Getting out and about with your little ones can be so much fun but days out can also get very expensive. Costs can add up starting with entry fees, parking, snacks and suddenly even seemingly ‘cheap’ days out can become pricey.
Fortunately, there are a whole range of free activities or low cost activities available for families. With a little bit of planning you can enjoy memorable and meaningful days out that won’t hurt your budget. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of weekends and school holidays.
Embrace the Outdoors
We are blessed in the UK to have many beautiful parks, woodland areas and seaside spots that are completely free to enjoy. Spending time outside is not only budget-friendly, it’s also great for both parents and little ones physical and mental health.
- Local parks and nature reserves: Most towns and even cities have green spaces with play areas, duck ponds or nature trails. Pack a picnic and some toys and you can keep little ones entertained for hours.
- Woodland walks: Websites like the Woodland Trust list free walking routes near you. Many have themed trails or downloadable scavenger hunts to make walking more fun and keep children engaged.
- Seaside trips: A trip to the beach is always so much fun, you don’t need to spend loads, simple activities like sandcastle building and a low cost trip to the arcade can be a wonderful ways to build memories with your children.
Top tip: Take snacks, reusable water bottles and spare clothes with you. That way you avoid pricey café stops and last-minute emergency purchases.
Museums and Art Galleries
The UK is home to some of the world’s best museums and galleries – and many are completely free.
- In London: The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Tate Modern are brilliant days out that don’t have entry fees.
- Around the UK: Manchester Museum, National Railway Museum (York) and Kelvingrove Art Gallery (Glasgow) are just a few examples of free and fun-filled days out.
- Local gems: Even small towns often have free museums or heritage centres. They’re usually quieter than the big-city option which makes them perfect for little ones.
Top tip: Some exhibitions or extras do charge a fee but don’t feel pressure to purchase these, you can skip these and still have a full and fun day. Also look online ahead of your trip to see if they have any free activities for children.
Get Creative at Home
Not every single family day needs to involve travelling. Sometimes the simplest activities in the comfort of their own home are the ones children love the most.
- Treasure hunts: Create a map or set of clues around your home. Small prizes (like stickers or homemade certificates) can add some extra fun.
- Garden camping: Set up a tent in the back garden, toast marshmallows and read some books under the stars. It feels like an adventure, but you’re just a few steps from everything you need at home!
- Craft and nature days: Collect leaves, stones or flowers on a walk and use them for art projects when you get home. This can be really nice to create seasonal displays together.
Top tip: These activities are a big hit as they show children that fun doesn’t always have to mean spending money and really helps with imaginative play.
Community Activities
It’s always worth checking your local council or community centre for any upcoming events. Many run free or very cheap activities during weekends and school holidays for a whole range of ages.
- Libraries: As well as borrowing books, many libraries run free rhyme time sessions for babies and craft sessions or reading challenges for bigger kids.
- Leisure centres: Look out for discounted family swim sessions or sports taster days.
- Seasonal events: Summer fairs, Christmas light switch-ons and local carnivals are often free to attend and are so much fun for all ages.
Top tip: Sign up to your council’s mailing list or follow community Facebook pages so you don’t miss free events.
Travel Smart
Travel costs are something that need to be accounted for as they can quickly turn a free day out into an expensive one. Here are some tips for keeping transport affordable.
- Railcards: If you like to travel by train, a Family & Friends Railcard can save you up to a third on train tickets. It’s amazing how quickly you can get the price of your railcard back – sometimes even just from one trip!
- Bus offers: Many regions offer discounted or capped bus fares, particularly during school holidays.
- Cycle or walk: This is not always possible but when it is, kids often enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Top tip: Planning local adventures close to home helps cut costs and makes outings less tiring for little ones.
Get Organised
Certainly easier said than done when you have little ones but it can make a huge difference to your day out. Packing food and drinks can be a huge moment saver, food and drinks are often the biggest hidden expense of a day out.
Packing your own picnic not only saves money but also means you can choose healthier (and fuss-free) options that everyone will actually eat. For older children, you can let them help prepare sandwiches or snacks, they’re often more excited about food they’ve made themselves.
Make the most of Memberships
Sometimes paying for a membership upfront can save money in the long run, this is especially handy if it’s for somewhere you visit often.
- National Trust or English Heritage: If you enjoy historic houses, castles and gardens, family memberships can quickly pay for themselves. There‘s so many sites that you can visit in the UK too.
- Wildlife Trusts or local farms: Annual passes often include unlimited visits, which are brilliant if your children enjoy seeing animals.
Top tip: If you’re not sure, try a day ticket first. Some places will deduct this cost from an annual membership if you decide to upgrade.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend a fortune to create special family memories. With a little creativity and organisation there are endless opportunities for budget-friendly adventures.
Don’t underestimate the little things, children don’t always remember the big expensive outings, they value being together and having fun. The key is to shift the focus from spending money to spending time together.
So next weekend or school holiday, why not pick a few ideas from this article and give it a go?
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