UK Family Days Out: 50 Fun Ideas from Theme Parks to Castles & Zoos
School holidays looming? Weekend stretching out ahead of you with a car full of restless kids? You need a plan, and you need it fast. The good news is the UK is stuffed with brilliant family days out, from roaring coasters and drive-through safaris to castles with real dungeons and museums where touching things is actively encouraged.
We've split this guide into the kinds of day you're likely to be planning: big theme park adventures, animal encounters, aquariums, indoor fun for wet afternoons, LEGO-mad days, history the kids will actually enjoy, and ideas that won't empty your wallet. Every place has a quick rundown of what it's like, who'll love it most and a handy tip for getting more out of the trip.
Tap through on any of them to find out more about the venue or the town around it, then start packing the snacks.
Theme parks and rides
For a day the kids will talk about for weeks, a theme park takes some beating. These are the big hitters for families, with something for every age.
Alton Towers The UK's best-known theme park has a split personality that works brilliantly for families. Teenagers can tackle The Smiler and Wicker Man while younger ones head to CBeebies Land to meet their favourite TV characters. The resort's own waterpark and hotels make it a natural two-day trip, and the Staffordshire countryside around it is lovely for a drive. See Alton Towers →
Chessington World of Adventures Ten minutes on a ride, ten minutes watching gorillas, back on a ride again. That's the rhythm at Chessington, where a zoo and a theme park share the same site in south-west London. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure is a hit with younger children, and there's plenty for braver older siblings too. Great for mixed-age families. See Chessington World of Adventures →
Drayton Manor Got a Thomas the Tank Engine fan? Drayton Manor near Tamworth is the place. Thomas Land is packed with rides themed on the little blue engine and friends, while the rest of the park has bigger thrills and a zoo. It's easy to reach from the M42, which makes it a handy Midlands day out for families coming from all directions. See Drayton Manor →
Paultons Park Peppa Pig World at Paultons is pure joy for under-fives, with muddy puddles, George's dinosaur adventure and gentle rides. Older children get the Lost Kingdom's dinosaur coasters. The park is near Romsey on the edge of the New Forest, so you can follow it with a picnic among the ponies or a stroll round Romsey's abbey. Explore Romsey →
Flamingo Land North Yorkshire's mix of zoo and theme park means one ticket covers rides, animals and shows. Families can wander from hippos and meerkats to coasters without leaving the grounds. It sits near Malton, close to the North York Moors, and works brilliantly as part of a holiday taking in York or the Scarborough coast. See Flamingo Land →
Zoos and safari parks
Lions, penguins, giraffes and the odd cheeky monkey on your car roof. Animal days are a guaranteed winner with children of every age.
London Zoo Tucked into Regent's Park, London Zoo has been run by the Zoological Society of London since the 1800s. Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach and the gorilla and tiger enclosures are the big draws. Combine it with a picnic in Regent's Park or a climb up Primrose Hill for one of the best free views over the capital. See London Zoo →
Chester Zoo Chester Zoo is huge, so wear comfy shoes and plan your route. Highlights include elephants, the Islands zone with its boat ride through South-East Asian habitats, and loads of conservation work happening behind the scenes. It's a full day, easily. Chester's Roman walls and the Rows are only a few minutes away if anyone still has energy afterwards. See Chester Zoo →
Whipsnade Zoo London Zoo's countryside sibling sits on the Chiltern Hills near Dunstable, giving animals like elephants, rhinos and giraffes room to roam. The site is enormous, so plan which areas to hit first and pace little legs accordingly. Look out for the giant white lion carved into the chalk hillside below the zoo on your way in. See Whipsnade Zoo →
Knowsley Safari Just outside Liverpool, Knowsley's drive-through safari takes you past lions, rhinos and herds of grazing animals from the comfort of your car. The baboons are famous for clambering over vehicles, so take the car-friendly route if you're precious about your wing mirrors. There's a walk-around area with more animals and play spaces once you've parked up. See Knowsley Safari →
Woburn Safari Park Bedfordshire's safari park lets you drive among big animals on the road safari, then park up for the foot safari, where you'll find smaller creatures, walk-through enclosures and adventure play. It suits families who want a bit of everything. The Woburn estate and Go Ape Woburn are nearby if you're making a weekend of it. See Woburn Safari Park →
Yorkshire Wildlife Park Near Doncaster and handy for the M18, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is best known for its polar bears, which roam big naturalistic lakes and grassland. Walkways take you through spacious reserves for lions, tigers and painted dogs. It's flat and buggy-friendly, which makes it great for families with toddlers as well as older children. See Yorkshire Wildlife Park →
West Midlands Safari Park Near Bewdley in Worcestershire, this park combines a drive-through safari with a walk-around section and a theme park area. That makes it a clever choice when you can't decide between animals and rides. The Severn Valley Railway and Bewdley's riverside are close by for a gentle end to the day. See West Midlands Safari Park →
Aquariums
Cool, calm and fascinating, aquariums are perfect for little ones and a brilliant shout when it's chucking it down.
