Free activity inspiration for babies, toddlers and preschoolers — indoors, outdoors and on the go. Updated every month.
Handpicked UK attractions and booking sites for family days out — we may earn a small commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
The UK's largest family days out directory — search by postcode to find zoos, farms, activity centres, and free attractions near you.
Find days out near you →Unlimited visits to Alton Towers, Legoland, Sea Life, Madame Tussauds and 30+ more attractions. Often pays for itself after just 2 visits.
Explore annual passes →Unlimited free entry to 500+ beautiful houses, gardens, coastlines, and nature reserves across the UK. A must-have for families who love the outdoors.
Join the National Trust →Get up close to over 700 species at London Zoo or enjoy wide open spaces at Whipsnade. Kids under 3 go free. Book online for the best prices.
Book tickets →The UK's number one family theme park for little ones. Peppa Pig World, Tornado Springs, and over 70 rides and attractions in the New Forest.
Plan your visit →Treetop adventures, zip wires, and forest segways across 40 UK locations. Junior Go Ape for ages 1–6, full courses from age 7. Unforgettable family days out.
Find your nearest Go Ape →Access over 400 historic castles, abbeys, and Roman forts. Kids love exploring history in the open air — and members get free parking at most sites.
Explore membership →Guided family tours, wildlife encounters, cookery classes for kids, and unique experiences across the UK. Something different for every age group.
Browse family experiences →Find free and paid activities, events, and day trips for families across the UK — searchable by age, location, and budget. Great for last-minute ideas.
Browse activities →All-inclusive resort breaks at Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness. Live entertainment, splash zones, fairground rides, and activities included in the price.
See family breaks →Indoor climbing centres designed for kids and families — colourful themed walls, a free fall drop, and no climbing experience needed. Over 30 UK centres.
Find your nearest centre →One of the world's most spectacular aquariums — home to sharks, rays, and thousands of sea creatures. A brilliant day out for children of all ages.
Plan your visit →Simple, low-cost activities for your baby's development — all designed by early years professionals.
Fill a low basket with safe household items — wooden spoon, fabric squares, a small mirror, a metal pot lid. Let your baby handle, mouth, and examine each one.
Place a child-safe mirror flat on the floor during tummy time. Your baby will try to lift their head to see their reflection — brilliant for neck and shoulder strength.
Pop a few objects in a bag that match favourite rhymes — a toy spider (Incy Wincy), a plastic duck (5 Little Ducks). Pull them out one by one as you sing.
Hands-on activities that channel toddler energy into learning — most need only kitchen supplies.
Mix 8 cups of plain flour with 1 cup of baby oil. It holds its shape when squeezed but crumbles when poked — magical texture for little hands. Easy to clean up.
Thread dried pasta tubes onto string or shoelaces. Dye the pasta first with food colouring and vinegar for extra colour. Great fine motor and concentration practice.
Collect cereal boxes, toilet rolls, and packaging. Let your toddler stick them together with masking tape to build a city, castle, or rocket — then paint it the next day.
School readiness ideas that feel like play — early literacy, counting, and problem solving.
Write your child's name on card letters. Hide them around the room and go on a letter hunt — can they spot all the letters and put their name back together?
Use blueberries, raisins, or chopped grapes. Ask your child to count out 5 blueberries onto a plate, then 3, then add them together. Maths that gets eaten at the end.
Shape a volcano from damp sand or playdough. Put bicarbonate of soda inside and pour in vinegar mixed with red food colouring — instant eruption. Repeat endlessly.
Fresh air activities for all ages — most need nothing but your local park or garden.
Stack logs, bricks, and hollow plant stems in a corner of the garden. Leave for a few weeks then carefully lift sections to see who's moved in — woodlice, spiders, beetles.
Use sticks, hula hoops, chalk lines, and plant pots to create a backyard obstacle course. Jump over, crawl under, balance along — great for coordination and confidence.
Collect leaves with strong vein patterns. Paint the underside with fabric paint, press onto an old white T-shirt, peel away — wearable nature art in 30 minutes.
No garden needed — these keep children busy for an hour or more without screens.
Drape blankets over chairs and sofa cushions. Add torches, soft toys, and a "secret menu" of snacks. Make it the reading den, spaceship, or magic cave — children decide.
Save cardboard tubes, egg boxes, bottle tops, and foil trays. Set out PVA glue and paint and challenge your child to make a robot, animal, or vehicle from junk.
Melt butter, golden syrup, and chocolate. Stir in porridge oats, press into a tin, and refrigerate for 2 hours. Children can do almost all the measuring and stirring themselves.
Quality craft and activity kits that keep kids busy — Amazon affiliate links, commission helps us keep this page free.
Double-sided — chalk one side, paper the other. Fantastic for toddlers and preschoolers.
Non-toxic, washable paints in bright colours. Perfect for messy play with babies and toddlers.
Award-winning matching game that teaches early reading and memory. Perfect for ages 3–7.
20 simple science experiments with real equipment. Great for preschool curious minds.
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