Author: kiddy@admin

Money-saving family days out

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Find out what’s on at your local museum or library
Museums and libraries often have great children’s activities planned for the school holidays many of which are free! Don’t forget to check out our website for places to visit which are local to you. You can even filter your search to find attractions with free entry only!

We all know how much a family day out can cost at top attractions and we’re left thinking it would be cheaper to go abroad! However, when you’re planning a well-earned family day out check out our ticket portal for seriously great savings at top attractions around the UK! We’ve helped thousands of families save money on their days out, and we’d love to help you too! Find out more.

Enjoy the great outdoors
Check out local farms, parks and nature reserves as there is always loads going on during the school holidays such as nature trails and bug hunts. There are some great activities for the children at National Trust properties which include den building and fossil hunting. You’ll find some great days out inspiration on our website which includes farms, nature reserves and country parks so be sure to check it out!

Open (and close) your kitchen
Do you ever find that after a day at home with the kids, you’re left with a very bare looking fridge and cupboards? More often or not, bored children means ‘hungry’ munchkins, so why not open and close your own kitchen for meal times only! I’ve found that closing the kitchen by 9am after breakfast, opening for an hour at lunchtime, and then reopening for tea time really does banish the kitchen raiders.

Go to the cinema from just £2.49! – Vue Cinema
every Saturday and Sunday morning from 10am, plus every day during the school holidays
(check the website for updated price and availability)

Vue cinemas across the country are offering cinema seats from just £2.49 during the school holidays as a part of their ‘mini mornings’! There are some fab films on offer that children will love such as The Boss Baby, Smurf: The Lost Village, Spiderman: Homecoming and more! Probably best to book ahead, especially on rainy days!
Bowling from just £1 per person! – Superbowl UK, various location
9-10am everyday

For a truly traditional fun family day out why not take the kids bowling where Superbowl UK have prices starting from just £1 per person! Perfect for rainy days, and even super hot days there really is so much to do to keep the kids entertained as well as hiring a bowling lane!

Take a picnic
If you were to add up the amount spent during the day out with the kids, a large proportion goes on food and drink! Always pack a picnic, along with snacks and plenty of drinks for all the family. If you’re going somewhere where the kids are likely to clock the sweets – visit the pound shop beforehand and buy a stash of your own which works out so much cheaper!Save your change

Keep some change handy for car parking. There’s nothing worse than having to nip to a shop just to break into a note, plus paying for car parking using your phone often comes with a surcharge.

Try out new places

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York, Yorkshire
This picturesque town, located in North Yorkshire, is the perfect place to bring your budding little historians! Head to the York Castle Museum to get an insight into Edwardian and Victorian life in York, or pay a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre to discover why they’re so popular. It’s also a must for chocolate lovers with the fab York’s Chocolate Story! If you’ve got a little thrill seeker in tow, be sure to check out Lightwater Valley to take on Europe’s longest roller coaster; The Ultimate!

Cardiff, Wales
This beautiful town offers lots of varied and entertaining fun for all of the family! Explore Cardiff Bay on The Open Boat; a lovely steam boat that offers amazing views of the harbour, or head over to Cardiff Castle to learn all about this town’s fascinating medieval history. Fans of Doctor Who will love the Doctor Who Experience for an immersive journey through space and time!

Lymington, New Forest
For those after an escape to the forest, Lymington is the place to be! Situated on the edge of the New Forest, this port town is renowned as a sailing resort and is home to lots of lovely independent boutiques… perfect for budding little fashionistas! For those after a slice of culture, head on over to St. Barbe Museum and Art Gallery to marvel at amazing artwork and have a go at one of their family friendly trails. Hiring a bike and exploring the nearby woodland is also a must for active families looking to work up a pre-pub appetite!

Dartmouth, Devon
If you’re looking for active filled family day out with a spectacular backdrop, Dartmouth is your one stop destination! From cycling, walking and an array of outdoor activities, you really are spoilt for choice. This is as well as amazing historic houses, gardens, castles and museums, such as Dartmouth Castle. If you’re looking to delve deeper into the countryside, the Dartmoor National Park is only a short drive away from the town centre!

Falmouth, Cornwall
If you’ve got a budding surfer dude or dudette in tow, or are a lover of the seaside, Falmouth is the place to be! With a stunning beach that offers a variety of activities such as rockpooling, sailing, snorkelling and SUP paddle boarding, your little beach bums won’t know where to start first. Head on over to the National Maritime Museum to find out all about this lovely town.

