Budget Family Days Out That Don't Suck (And Won't Bankrupt You)

Last Saturday cost me fifty quid. Fifty bloody pounds for what was supposed to be a 'magical family day out' at some indoor adventure hell that looked brilliant online. Two hours and three overpriced and shitty cups of ‘coffee’ later, I'm watching my three-year-old have a meltdown because the slides were 'too slidey' while I question every life choice that led to this moment. Come lunchtime, I made the mistake of just casually glancing at the menu card, which somehow telepathically told the kids I was about to flash even more cash on some grossly overpriced, undercooked food that none of them had any plan on eating.

It was about then that I started questioning every life choice I’ve made that ultimately led me to that moment, sitting there, deafened and defeated, watching my money disappear faster than my will to live.

Sound familiar?

Welcome to the expensive hell of trying to entertain children during school holidays.

Why School Holiday Activities Feel So Expensive

It never ceases to amaze me that once the summer holidays arrive, everybody is suddenly an activity coordinator. My social media feed is filled with all these images and videos of friends and other connections spending what has to be their family inheritance on theme parks, adventure centres, and exotic locations. Meanwhile, I'm over here doing mental gymnastics with my bank balance, trying to figure out how to keep the younger kids entertained for six weeks without remortgaging the house. I've given up on the older ones. It's week three; they can entertain themselves for a bit.

However, take a look at these photos. There's a reason so many of them are taken at the start of the day: leaving the house, the obligatory in-car shot, beneath the entrance sign, etc. It's because any photos taken later in the day will most likely reveal the truth. Tantrums, tiredness and generally grumpy behaviour, and that's not including how miserable the kids were.

The pressure on parents to provide more entertainment than a club 18-30's rep looking after a group of lads fresh back from getting their teeth done and all ready to wake up with a new STD is very real. It's because society has conditioned us to believe that good parents create magical memories through expensive experiences. Now my parents were shit, but I know plenty of good ones who did sweet FA with their kids in the holidays, and everybody turned out just fine.

But in 2025, we are all so blindly convinced that love equals spending, that we're willing to remortgage the house every August just so Jayden, Kayden, Xayden and Zayden can be entertained from morning until night. We're so sure that bored kids equal bad parenting that we buy into the bollocks and double down on stupidity because it's better than being made to feel guilt by Facebook and Instagram.

Of course, I'm not saying you should do nothing with your kids. It's great to get out as a family, but you don't need to bankrupt yourself to fill some corporation's pocket. There's a dinosaur park near where I live that doubles its ticket prices during the holidays. Read that again. They double their prices and convince us it's fine because they stay open an extra thirty minutes.

But here's the truth we all know but nobody is willing to voice.

Expensive days out are designed to extract maximum cash from stressed parents, not create genuine fun.

Expensive days are driven by guilt because people don't know how to spend time with their children.

Half the time, your kids would be just as happy to spend a day with their parents running around having fun. As parents, we have been sold hook, line, and sinker on the concept of quality time. Then we allowed ourselves to be convinced into thinking quality and cost are the same thing.

There is no such thing as quality time. There is just time with your children. But that's a post for another time, back to the originally scheduled rant.

Best Free Nature Activities for Families in the UK

Having fun with your kids should not mean taking out a loan or rebudgeting the rest of the year. There are plenty of cheap family fun days out in the UK that everybody will enjoy.

UK Beaches and Lakes Perfect for Family Days Out

Much like nature walks, a trip to the local beach or lake is a belter of a way to spend the day. Grab a bucket and a spade for the little ones, maybe a ball for the older kids, and you are all set. No end of fun can be had just digging a hole on the beach, and water, well, water is nature's playground.

Even if the water around the UK is not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing, it is still a fun place to splash away the day. Most kids don't care as long as there's sand to dig and water to splash in. Throw in an ice cream and the obligatory gritty, sand-dusted sandwich, and you have the recipe for a cheap family fun day out.

