Free Ways To Entertain Kids In Summer
Summer holidays are amazing — until you’ve heard “I’m bored” for the tenth time before lunchtime. The good news? Entertaining your kids doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of fun, free places across the UK to explore as a family — all you need is a bit of inspiration and maybe a packed lunch.
Here’s a round-up of free kid-friendly spots that are perfect for sunny days (and even rainy ones too!)
Local Parks and Adventure Playgrounds
From your local green space to large city parks, outdoor play is always a winner. Look out for:
Splash pads or water play areas
Climbing frames, zip wires, and nature trails
Free fitness circuits you can turn into a challenge for the whole family
Tip: Take a ball, chalk for hopscotch, or bubbles to stretch out the fun.
Free Museums with Kid-Friendly Activities
Many museums are completely free and packed with interactive exhibits kids will love:
The Natural History Museum (London) – Dinosaurs, gems, volcanoes – it’s like stepping into another world.
The Science Museum (London) – Hands-on areas designed especially for children.
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery or National Museum Cardiff – Great options full of curiosity-sparking exhibits.
Check for: Free family workshops, trails, or craft corners.
Visit a Train Station or Airport Viewing Area
Kids are often obsessed with trains and planes. Visiting a big station like London King’s Cross (with Platform 9¾!) or watching planes at Heathrow’s viewing platform can be a surprising hit — and it’s totally free.
Go for a Nature Walk or Woodland Adventure
Explore local woods, fields, or rivers. Try:
The Woodland Trust website to find nearby trails
Scavenger hunts (collect leaves, spot bugs, find sticks shaped like letters)
Build dens, splash in streams, or have a picnic.
Visit a City Farm
Many city or community farms offer free entry and are a great way to get kids up close with animals.
Try:
Hackney City Farm (London)
Vauxhall City Farm
Freightliners City Farm
Donations welcome, but entry is free!
Libraries and Story Time Sessions
Libraries are often forgotten gems. Many offer:
Free summer reading challenges
Storytime or rhyme-time sessions for toddlers
Craft tables or Lego clubs
You can even sit and read in peace with your little ones — air-con included.
Free Festivals, Local Shows and Events
Summer is packed with free family-friendly events, from street performances and pop-up cinema to cultural festivals.
Keep an eye on:
Local council websites
Facebook community pages
Eventbrite or local “What’s On” sites
Get Creative at Home
If you’re staying home, make it fun:
Host a garden Olympics
Set up a craft station with recycled materials
Try free printable activity sheets online (colouring, mazes, puzzles)
Sometimes the best adventures happen right on your doorstep.
Entertaining your children this summer doesn’t have to mean expensive outings. With a little planning, curiosity, and creativity, you can fill your summer calendar with free, memory-making adventures that your kids will talk about long after the holidays end.
So pack some snacks, grab the sunscreen (and maybe a raincoat too – it is the UK!), and start exploring.
Need a day to yourself? Our Summer nannies are here to give you a break while making sure your children have a fun-filled day out. Browse our trusted nannies here.
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss in future blogs please do send an email to nannyemmyquestions@gmail.com