Wild family days out

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The Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre, Sheffield
It’s all about Dinosaurs this half term so bring the kids along for a week of prehistoric fun! Meet the fearsome T-Rex, play dinosaur games and take a tractor ride while you look out for an escaped dinosaur!

Legoland, Windsor
With 12 themed lands to explore from Ninjago to Lego city, Legoland is a day out all the family will enjoy! From the Dragon roller coaster to the Atlantis underwater submarine voyage there are so many rides and rollercoasters for the light- hearted and the thrill-seekers amongst the family! For the star wars fans, there is a very impressive miniland model display recreating seven famous scenes from the movies!

Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle offers a great day out for all visitors. You’ll see shows, demonstrations, hear stories and be able to walk around the stunning grounds. Visit Merlin: The Dragon Tower, based on the popular TV show; it is a wonderfully interactive experience where you will join Merlin on his quest and speak to The Great Dragon himself. If you are feeling brave, head down to the Castle Dungeon and learn of the darkest, bloodiest history of the castle. This Half term the kids can get lost in the horrible histories maze, watch the spectacular birds of prey take to the skies and learn what it take to be a brave knight!

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
There’s so much to see and do at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with indoor and outdoor activities suitable for the whole family. Learn about the Royal Navy as it is today and get an insight into what the future holds. Step on board historic ships that changed the world such as HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860. Don’t miss the new‐look Mary Rose museum, which gives insight into Tudor life. Could you make it in the Royal Navy by taking on the physical challenges at the high tech Action Stations indoor attraction? Test your skills as a helicopter pilot, scale the tallest indoor climbing wall and make your way through the Ninja Force assault course. Younger children under 1.2m will love the Sky Tykes area—a low rope assault course with bridges and beams for them to tackle!

The Eden Project, Cornwall
Eden Project is a living theatre of people and plants. It is set in a breathtaking location and provides an unforgettable experience for all. There are two enormous geodesic conservatories located in a 50 metre deep crater: the Rainforest Biome and the Mediterranean Biome. During half term from 10-18 February- there will be some great activities for children including the Schnookle Quest in the rainforest where you can go on an exciting quest to find your own schnookle coin and go on a journey along a timeline of civilisations. You can also take part in an archaeological dig.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
There is so much for families to see at this iconic you will be spoilt for choice! Visit The Great Hall, The Royal Palace and even take a look at the magnificent Crown Jewels. Experience the roar of the One o’clock Gun and discover the Prisons of War. Inside the castle there is The National War Museum, which has 400 years of Scottish history waiting to be discovered.

Take your family out for the day

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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth
There’s so much to see and do at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with indoor and outdoor activities suitable children and for the whole family. Take a look at our summer events at Portsmouth Dockyards blog for inspiration! All our tickets include an annual pass valid from your first visit date so you can return as many times as you wish! Attractions include HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, Action Stations – indoor interactive attraction with Ninja Force assault course, climbing wall and more.

Fleet Air Arm Museum, Ilchester, Somerset
An all-weather attraction for aviation lovers this is Europe’s largest aircraft collection. Step on board the first British Concorde, look into the cockpit and also step inside a Sea King helicopter. The kids will also love the adventure playground inspired by HMS Queen Elizabeth.

DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes, The O2, London
Super Hero and Super Villian fans will love this exhibition. Featuring an extensive display of comic book, TV and film memorabilia, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, plus many more! Displays in the multi-room exhibition include costumes, sketches, props, video scenes, models and even a Batpod!

The National Showcaves Centre, Swansea, Wales
Explore the incredible natural wonders that are the caves, there are three in total including Dan-yr-Ogof, Bone Cave and Cathedral Cave. Also onsite is the museum where you can watch experienced cavers make their way through the further reaches of the cave.

The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland
Set over 9 floors there’s something to interest everyone here! Go on a journey of discovery through the history of Scotland, taking in the wonders of nature, art, design and fashion and science and technology. The hall of animals will be a sure favourite!

The Natural History Museum, London
For a fascinating, FREE educational day out, head down to the Natural History Museum. Here you will learn about the natural world through amazing exhibitions and displays! Be sure to check out the Darwin Centre where you will discover science in action and collections. The Attenborough Studio is a fascinating audio-visual venue where you can learn all about life on earth. There are so many things to see at this amazing place, so don’t miss out!

The British Museum, London
The British Museum houses a vast collection of world art and artefacts and is free to all visitors! Explore the Egyptians, the Roman Empire, ancient Greece, and more. You can even see the Rosetta Stone which proved to be the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs!

