It’s February, do you fancy a day out?
Keep the kids busy and get out and about,
From galleries, museums and lots more to do and see,
The best part is these days out are all completely free!
Imagine Children’s Festival, Southbank Centre, London
13th – 24th February 2019
It’s time for the Imagine Children’s Festival this February, where there will be many shows and activities for children of all ages. There will be lots of free sessions for the kids to enjoy including drawing, reading, writing, singing and dancing! Over half of the programme is free and there’s loads for little ones aged 0-12 to do. Find out more.
Covent Garden, London
Any family trip to London deserves to include a visit to this famous area! It has a tremendous amount to offer from shops to restaurants, cafe’s and bars. There are theatres, museums and the Royal Opera house is close by, but some of the best entertainment takes place in the piazza for free! London’s best street performers are more than happy to entertain the public with stilt walking, busking, acrobatics, magic tricks and much more. Wander around the indoor market with its craft stalls in search of quirky gifts. Find out more.
Bank of England Museum, London
Gain an insight into the chronological history of banking at this wonderful free-to-visit museum. The exhibitions regularly change but you are sure to find fascinating , historic coins and notes to look at. See some wonderful art on display, all connected to the history of the bank. Other items include an early typewriter, a Victorian cut-glass & brass inkwell, and some Victorian banking tools. Find out more.
Natural History Museum. London
This wonderful historic museum is always a favourite with families and definitely a visit to make on a family day out to London. This month kids can try their hand at being scientists examining all different sorts of objects in the drop in hands-on science space. Find out more.
National Football Museum, Manchester
For the die-hard football fan in your family, this is the perfect place for a fun free day out! Discover the history of the beautiful game and see the many collections displaying famous kits, trophies and invaluable archives. The Hall of Fame showcases the sport’s greatest players and icons. Learn why football is part of England’s great heritage and how this country is birthplace to this popular sport. Even if there are members of the family who don’t like football this museum promises to entertain all of you. Find out more.
Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow
If you’re looking for a dose of fresh air and the chance to spot some lovely wildlife, Beecraig’s Country Park is the place to be! With over 915 acres of wonderful woodland, as a well as a fab play area with a spider’s net, wigwam huts, slides and much more, you’ll be spoilt for choice! You’ll also get to see some cute red deer and highland cattle too! Find out more.
Bolton Aquarium, Lancashire
If your little ones are fans of Finding Dory, this fantastic aquarium is the perfect place to be! You’ll get to see an amazing range of fish, including freshwater fish and some exotic ones from all around the world! Find out more.
Liverpool Central Library, Liverpool
This library, which is steeped with a rich history, is the perfect day out for your little bookworms and budding authors! There are some fab facilities, including an Xbox 360, computers, iPads and lots more! There are also stunning views available from the roof terrace. Find out more.
Heaton Park, Manchester
Head to Heaton Park for an active and fun day out for all of the family to enjoy! Visit the animal centre, where you can meet an array of delightful animals, including cows, alpacas, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs! Kids will also love the play area, as well as the huge range of activities available. Try your hand at rowing boats, step on board a train ride, have a go at mini golf and loads more! Find out more.
BBC Birmingham Public Space, Birmingham
Credit: BBC Birmingham
The entire family with love having a go at some BBC themed activities, which include presenting an episode of Newsround or the local weather, having their photo taken outside the TARDIS and an old Dalek! You’ll also get the chance to take a touchscreen tour of the radio drama studio, as well as take a glimpse into the Asian Network and BBC WM studios too! Find out more.
National Railway Museum, Yorkshire
Credit: National Railway Museum
With a collection of over a million objects, covering over 200 years of history, you and your family will be spoilt for choice! You’ll get to see giant halls full of engines and railway legends and kids can let off steam in the outdoor play area. You’ll also get to enjoy lively science shows, take a ride on the miniature railway or learn through the interactive exhibits! Find out more.
Museum of English Rural Life, Reading
Credit: Museum of English Rural Life
The Museum of English Rural Life houses a national collection of agricultural, domestic and crafts exhibits including wagons, tools and a wide range of other equipment used in the English countryside for the last 150 years. Perfect for any budding historians interested in life in England throughout the ages! Find out more.
Centre for Wildlife Gardening, London
Credit: Jamie Grier
Originally an old council depot, this award-winning visitor centre is a must for little budding gardeners and lovers of nature! The demonstration wildlife garden has mini-habitats, a wildflower nursery and some very well-used community raised beds. The kids will love the nature trail and exploring the mini beast village, summer meadow and woodland copse, as well as so much more fascinating wildlife! Find out more.
Eynsford Castle, Kent
Credit: English Heritage
Bring the family to this early Norman enclosure castle, which is surrounded by beautiful countryside. There is plenty for the family to explore, climb and conquer, as well as information boards around explaining the history. Find out more.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Whatever the weather a visit to the beautiful Dorset coastline is always worth doing! The stunning, scallop-shaped cove and rock formation ‘Durdle Door’, was formed approximately 10,000 years ago by the power of water. The landscape around the cove is constantly changing and the area is extremely important for its geology. Take a camera for some memorable photo opportunities! Find out more.
Falmouth Art Gallery, Cornwall
Credit: Falmouth Art Gallery
With a motto like “Family Friendly and Free”, Falmouth Art Gallery is the perfect place to take your little budding artists! Here you’ll find a collection of children’s books, as well as Baby Paint groups for extra little Picasso’s in the making. Find out more.
Riverwatch Aquariums, Northern Ireland
For a lovely day out, head to Riverwatch Aquariums to see some wonderful creatures. There are many different displays, including The Louch, a Rockpool, Deep Sea and Freshwater Environment. You’ll see aquatic animals such as starfish, lobster, crabs, eels, rays and some wonderful native species! Find out more.
Amelia’s Trust Farm, Barry, Wales
Credit: Amelia Trust Farm
The Amelia trust is a fantastic free to visit farm which is set in 160 acres of countryside in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan. It has so much for the little ones to see from the smallest to the biggest farm animals. It offers woodland walks and a great play area too. Find out more
Do you know any more fab and free activities? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!
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