Finding free children’s activities near you

It can be hard to find things to do with your child for free. The cost of days out at weekends and in school holidays can soon add up.

Getting out and joining in activities together can be great for your relationship with your child. It can help them to build confidence and make friends, especially if they struggle with socialising. It can also be a good opportunity for you to make friends with other parents and carers. You can enjoy activities with your child, without spending money.

Knowing where to find free activities in your area can help you to have fun as a family, without the added financial stress.

Your council website

Look for the ‘family information service’ on your local council website. Every council should publish information about services and activities for families in your area.

Local attractions, events and festivals

You can check for events in your local area on your local tourist information website. Some tourist information sites will list free and cheap attractions, such as:

• cheap and free things to do in England
• free days out in Wales
• free attractions in Scotland
• cheap and free things to do in Northern Ireland

In September, you can find heritage open days, where heritage sites have free entry and events.

Local library activities

Many local libraries offer free activities for children. These might be:

• storytelling sessions
• craft activities
• social groups for different ages

You can look at your library’s noticeboard or ask in the library if they have a newsletter you can sign up to.

Faith groups

If you are part of a faith group, they might run family days, particularly around religious holiday times.

Some places of worship offer free play groups or activity days that are open to everyone. You can go and ask in a local place of worship or look on its website.

Museums and galleries

A lot of museums and galleries are free to enter. They might offer events, exhibitions and activities for children at different times of year. Check the museum’s website to find out what’s on and whether you need to book.

Social media and forums

Look on social media and forums to see what is running in your local area. Many parents post on Facebook groups to let other parents know about events coming up.

If you have a disabled or neurodivergent child, you might worry about whether the activities in your area will be accessible and inclusive for your family.

Check the accessibility of your local venues and attractions.

The local offer

All local authorities should publish information about local services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Search your council website for the ‘local offer’.

Some local authorities keep a disabled children’s register. You don’t have to register your child, but if you do the local authority can send you information about events and activities.

Quiet sessions in museums

If your child is autistic, has ADHD or other sensory processing difficulties, they might find busy places overwhelming. Some museums and attractions hold sessions for neurodivergent children when it is closed to the general public. You can ask in your local museum or check its website.

Free entry and discounts for disabled children

Some attractions offer discounts or free carer places for families with disabled children. You might need to register for a membership or a discount card. Scope has information on disability discounts for days out and travel.

If your child gets free school meals, they should also be eligible for the holiday activities and food programme (HAF). HAF provides free holiday clubs, sports activities, creative workshops and meals during school holidays. You can ask your child’s school or nursery about what activities are running in the holidays or check your council website.

If you can’t find local activities, you can set up your own. Arrange a local meetup or picnic with other families. Or try an activity swap, where you team up with other parents and take turns hosting baking days, craft days or playdates. You can browse our articles for fun things to do at home.

Page last reviewed: April 2025
Next review due: April 2028