Free Activities

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Speke Hall – Liverpool
Speke Hall is a Tudor house set on the banks of the River Mersey and is a lovely place to bring the whole family. The house has survived a turbulent 400 years of history, been restored and here you can learn all about it. There are plenty of activities for children and the gardens are perfect for the kids to run around and explore. There is a fantastic maze for them to get lost in too!

Cycle routes at Nunnington Hall – Yorkshire
This fun and easy-to-cycle loop route is perfect for all of the family to enjoy! Start at the beautiful manor house Nunnington Hall, nestled within the banks of the River Rye, then head through the North York National Park towards Bransdale.

Great North Museum
This amazing museum brings together a world of fascinating things both natural and man-made. See Egyptian mummies, Greek artefacts and a brilliant interactive model of Hadrian’s Wall. Families can gaze into space in the planetarium and be just a little scared of the life-size T- Rex replica dinosaur!

Tollcross Children’s farm
Tollcross Children’s Farm is a wonderful place to take the kids for a couple of hours. You’ll see a random mix of adorable animals, including horses, peacocks, llamas, sheep, pigs and a pair of lovebirds. Learn all about the animal world, the life of insects and also see the story of Cock Robin in 3D!

Formby Red Squirrel Walk, Merseyside, England
Spot native red squirrels in the beautiful woodland surrounding Formby in Merseyside. Enjoy breathtaking sea views as you head out on a bracing coastal walk or find out about Formby’s fascinating coastal history with links to asparagus growing and the early days of aviation. The perfect place to get outdoors and active this winter!

Discovery Museum
If your little ones are interested in the wonders of history, science and technology be sure to take them to the Discovery Museum! Explore fascinating collections such as Turbinia, the first steam-powered turbine ship, regimental militaria and many other amazing displays!

Rainy day places

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The Tank Museum, Bovington, Wareham
For a fascinating family day out for the family, The Tank Museum houses the world’s best collection of tanks dated from 1915 to the present day! Learn all about the history of tanks, how they changed warfare and how they were used in battle and advances in tank engineering.

Oceanarium, Bournemouth
Take a trip to the seafront in Bournemouth, which is home to the fantastic Oceanarium. Enter the dark abyss section and the very cool underwater tunnel, where magnificent fish swim around you. There are over 150 different species, from sharks to stingrays and a couple of new additions, The Penguin Beach Encounter, which is home a delightful colony of penguins! You can also enjoy the most adorable cutest furry otters in their very own oasis.

Rock Reef, Bournemouth
This indoor children’s activity centre is a perfect place to take the kids for a rainy day visit! They can wear themselves out on challenging climbing walls that cater for all ages and abilities. Other activities include an indoor cave experience and a high ropes obstacle course. Outdoors if you do fancy braving the wet weather is a fantastic zip wire ride from the end of the pier, over the waves to the shore!

The Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester
Discover real fossils, dinosaur bones and life-size models at this hands-on museum that is devoted to only dinosaurs. Are your little ones brave enough to touch the T-Rex?!

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth
This museum was once a Birthday present from Merton Russell-Cotes to his wife. A seaside villa full of history filled with beautiful objects from their travels around the world. It is as if the house has been locked away in time and never changed. Now you can take the family and enjoy what they would have many years ago as well as a number of temporary art exhibitions.

Blooming Kids at The Palm House Cafe Bistro and kids Activity Centre, Weymouth
Situated within The Palm House cafe bistro, Blooming Kids is a wonderful play area for kids under 5 with a lovely outdoor garden area and a walk-in craft studio! Kids can play while parents can relax on comfy sofas with a cuppa!

Mr Mulligans, Bournemouth
Always a good firm favourite indoor attraction on a rainy day, this brand new indoor golf venture offers 3 brilliant courses on two levels and everyone of any age can join in and have fun!

The Ark at Poole Park, Poole
Two great places to entertain the kids in one here! Not only is there a brilliant soft play area with plenty of fun slides, tunnels and interactive zones but next door is an indoor ice rink, where all the family can get their skates on and enjoy some fun!

Kids eat free

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Are you looking for a family-friendly restaurant for your rumbling tum?
Head to one of these fab spots where kids eat FREE when they’re with mum! The hardest part will be deciding what yummy food to choose!

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
Selected Locations
There are several Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurants which offer Kids Eat Free all day every day for every adult main course ordered, including Maze Grill Mayfair, Bread Street Kitchen and The Narrow in London.