Nature Walks and Hiking Trails

There is no better way to spend time with your kids than out in the fresh air. Not only is it good for you, but they can run around to their hearts' content, and you don't need to worry about your house and possessions surviving the chaos. Seeking out local nature walks and hiking trails are free things to do with kids that they will remember more than the name of the rollercoaster they were too scared to ride.

Any parent will attest that all kids love collecting sticks, throwing stones in streams, and pretending they're explorers. Hell, I'm 41 and that sounds like a fun afternoon. All you have to do is grab some snacks from the cupboard and hit the road. Sure, the older ones might roll their eyes and tell you it's so uncool, but trust us, a few moments in the serenity of nature and their attitude will shift.

Geocaching is Educational and Fun

If you are looking for family activities on a budget, why not try something that also carries an educational benefit? Geocaching is a fancy modern term for orienteering. You've just upgraded your compass for something a little more technical. Now, I know it's week three of the holidays, and the temptation is to go for a drive, dump the kids in a field, and say last one back home sleeps on the floor, but trust me, there's fun to be had as a family with this one.

Geocaching quickly turns any area into an incredible treasure hunt. All you have to do is download an app, pick some nearby caches, and boom - you're Indiana Jones for the day - and the kids, well, they can be Short Round.

Kids love the mystery and the hunt, and as another little bonus, it's completely free once you've got the app, and even then, free apps exist too.

Playgrounds and Parks are Classics for a Reason

This one seems obvious, but sometimes those are the very things we overlook for that very reason. Pack a football, maybe some bubbles for the toddler, and let them burn energy by charging around in the open air with nothing but their imagination to guide them.

We love getting in the car and checking out different parks and playgrounds. In fact, last summer, I saw a mother on Facebook say that she and her daughter challenged themselves to visit every single playground in our town. It was close to 100, and they did it. It was great, and everybody got involved, dropping them addresses and places to help them get everyone listed and checked off.

The older kids might find it boring at first, but nobody is ever too old for a seesaw and a swing. The last time we went out to a playground, my wife and I sat timing the kids as they completed little obstacle courses, climbing, swinging, jumping, and rolling their way to happiness. Then, we got bored and joined in. They whipped our butts, but it was a fun afternoon that they all still remember fondly.

Local Family Activities You've Probably Missed

There is no shortage of fun family activities on a budget in your local area. You just need to know where to look. Hidden gems can be found everywhere, so why not start thinking like a tourist in your own town?

Visit a Local Museum

Unlike certain places we have mentioned, museums understand that desperate parents will do anything for air conditioning and two hours of peace. A number of museums offer free entry or cheap child tickets, and many also run special themed activities during holidays, making them a prime place for a low-cost family day out.

I'm sure your kids will claim they are boring, but this isn't the 90s museums that we had as kids. Most are now packed with interactive sections that attract and incentivise kids to explore and learn. There is also fairly good air conditioning, so if you're caught in the middle of another British heatwave, that alone is worth the price of admission.

Libraries Often Have Fun Free Activities

Shhhhhh, did you know that libraries aren't just for books anymore? No, far from it. The local libraries have long been places of solace for my wife and me. Check out their notice boards or Facebook pages, and you will likely see something planned for every day of the week. Or there are reading challenges for those little bookworms in the family.

The free activities range from story times and craft sessions to kid-friendly workshops. Some even offer play areas or computer access, which will likely appeal to the older ones. If it's a wet weather day or your funds are just depleted, but you need to get out of the house, the local library is an excellent sanity saver.

Check Out Community Centres and Churches

Another location that is easily forgotten, local community centres and churches are often good places to find events, summer fetes, and other get-togethers during the summer. These events are usually free and can also cover craft sessions, sports activities, or, in some cases, even movie screenings.

I'll be honest, we often forget about these places, as the events they hold are not often daily, or even weekly, but rather one-off affairs, but they can be a gold mine. So if you're fed up of staring at the same four walls, and out of creative ways to get the kids to go play in their room, a quick browse of your local Facebook groups or community boards could offer you the salvation you need.