The Deep Rising like a giant shark fin where the River Hull meets the Humber, The Deep is one of the most striking buildings in the north. Inside, the huge main tank teems with sharks and rays, and the gentoo penguins always draw a crowd. Hull's old town, marina and museums are all within walking distance. See The Deep →
National Marine Aquarium By Plymouth's historic Barbican, the National Marine Aquarium takes you from local shoreline creatures right down to a giant ocean tank full of sharks and shoals. It's a great way to show kids what lives just off the British coast. Follow it with fish and chips on the harbour and a look at the boats. See National Marine Aquarium →
SEA LIFE London Aquarium On the South Bank, right beside the London Eye, SEA LIFE London has sharks, penguins and rainforest creatures in the heart of the city. It's ideal for a short, sheltered stop on a London sightseeing day. Combine it with a ride on the Eye or a stroll along the river to Tower Bridge. See SEA LIFE London Aquarium →
Blue Planet Aquarium Near Cheshire Oaks at Ellesmere Port, Blue Planet's underwater tunnel puts sharks gliding right over your head. Daily talks and feeding sessions give children something to look forward to through the visit. It pairs nicely with Chester Zoo if you're planning a big Cheshire animal weekend, or with a spot of outlet shopping for the grown-ups. See Blue Planet Aquarium →
Deep Sea World Sitting almost underneath the Forth Bridge at North Queensferry, Deep Sea World's underwater tunnel is the star attraction. Sharks, rays and shoals of fish swim all around you. Afterwards, walk along the shore for incredible views of the three bridges, or nip over to Edinburgh for the rest of the weekend. See Deep Sea World →
Soft play and indoor fun
When it's grey outside and the kids are bouncing off the walls at home, let them bounce off somebody else's walls instead.
Gambado Chelsea Near Imperial Wharf in Chelsea, Gambado is a big soft play centre with a giant climbing frame, dodgems and laser tag, aimed at children under twelve. Parents can grab a coffee in the café while the kids run wild. It's a handy London rescue on a soggy afternoon, and the Thames path is close for a walk afterwards. See Gambado Chelsea →
Krazy Congo Soft Play Motherwell's large indoor soft play centre is a lifesaver for Lanarkshire families when the weather turns. Climbing frames, slides and ball pits keep little ones happily busy. M&D's theme park and Strathclyde Country Park are both nearby, so you can switch between indoor and outdoor plans depending on what the sky decides to do. See Krazy Congo Soft Play →
Inflata Nation Manchester Picture a giant room full of bouncy obstacle courses, inflatable slides and assault courses. That's Inflata Nation, and the Manchester site is perfect for older kids who've outgrown soft play but still need to burn off energy. Adults can join in too, which tends to end in plenty of giggling and very wobbly legs. See Inflata Nation Manchester →
Clip 'n Climb Great Yarmouth Clip 'n Climb is colourful indoor climbing for kids and adults, with themed walls, auto-belays and challenges like the leap of faith. The Great Yarmouth centre is a great rainy-day swap for the beach. Afterwards, you're right by the seafront, piers and Golden Mile when the sun comes back out. See Clip 'n Climb Great Yarmouth →
Legoland and LEGO days out
Few toys inspire quite like LEGO, and the UK has some brilliant places to see what can be built from those little bricks.
