Free and Cheap Activities for the Family (2024)

Planning fun, budget-friendly activities for the kids during school holidays can be challenging, but with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can create memorable experiences without breaking the bank.

From free museums and city farms to discounted theme parks and unique trails, there’s tonnes of affordable adventures waiting to be explored.

In this guide, we’ve put together a list of free and low-cost activities across the UK, ensuring your family can enjoy quality time together without the hefty price tag. Discover hidden gems in your area and make the most of your holidays with our selection of cost-effective outings and attractions.

Free museums

There are many free museums for the kids to enjoy. We’ve created a list of some of the most popular museums and categorised them by area to help you find one nearby. If you’re planning on visiting a museum over a Bank Holiday, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check online to make sure they’re open, as their hours might be different.

Discounted attractions via Tesco Clubcard Vouchers

Maximise your family days out by exchanging your Tesco Clubcard vouchers for discounted attraction tickets. With £0.50 worth of vouchers, you can get £1 to spend on tickets, effectively doubling your money.

Once you’ve exchanged your Tesco points for vouchers, they can’t be transferred back. So, before you cash in, check the terms and conditions as each attraction has different rules. And be sure to check there’s availability on the date you’d like to go, as some dates may be excluded.

A list of theme parks included:

• Alton Towers
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach
• Thorpe Park Resort
• Chessington World of Adventures
• Oakwood Theme Park
• Pleasure Beach Resort
• Pleasurewood Hills

Other attractions include:

• Cadbury World
• Longleat Safari
• West Midlands Safari Park
• Warwick Castle
• Eden Project
• Conkers
• SEA LIFE (various locations)

Kids eat ‘free’ or for £1

Even though money may feel tighter than ever, there are ways you can still enjoy dining out without feeling the dent in your wallet. We’ve rounded up a list of popular UK restaurants where kids can eat for ‘free’ or for £1.

At some of these places, adults may need to make a purchase in order for the kids to be eligible for the offer.

Restaurants include:

• Asda Café
• Harvester
• Sizzling Pubs
• Yo! Sushi

See our Kids Eat ‘Free’ or for £1 blog for the full list.

Free London farms

Spitalfields City Farm

Spitalfields farm is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 4.30pm. Animals at the farm include donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and the farms very own cat, June.

There are plenty of activities for the kids all year round, including den building, fireside teatime, and cooking clubs.

Hackney City Farm

Hackney farm is open from 10am to 4.30pm, Tuesday through to Sunday. The farm has various animals such as pigs, donkeys, goats, and sheep. Kids can explore the vegetable garden, where they can see, smell and plant vegetables, while learning valuable skills for a healthier, eco-friendly lifestyle.

The farm offers numerous activities for kids, though they may require a fee. However, with pottery classes priced at just £5 for two hours, they are quite affordable.

Deen City Farm

Located within the National Trust’s Morden Hall Park Estate in South Wimbledon, Deen City farm is home to a variety of animals, including Kimby the alpaca and Edna the barn owl. The farm offers a range of activities, from pig feeding to lamb cuddling, and features a riding school with 12 horses and ponies.

Visitors can also explore the on-site shop, which sells second-hand children’s books, animal feed and bedding, as well as locally sourced jams.

Kentish Town City Farm

Kentish Town farm is right by Gospel Oak overground station and a group of local volunteers help run the farm. When you visit, you’ll see chickens, ducks, pigs, a cow, and goats. On weekends, the farm hosts different workshops, and there are pottery classes for kids after school.

Keep an eye out for the Open Farm Day in June and the Apple Day Community Festival in October.

Fun days out across the UK

Ironwork Centre and Sculpture Park, Shropshire

Visiting the Ironwork Centre and Sculpture Park is free for children and costs £8.50 for adults, with concessions available. From October to March, adults are able to visit for free.

The Ironworks spans over 70 acres of sculpture parks and walking trails, offering plenty to explore. Additionally, you can visit the Artisan Village, where local creators showcase their crafts through daily demonstrations and workshops.

The centre has created an Extinction Trail to help educate visitors on endangered species and to promote positive changes we can all make. Each child who completes the trail will receive a certificate.

Gruffalo Trail, Lake District

Along this mile-long Gruffalo woodland trail in the woods of Whinlatter in the Lake District, you’ll encounter the Gruffalo and other characters from the books. There’s an adventure playground where kids can celebrate completing the trail. If you’d like to, there’s the option to take part in the official Gruffalo Orienteering Challenge by purchasing a £1.50 map which you can buy on site.

Roskilly’s Farm, Cornwall

Roskilly’s is a working Cornish Organic Farm located in Cornwall. Open to all visitors at no cost, you can explore Roskilly’s Jersey cow herd, along with goats, sheep, pigs, geese, and chickens. Additionally, you can pick up a free illustrated map that showcases scenic walking trails around the farm and the nearby Old Withy Woods.

The Potter Trail, Edinburgh

On the Harry Potter trail tour, you’ll uncover the enchanting locations that inspired characters and scenes from the series, visit the spots where J.K. Rowling wrote the books, and even learn a spell or two along the way.

The tour is completely free for everyone, though the guides appreciate any donations at the end. However, there’s no obligation to contribute. Be sure to book online in advance to secure your spot.

Richmond Park, London

Richmond Park is a Nature Reserve and London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest. It’s the perfect place for enjoying the outdoors so close to the city. Check out the Isabella Plantation, climb King Henry’s Mound for a view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, or rent a bike for a relaxing ride around the park.

For more tips on how families can keep the costs down during the school holidays, see 10 Ways to Have Fun for Free.