How to Plan Family Picnics That Actually Work

Picnics are a great chance to make some wonderful memories … in theory! They are also a wonderful opportunity for kids to get covered in all manner of crap, including food you didn't bring, while dodging wasps, nettles, ants, and some absolute twat of a family whose precious little Wayne insists on kicking his football in your direction. You then end up playing some weird game with the little shit because he's too chubby to make the walk from his chosen spot to where you are sitting.

However, picnics do not have to end in disaster. These five simple tips will make picnic management a breeze, and give you a chance to relax along with everybody else.

Keep Food Simple and Finger-Friendly

Kids aren't culinary experts. If they are, I dare say this isn't the website for you. Keep your picnic food simple: sandwiches, fruit that doesn't bruise easily, crisps - any are good, but I have a soft spot for Monster Munch - and some form of biscuit that won't melt or crumble under the pressure of travel.

Avoid anything that requires cutlery. Not only do you not want to find yourself washing up in a public toilet, but who the fuck eats a picnic with cutlery? Be off with you!.

Pack More Drinks Than You Realistically Need

I firmly believe that kids are part camel. They can seemingly go days without drinking when playing make-believe or lost to the thrall of their tablets, but the minute you venture out for the day, they are suddenly gasping and need to drink three times their body weight, and only the juice you have run out of will suffice.

Always pack more drinks than you think you will need. You will thank yourself later once it's all said and done. Obviously, it also goes without saying that you should pick a spot strategically, with a good public convenience in rural areas within sight. You know what I mean! And for the love of everything, make sure it's nettle-free. I know the kids are annoying you by this stage of the holiday, but nettle burn after a nature wee ruins the day for everybody.

Food Alone is Not Enough for a Picnic

If you want to enjoy your picnic, and God forbid, maybe even relax a little bit, you will need to bring more than just food. We're talking a frisbee, some playing cards, a football - just don't be that family we mentioned above - and maybe even some crayons and coloring books. Anything to keep the kids occupied long enough for you to eat and have a short read in the grass before the slog of packing up and heading back home falls upon your shoulders.

A frisbee, cards, maybe some coloring books for when energy levels dip. A football works wonders for burning off excess excitement before the journey home.

Location, Location, Location

We already touched on the importance of correct rural toileting etiquette. Still, the right location for a picnic goes beyond that. You want to choose a place that has a bit of shade and sun, so that everybody is happy. Flat ground is the best option and gives you the strongest chance of avoiding spillages or apples trying to make a break back to freedom.

If you're anything like us, avoiding other people is another key part of picnic success. Spending the day with your family is great, spending it with some strange family makes it feel just as awkward as that family reunion you went to after your grandmother died. Playgrounds are great, but again, they attract other people's children the way your discarded jam sandwiches will attract uninvited creepy crawlies.

Mess is Inevitable and Resistance is Futile

If you want to really enjoy your picnic, you need to drop any expectation that the kids will reach the end looking anything like they did at the start. Mess is part of the experience, and while having wet wipes on hand is essential, you can't give the kids a full strip wash every time they get dirty. Let them loose, pick your battles, and wipe away the excess so they are at least still somewhat recognizable by the end of the day.

For this one afternoon, just embrace the chaos and let the kids burn off their energy outside, and remind yourself, at least they are not trashing the house.

School Holiday Activities Don't Always Require Driving Miles

The real trick behind a successful low-cost family day out is to manage expectations like a used-car salesman selling the oldest thing on the lot. Here is an often-overlooked wisdom nugget. Fun doesn't need to cost a fortune. It's all about getting the right mindset. Setting the scene and selling the kids up the river about how amazing it is.

It's time to stop measuring your parenting worth and kids' happiness against other people's edited and curated Instagram reels. They are not living life, but hunting down a viral moment at the expense of their kids. I once sat at the beach and watched a young mum with her daughter. They arrived, and the kid sat, stood, and posed in various positions for the perfect photo op. The mum then sat there editing and posting her pics, with the obligatory 'look at me' selfie, ignoring her daughter's request to play. Once everything was posted, she scooped the crying and confused kid up, shoved her in the buggy, and was gone again. #MumLife #Kids #FuckOffYouDozyTwat.