LEGOLAND Windsor The big one for LEGO fans. Miniland's tiny versions of London, Scotland and beyond are worth the visit on their own, then there's LEGO Ninjago World, Mythica and rides aimed at children aged roughly two to twelve. The two themed hotels are a treat if you can stretch to an overnight stay, and Windsor Castle is just down the road. See LEGOLAND Windsor →
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester An indoor LEGO playground for children of around three to ten, with build-and-test zones, a 4D cinema, a couple of rides and a mini Manchester made of bricks. It's a couple of hours of fun rather than a full day, so pair it with something else nearby. Grown-ups normally need to bring a child to get in. See LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester →
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham Birmingham's Discovery Centre packs LEGO building, play zones, rides and a 4D cinema under one roof. Little builders can test racing cars and see local landmarks recreated in bricks. Combine it with the National SEA LIFE Centre or a canal-side stroll, both close by, for a full city day that works in any weather. See LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham →
Castles and history the kids will love
History doesn't have to mean dusty display cases. These places bring the past to life with towers, tunnels, battlements and real stories.
Warwick Castle Warwick Castle is history with the volume turned up. Climb the towers and ramparts, watch the giant trebuchet in action and catch birds of prey displays on the grounds. It's run with families firmly in mind, and there are themed lodges and glamping if you want to stay over. Warwick's old town is lovely for lunch. See Warwick Castle →
Tower of London Nine centuries of royal history, the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders with their tall tales. Kids love spotting the ravens and hearing about prisoners and plots. Go early to see the jewels before the queues build, then wander across Tower Bridge for one of London's classic family photos. See Tower of London →
Dover Castle High on the White Cliffs, Dover Castle has a medieval Great Tower to explore and secret wartime tunnels deep in the chalk, where the Dunkirk evacuation was planned. It's a proper all-day adventure for school-age kids. Walk along the cliffs afterwards for views across the Channel, and maybe even a glimpse of France. See Dover Castle →
Edinburgh Castle Perched on its volcanic rock above the city, Edinburgh Castle is home to the Honours of Scotland, Mons Meg and the famous One O'Clock Gun. Children love the cannons and the views over the rooftops. Then wander down the Royal Mile for street performers, shortbread and maybe a ghost tour for older ones. See Edinburgh Castle →
Leeds Castle Near Maidstone in Kent, Leeds Castle sits on islands in a lake and looks like it's stepped out of a fairytale. The hedge maze with its underground grotto is a big hit with kids, and there are play areas and birds of prey too. Go Ape is in the grounds if the family wants to swing through the trees. See Leeds Castle →
Bletchley Park The home of the Second World War codebreakers in Milton Keynes is brilliant for curious older children. You can see where Alan Turing and his colleagues worked to crack Enigma, explore the huts and try your hand at codes and puzzles. It's a powerful, true story that makes history click for teens and tweens. See Bletchley Park →
Free and low-cost days out
A great day doesn't have to cost a fortune. These spots are free to enter, or close to it, so you can spend on the ice creams instead.
