Free and Cheap Things to Do With Kids During the UK Summer Holidays 2026
The summer holidays are here again, and if you are a parent in the UK, you already know the dread that comes with six long weeks of keeping the kids entertained. According to recent research, the average UK family spends over £600 keeping children occupied during the summer break. But you do not need to empty your bank account to create lasting memories. From free outdoor adventures to budget-friendly days out, there are hundreds of ways to keep the whole family happy without spending a fortune.
Free Outdoor Activities That Kids Actually Love
You do not need expensive tickets or booked experiences to have a great day out. Some of the best summer memories cost absolutely nothing.
Explore Your Local Park and Nature Reserves
UK parks and nature reserves are vastly underrated. Most local councils maintain green spaces that are completely free to enter, and many have added adventure playgrounds, splash pads, and trim trails in recent years. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and make a day of it.
- Geocaching – Download the free Geocaching app and turn your local park into a treasure hunt. Kids love the adventure of finding hidden containers, and it works anywhere in the country.
- Bug hunting and pond dipping – A jam jar and a net are all you need. Local nature reserves often have free activity sheets you can download before you go.
- Bark rubbing and leaf collecting – Perfect for younger children. Bring paper and crayons and create art from nature.
Free Museums and Galleries
Many of the UK’s best museums are completely free to enter. The national museums in London – including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and British Museum – are all free. But you do not need to travel to the capital. Most major UK cities have free museums that are perfect for a rainy day.
- Manchester Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and the Science and Industry Museum
- National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh
- Museum of Science and Industry in Birmingham
- The Royal Armouries in Leeds
- Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Check the websites before you visit, as many run free family workshops and activity sessions during the school holidays.
Cheap Days Out Under £10 Per Person
If you have a small budget to work with, there are still plenty of options that will not break the bank.
National Trust and English Heritage Sites
If you plan to visit more than two or three historic sites over the summer, a National Trust family membership pays for itself quickly. But even without membership, many sites offer free entry to the grounds, and you only pay for parking. English Heritage looks after over 400 historic sites across England, and many have free entry for children under five.
Look out for National Trust deals and discounts before you book, as there are often promotional offers available during the summer months.
Local Farm Parks and Pick-Your-Own Farms
Pick-your-own farms are a brilliant way to spend a morning. You pay only for the fruit you pick, and kids love the experience of gathering strawberries, raspberries, and other seasonal fruit. Many farms also have farm shops, cafes, and small animal areas that are free to browse.
Local farm parks typically charge between £5 and £10 per person, and many include indoor play barns, animal feeding sessions, and tractor rides in the entry price. Search for farm parks near you and check their websites for summer holiday deals.
Cinema Deals for Kids
Several UK cinema chains run special kids’ screening programmes during the summer holidays. Cineworld’s Movies for Juniors sessions cost as little as £2.50 per ticket, and Vue’s Mini Mornings are similarly priced. Odeon Kids screenings are also available at reduced rates. These are typically morning screenings of family-friendly films, both new releases and classics.
Check out our guide to cheap cinema tickets and deals for the latest offers across all major UK cinema chains.
Creative At-Home Activities for Rainy Days
Let’s face it – the British summer means rain is always a possibility. Having a stash of cheap at-home activities ready can save your sanity and your wallet.
DIY Craft Days
You do not need expensive craft kits. A quick trip to a pound shop or a discount store will get you everything you need for a full day of crafting.
- Cardboard box forts – Save delivery boxes and let kids go wild with paint, stickers, and scissors. A big box can become a castle, a spaceship, or a shop.
- Salt dough creations – Flour, salt, and water are all you need. Kids can make ornaments, jewellery, or models, then bake and paint them.
- Nature art – Collect leaves, twigs, and stones on a walk, then use them to create collages and sculptures at home.
Baking on a Budget
Baking is a brilliant way to fill an afternoon, and you get a snack out of it too. Simple recipes like flapjacks, rock cakes, and shortbread require only a few basic ingredients and cost very little. Let the kids do the measuring and mixing – it counts as maths practice too.
For inspiration, check out our collection of supermarket deals to stock up on baking essentials without overspending.
Free Events and Festivals During Summer 2026
Across the UK, local councils, community groups, and organisations host free events throughout the summer. Here are some ways to find what is happening near you:
- Check your local council website – Most councils publish a summer holiday activity programme with free or subsidised events for families.
- Visit your local library – Libraries run the annual Summer Reading Challenge, which is completely free and includes events, activities, and rewards. Many libraries also host free story sessions, craft afternoons, and coding clubs during the holidays.
- Look for free park events – Many parks host free outdoor theatre, cinema screenings, and music events during July and August. Search your local council’s events page or check community Facebook groups.
- Community fairs and galas – Village fetes, community days, and school fairs are often free to enter and provide hours of entertainment for kids.
Money-Saving Tips for Family Days Out
Even cheap days out can add up when you have multiple children. These tips will help you keep costs down wherever you go.
Always Pack Your Own Food and Drinks
The single biggest expense on any family day out is food. Cafe and restaurant prices at attractions are significantly higher than supermarket prices. A packed lunch for a family of four costs a fraction of what you would spend at a venue cafe. Bring refillable water bottles and plenty of snacks to avoid impulse purchases.
Travel Off-Peak and Use Group Tickets
If you are travelling by train, look for off-peak tickets and group discounts. A group of three or more adults can often get a third off with a Groupsave ticket. For families, the Two Together Railcard or Family and Friends Railcard can save you 20 to 33 percent on fares, and the card pays for itself in just a couple of trips.
Check our guide to travel deals and discounts for the latest offers on trains, buses, and coaches.
Look for Voucher Codes and Online Deals
Before you visit any paid attraction, search for voucher codes and online discounts. Many attractions offer 10 to 20 percent off if you book online in advance. Sites like Freebies.co.uk regularly list days out deals that can save your family a significant amount on entry fees.
Use Cashback Sites
If you are booking paid attractions, always check cashback sites first. Topcashback and Quidco frequently offer cashback on attraction bookings, hotel stays, and restaurant meals. Over a six-week holiday, these savings can really add up.
Planning Your Summer Holiday Budget
The key to a stress-free summer is planning. Sit down before the holidays start and map out what you want to do each week. Mix free activities with one or two paid days out, and always have a backup plan for rainy weather.
- Set a weekly budget – Decide how much you can afford to spend each week and stick to it.
- Batch your outings – If you are driving somewhere, combine it with other free activities in the same area to make the most of your fuel.
- Enlist other parents – Share childcare and activity costs with friends. A group trip to the park is more fun for the kids and cheaper for the adults when you split petrol and picnic costs.
- Take advantage of free trials – Many activity centres, sports clubs, and coding camps offer free taster sessions during the summer holidays.
Make This Summer Memorable Without Breaking the Bank
The best summer holidays are not the ones where you spend the most money. They are the ones where you spend quality time together, try new things, and create memories that last. With a bit of planning, a few smart choices, and the help of the latest deals and discounts, you can give your kids an amazing summer without the financial stress.
Remember to bookmark Freebies.co.uk and check back regularly throughout the holidays for the latest offers, voucher codes, and money-saving tips tailored for UK families.