Giraffe World Kitchen
Every Saturday kids can eat for free with every main meal purchased! All you need to do is simply download and print your voucher from their website. Find out more.

Coal Grill and Bar
Various Locations
Kids aged 10 and under can enjoy a free meal from Coal Kids Menu per adult spending £10 or more, available from Monday to Friday 12-5pm. Find out more.

Morrisons
Countrywide
Morrisons offers one free kids meal (for under 16 years old) with any adult hot meal (over £4.50) from 3pm every day.

ASDA
Countrywide
Kids can eat free on weekdays after 3pm for every adult meal purchased worth £4. Find out more.

The Real Greek
Various Locations
The Real Greek offers free kids meal on Sundays for every £10 spent by an adult. One free kid’s meal per adult only.

Bella Italia
Various locations

And finally and not quite free but only a £1! Valid from noon every day of the week kids can eat for one pound with each purchase of a full priced adult meal at selected restaurants. Find out more.
What have you been up to? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to have a go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!

Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery

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We’re always delighted to discover an indoor day out for those miserable rainy days.

If you fancy a spontaneous visit to Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery in Aylesbury – it won’t disappoint, packed with fun and exciting children’s things to do and see, your little one’s will love this.

You purchase your ticket through the Buckinghamshire Museum next door and then walk around the corner to the glass elevator and ring the doorbell where one of the team will let you in, take your coats and show you the way.

The gallery is a fully interactive experience with exhibits inspired by Roald Dahl’s stories. Children had delight in crawling through Fantastic Mr Fox’s tunnel and looking at minibeasts and other items through the telescopes inside James’ Giant Peach. They found the sounds they could make with the BFG exhibit hilarious and spent ages in the “freeze your own shadow” room.

The gallery is educational, interactive and fun, you can spend a good 2 hours in the gallery and then you can visit the Buckinghamshire museum, which had a number of exhibits to keep the children entertained. The museum also has a café if you fancy a drink or something to eat while you’re there.

Details:
Location: Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP
Tel: 01296 331441

Opening times for the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery:
Summer opening 1 April to 29 October: Saturdays 10am – 5pm.

School Holiday Openings
October Half Term
21 – 28 October: open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm

Prices:
Child (4-17yrs) £5.50
Under 4s: By Donation
Adult: £7.70
Family/group ticket: £22.00 (4 people including at least 1 adult).

Gulliver’s Land

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If you’re looking for a fun-filled family day out for you and your little ones why not check out Gulliver’s land in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. With over 70 attractions including rides and shows to enjoy every day, Gulliver’s Land is one of the best value kids’ days out in the UK.

Unlike most other theme parks in the UK, Gulliver’s caters especially for younger children. This means that if you’re looking for great days out for toddlers and youngsters, then this is a great option for you. Gulliver’s is a family-run attraction, designed for families with children aged between 2 to 13 years.

From the Runaway Train in Discovery Bay to the Jungle River Ride and classic Dodgems, there are plenty of exciting rides to ensure that all the family have a fun day out. There are also a number of rides designed for the Under 5s, as well as shows for there is plenty to keep everyone happy.

If you want to save some money and get the best value out of your visit then make sure you follow Gully Mouse on Facebook and you can subscribe to exclusive online special offers.

Foodwise, there are places to eat within the park but families are also welcome to bring picnics with them and make the most of the outdoor space available. Parking at Gulliver’s is also free of charge.

Henley River & Rowing Museum

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The museum is set on the river Thames in the beautiful town of Henley with it’s own car park, a large play park nearby and a gorgeous view of the river.

The general theme of the museum is around the river and rowing as the name suggests which in itself is fascinating but if you’re a parent, grandparent or carer with little ones this place is fantastic.

As you walk in you’re greeted by the friendly team on reception where you purchase your ticket or show your season pass and then you’re free to explore. The Wind in the Willows exhibition which is absolutely fantastic and manages to bring to life the much-loved story with 3D models, lighting and music.

Upstairs is full of interesting displays informing us about the river and the history of rowing with rowing machines, interactive wildlife exhibits and a large play area for children with colouring, dressing up, a shop, a puppet show and much more.

The museum has a calendar full of different exhibitions throughout the year, and on our visit there was the Barbara Hepworth: Finding Form exhibition which celebrates the work of one of the country’s most renowned sculptors.

Details of Henley River & Rowing Museum
Location: Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 1BF, UK
Cost: Adult Ticket £12.50 | Child (4-16) £9.95 (Unlimited entry for 12 months)
Opening hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm