Cheap Family Days Out UK: A Dad's Guide
School holidays don't have to break the bank. Free and budget-friendly ideas for UK dads — parks, museums, beaches, and the stuff that actually works.
The school holidays email lands. Six weeks. Your wallet is already sweating.
Here's the good news: the best days out with kids often cost nothing — or next to nothing. The trick is knowing where to look and being okay with "we went to a different park" counting as an adventure. Because to a 7-year-old, it absolutely does.
Why cheap days out actually work better
Kids don't care about the price tag. They care about:
- Novelty — somewhere new, even if it's just a different playground
- Your attention — you're not on your phone, you're with them
- A bit of agency — they got to choose something, or lead the way
- Routine broken — it's not a normal Tuesday
A trip to a theme park can be overwhelming, expensive, and end in tears. A trip to a park you've never been to, with a picnic and a ball, often hits harder. Remember that when the guilt creeps in.
Free days out that actually work
Parks and playgrounds
Cost: Free
Ages: All
Find a park you've never visited. Google "best playgrounds near [your town]" — you'll find lists from local parents. Woodland Trust has free woods mapped across the UK — perfect for den building, bug hunting, and getting muddy.
Pro tip: A "playground crawl" — hit 2–3 different parks in one day — feels like a proper adventure. Pack snacks and let them pick which one to try next.
Libraries
Cost: Free
Ages: Under 5 to 11+
Most libraries run holiday programmes: story time, craft sessions, reading challenges. It's free, it's indoors, and it gets them around books. Win.
Museums
Cost: Free (many UK museums)
Ages: 5+
The big London museums (Science, Natural History, British Museum) are free. So are countless local museums across the UK. Don't try to see everything — pick 2–3 sections and call it a win. Many have free activity sheets for kids at the entrance.
Beaches and rock pools
Cost: Travel + food
Ages: All
Sandcastles, rock pooling, fish and chips. The classic British day out. Check tide times before you go — rock pooling is best at low tide. Bring layers. Even in August.
Nature trails and walks
Cost: Free
Ages: 5+
Sustrans has traffic-free cycle routes across the UK. Geocaching is free (basic app) — real-world treasure hunting that gets them walking without complaining. Woodland Trust, RSPB reserves, local nature reserves — all free.
Garden Olympics
Cost: Free
Ages: 3–10
Egg and spoon, sack race, obstacle course, water balloon fights. Make medals from card. They'll remember it.
Budget days (£5–15)
Cinema
Vue Mini Mornings and Odeon Kids screenings are often £2–3 per ticket during holidays. Check your local.
Swimming
Local leisure centres do family swim sessions. Many have inflatable fun sessions in the holidays. £5–15 for the family.
Soft play
Chaos, noise, coffee. But they sleep well after. £5–10 per child.
Bowling
Most alleys have holiday deals. Good for mixed ages. £8–15.
Bake-off day
Pick a recipe, shop for ingredients together, bake and decorate. £5–10. They're learning, you're bonding, and you get cake.
Day trips that don't break the bank
National Trust / English Heritage
Cost: £15–25 per adult, or free with membership
Ages: All
Membership pays for itself in 2–3 visits. Historic houses, adventure playgrounds, nature trails, cafés. The "50 things to do before you're 11¾" list gives you a ready-made activity framework.
Farm parks
Cost: £10–20 per person
Ages: 2–10
Animal feeding, tractor rides, play areas. Often cheaper than theme parks and less overwhelming. Book online for discounts.
Steam railways
Cost: £15–30 per family
Ages: 3+
There are heritage railways all over the UK. Kids love trains. Combine with a picnic and a walk at the other end.
The "something new" homework hack
Schools love setting "do something exciting in the holidays" homework. If you're working and can't do a big day out:
- Different park — 20 minutes on the way home counts
- Different library — new building, new books
- Walk somewhere new — different road, different route
- Supermarket you don't usually go to — Lidl's kid-sized trolleys are a hit
- Torch walk after dark — genuinely exciting for kids
Teachers mainly want them writing something. It doesn't have to be Alton Towers.
Planning a holiday week
If you're staring at a blank week and need structure, the NetDads Holiday Planner generates a balanced week of activities based on your kids' ages and budget. For weekend ideas, the Weekend Planner suggests activities by age, weather, and budget. Both free, no sign-up needed.
FAQ
How do I stop the "I'm bored" complaints?
Give them a list of options and let them pick. Even "we can go to the park, the library, or bake something — you choose" gives them agency. Boredom often means "I want your attention" — a 20-minute focused activity can reset the day.
What if the weather's rubbish?
See our guide to rainy day activities for kids. Indoor dens, kitchen science, board games, movie marathons. Embrace it.
Are memberships worth it?
National Trust, English Heritage, local zoo — if you'll go 3+ times a year, membership usually pays for itself. Plus you're more likely to go if you've already paid.
How do I make a "boring" day feel special?
Small touches: a picnic instead of lunch at home, let them bring a friend, give them the map/camera, stop for an ice cream. It's the framing, not the budget.
The best days out aren't the expensive ones. They're the ones where you showed up, put your phone away, and let them lead for a bit.