Top 30 Free summer holiday activities for UK families

Top 30 free things for families this summer

Looking for free summer holiday activities to do with the kids this summer? In this guide, we will help you discover free summer holiday activities in the Uk, so you can make the most of time with the kids without breaking the bank. This guide is perfect for those looking for:

Where to go for an outdoor adventure with the family
Top attractions to visit for free Uk
Fun indoor at home activities to do with Kids

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. For more great days out, head to our deals page, for discounted tickets on top attractions to do this summer!

Top free Outdoor activities

Taking the kids into the outdoors is a must do in the warmer weather! While a free summer holiday activity and a great day out for the whole family, being outdoors is the best way to explore some of the Uk’s most beautiful spots, without spending a penny!

1.Visit a National Trust site (free access areas)- Many National Trust places have free grounds, trails, or coastal paths (e.g. parts of the Lake District, Northumberland Coast). Why not take a picnic and wander the beautiful grounds of some of the most beautiful spots? Head to the National trust to find the site closest to you!

2.Explore an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)- Try the Northumberland Coast, Cotswolds, or Yorkshire Dales!

3.Go to the beach- Build sandcastles, paddle, or try rock pooling, a perfect day out without the added cost!

4.Visit a public garden or botanical garden- Many councils run beautiful free gardens and parks at this time of the year! Often with beautiful displays, stalls and more, a few hours in an open garden is the perfect activity for a sunny day!

5.Walk a family-friendly nature trail Forestry England sites often have free access trails for the whole family to enjoy!

6.Go for a scavenger hunt- make a list of things for the kids to find in your local area, and let the kids run wild!

7.Go geocaching (real-world treasure hunt)- 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.

8.Visit a river, lake, or waterfall- Great for paddling, wildlife spotting, and relaxing.

9.Go on a scenic viewpoint or hill walk- Short walks with rewarding views are perfect for families who enjoy the outdoors.

10.Explore historic ruins or castles (external grounds)- There are hundreds of historic sites across England you can visit completely free! English Heritage cares for over 400 sites, and around 250 of them don’t require an entry ticket, including castles, abbeys, and ancient ruins!

Top Free Indoor activities 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.

The good news is that across the UK, there are plenty of free indoor places to visit with kids—many of which are not only entertaining but also educational. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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, or interactive displays.

3. 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.

4. Explore a National Trust Indoor Space- Although full entry to National Trust properties usually comes with a fee, there are often ways to enjoy parts of these locations for free. Cafés, shops, and certain public areas can be accessed without a ticket, and some properties host free open days or family events throughout the year.

5. Visit a Local Church or Cathedral- Churches and cathedrals are not only free to enter but are also 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.

6. Attend a Community Centre Event or Workshop- During 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.

7. Visit a Shopping Centre Play Area- For younger children, shopping centres can be a practical option on a rainy day. Many now include free soft play areas or designated kids’ zones, providing a safe space to run around and burn off energy when outdoor play isn’t possible.

8. Watch Indoor Performances or Exhibitions- 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 or public spaces, adding a bit of variety to your day.

9. 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 more local perspective through displays, artefacts, and storytelling!

10. Explore an Aquarium or Visitor Centre (Free Sections)- While larger attractions may charge entry, some coastal towns and nature reserves offer free visitor centres or small aquariums where children can learn about marine life and local wildlife. These can be a great add-on to a day out or a standalone activity when the weather isn’t ideal.

10 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.

Here are some simple, fun ideas to try:

1. Have an Indoor Cinema Day –Turn your living room into a mini cinema for the day. Pick a theme (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.

2. 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.

3. 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 even part of an imaginative game.

4. Get Creative with Arts & Crafts- You don’t need fancy supplies to get creative. Recycled materials like cardboard boxes, bottles, and paper can be turned into anything from rockets to castles. Let kids use their imagination and see what they come up with.

5. Try Simple Science Experiments- Bring a bit of 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.

6. Bake Together as a Family-Baking is a great way to spend quality time together. Choose simple recipes like cookies, cupcakes, or traybakes and let the kids get involved with mixing and decorating. Plus, you get a tasty treat at the end.

7. Start a Summer Scrapbook or Journal-Encourage kids to document their summer by creating a scrapbook or journal. They can add drawings, photos, tickets, and little notes about their favourite days something they’ll love looking back on later.

8. Set Up a Garden Obstacle Course-If you’ve got a bit of outdoor space, create a fun obstacle course using cones, ropes, or household items. Add challenges like jumping, crawling, or balancing to keep things active and energetic.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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.