or even a throwback day, make some popcorn and build a cosy setup with blankets and cushions. You could even create tickets to make it feel extra special. It’s the perfect solution for a rainy summer afternoon.

Create a garden or indoor scavenger hunt – A scavenger hunt is a great way to keep kids busy and thinking. Hide objects or write clues for them to solve around the house or garden. You can make it as simple or as challenging as you like, and it’s just as fun to set up as it is to play.
Build a den – There’s something timeless about building a den. Use blankets, pillows, chairs and anything else you have to create a cosy hideaway. It can become a reading corner, secret clubhouse or part of an imaginative game.
Get creative with arts and crafts – You don’t need fancy supplies to get creative. Recycled materials such as cardboard boxes, bottles and paper can be turned into anything from rockets to castles. Let the kids use their imaginations and see what they come up with.
Try simple science experiments – Bring a little learning into your day with easy science experiments. Think baking soda volcanoes, homemade slime or simple reactions using kitchen ingredients. It’s messy, fun and surprisingly educational. Always supervise children and check that the activity is suitable for their age.
Bake together as a family – Baking is a great way to spend quality time together. Choose simple recipes such as cookies, cupcakes or traybakes and let the kids get involved with mixing and decorating. Plus, you get a tasty treat at the end.
Start a summer scrapbook or journal – Encourage the kids to document their summer by creating a scrapbook or journal. They can add drawings, photos, tickets and little notes about their favourite days, creating something they’ll enjoy looking back on later.
Set up a garden obstacle course – If you’ve got some outdoor space, create a fun obstacle course using cones, ropes or household items. Add challenges such as jumping, crawling and balancing to keep things active and energetic.
Have a board game or puzzle day – Take a break from screens and bring out the board games or puzzles. It’s a great way to slow things down while still having fun as a family, and it works for all ages.
Put on a mini talent show – Let the kids take centre stage with their own talent show. Whether it’s singing, dancing, acting or magic tricks, it’s a fun way to build confidence and have a few laughs together.

One of the best things about these ideas is that they can easily be mixed together. Spend the morning exploring a museum before heading to a nearby park, or combine a countryside walk with a picnic for a full day of family fun. If the British weather has other ideas, swap your outdoor plans for a free museum or a creative afternoon at home. Some of the best family memories don’t have to come with a big price tag—they’re simply about spending quality time together.

Final Thoughts

Keeping the kids entertained over the summer holidays doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a mix of outdoor adventures, free days out and simple at-home activities, there are plenty of ways to create memorable family moments on any budget. From exploring beaches and National Trust walks to getting creative at home or discovering hidden local gems, sometimes the best days are the ones that cost nothing at all.

The key is to keep things varied: mix busy days out with slower days at home and don’t be afraid to try something new. You might just discover a new favourite family tradition along the way.

Looking for even more inspiration? Browse our latest guides for family days out, seasonal events and things to do near you and start planning your next great day out today.