Natural History Museum Free to enter, London's Natural History Museum is a cathedral of wonders, from dinosaur skeletons to the blue whale skeleton soaring over Hintze Hall. Kids could spend hours here and still not see everything. Arrive near opening to beat the crowds, and pair it with the Science Museum right next door. See Natural History Museum →
Science Museum Also free to get in, the Science Museum in South Kensington is packed with rockets, steam engines and hands-on exhibits. The interactive Wonderlab gallery is ticketed but well worth it for curious kids. With the Natural History Museum and the V&A on the same road, you could fill a whole weekend without paying for entry once. See Science Museum →
National Railway Museum York's National Railway Museum is free and full of giant locomotives, including the record-breaking Mallard. Kids can climb aboard, peer underneath engines and explore royal carriages. It's a short walk from York station, so you can arrive by train for the full experience, then head into the city for the walls and the Minster. See National Railway Museum →
Royal Armouries Leeds Leeds' Royal Armouries is free and full of suits of armour, weapons and live demonstrations that make history jump off the walls. Kids love the jousting armour and the hall of steel. It's down on the waterfront at Leeds Dock, so you can follow it with a riverside walk into the city centre. See Royal Armouries Leeds →
Discovery Museum Newcastle's free Discovery Museum tells Tyneside's story through science, ships and invention. The star is Turbinia, once the fastest ship in the world, dramatically displayed in the entrance hall. Plenty of hands-on galleries keep younger kids busy, and the Quayside and its bridges are a short stroll away. See Discovery Museum →
Wicksteed Park Kettering's Wicksteed Park has huge stretches of free parkland, lakes and playgrounds, with rides you can pay for as you go. That means you control the budget, whether it's a picnic and a run around or a full afternoon on the attractions. Its historic water chute is the ride everyone has to try once. See Wicksteed Park →
Rainy day ideas
When the heavens open, these indoor gems save the day and usually end up being the highlight of the holiday.
Eureka! The National Children's Museum Halifax's Eureka! is built entirely for younger children, with hands-on galleries where touching, pressing and playing is the whole point. Kids can explore a pretend town, learn how their bodies work and get stuck into experiments. It sits right next to Halifax station, and the Piece Hall is close for a treat afterwards. See Eureka! The National Children's Museum →
Cadbury World Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. Cadbury World in Bournville takes you through the story of the famous brand with hands-on zones, demonstrations and, crucially, free samples. Book ahead, especially in holidays. Afterwards, the leafy Bournville village built for the factory workers is lovely for a wander. See Cadbury World →
National Space Centre Leicester's National Space Centre is easy to spot by its tall rocket tower, which holds real rockets. Inside you'll find interactive galleries, astronaut training challenges and a planetarium show that wows kids and adults alike. Allow a good few hours, and leave time for the gift shop, because the astronaut ice cream is unavoidable. See National Space Centre →
Thinktank Birmingham's science museum at Millennium Point has four floors of hands-on galleries, historic machines and a planetarium. Little ones love the Kids' City area, while older children can dig into science and engineering. It's handy for Birmingham's city centre and Cadbury World, making it easy to build a whole rainy weekend. See Thinktank →
Glasgow Science Centre On the banks of the Clyde, Glasgow Science Centre is packed with interactive exhibits, live science shows and a planetarium. Its shiny titanium buildings look like something from the future. The Riverside Museum is a short walk along the river, so you can fill a wet Glasgow day with two very different but brilliant attractions. See Glasgow Science Centre →
Techniquest In Cardiff Bay, Techniquest is a hands-on science centre where kids can experiment with water, light, sound and motion. Shows and planetarium sessions add extra wow. When it dries up, the Bay's waterfront, the Senedd and the Norwegian Church are right outside for a stroll and some well-earned ice cream. See Techniquest →
Planning your family day out
Most big attractions are cheaper when booked online in advance, and some offer better deals on quieter days or with annual passes if you live close by. Always check opening days before you set off, especially outside the school holidays, and look at height and age guidance for rides so nobody's disappointed at the gate.
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a change of clothes for younger kids, particularly anywhere with water play. Plan the day around one main attraction rather than trying to cram in three, and look at what's nearby for a short extra stop if energy allows. For bigger trips, a nearby hotel or holiday park can turn a tiring drive into a relaxed weekend away.
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