I digress!

Don't be this woman, or the countless other parents out there who do the same. Enjoy the time with your kids. Embrace the glorious chaos and teach them that there's more to success than a handful of likes and bloody retweets.

Lower the Bar and Watch Everyone Have a Better Time

Days out are supposed to be fun. Days out are like dancing. The stiffer you are, the harder it is to do it well. Do relax, lower the bar, and let the kids have fun. I know the holidays are hard work, and at this stage of the game, we parents are running low on fumes, low on ideas, and if we're honest, low on enthusiasm.

Just get out, set no expectations other than 'this might keep you entertained for a bit'. That is a recipe for success, and is far more attainable than hunting down some picture-perfect moment that will spark a family tradition for the third Wednesday afternoon of every August from now on.

There's Nothing Wrong With Being Bored

I loved being bored as a kid. It was where some of my best memories and stories started. Hell, I started writing because I was bored one afternoon in Spain when the whole place we were staying in shut down for an afternoon siesta. Twenty-seven years later, and I am still writing, so I'd say that was a successful spell of boredom.

Boredom breeds creativity and teaches kids that entertainment isn't something that happens to them or is handed to them on an entry ticket, but often something they will need to find for themselves.

Remember that Kids Often Prefer Simple Pleasures

Kids don't need an expensive day out to have fun. Give them a puddle to jump in, stones to throw, and sticks to collect, and they will be happy playing with the world around them and their imagination. Kids need space and time to explore, that's what it really boils down to. It's easy to forget that in this age of social media parenting.

If you're having a bad day, or money is running low, and parenting guilt is attacking you big time, take a deep breath and remember, your kids don't need expensive thrills to be happy. Children need presence, not presents.

The Real Magic Happens in the Ordinary

Let's be real for a few moments. The best memories of childhood are not expensive days out; they are about the shared experiences, the jokes, the adventures, and the unexpected discoveries. Small moments of pure joy can be found in the simplest of places.

Next time it rains, instead of running for cover, why not head outside and just get soaked? Stand there and laugh like idiots. It doesn't cost a thing, and I guarantee it will be a fond memory for decades, far more so than any trip to a theme park. Days out are about family bonding, and yes, while people will remember some of the places you visit, the memories are based around what you did together, and not how much it cost you to get in.

Give yourself a break. These are challenging times, and money doesn't grow on trees. Don't be pressured or guilted into doing something just because you see Sharon splashing out her universal credit money over in Lanzerotte. You're better than that!

Save your money for things that matter, like the three bottles of prosecco you will need to recover from your day out. Spend your time creating connections and showing the kids that mummy and daddy aren’t always shouty monsters, instead of chasing Instagram moments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Family Days Out

The following frequently asked questions cover all the key queries you’re likely to have about finding and surviving low-cost family days out this summer. The tricky part is having to double-plan due to the unpredictable nature of the UK summer.

How much should I spend on a family day out in the UK?

Whatever doesn't require you to eat beans on toast for the rest of the week. Look, if you're spending more than a tenner per kid on a regular day out, you're probably being mugged by corporate entertainment. The best family memories cost nothing - puddles, sticks, a packet of crisps, and the obligatory ice-cream will do more for family bonding than any overpriced theme park.

What are the best free activities for UK families when it's raining?

Libraries are your best friend on wet days. Most offer free craft sessions, story times, or a warm place to sit while the kids play. Museums often have free entry too, and they're usually empty on rainy days, so your lot can run about without disturbing anyone. Alternatively, embrace the British weather - put on the waterproofs and go puddle jumping. Because if there is one thing Peppa Pig has taught us, it is that every British family loves jumping up and down in muddy puddles. Seriously, we do, it’s great fun. Give it a go!

How do I find local family events and activities near me?

Facebook community groups are goldmines for this stuff. Every town has at least three groups where people share everything from free cinema screenings to church fetes. Library noticeboards are also brilliant - they're like the internet but without the keyboard warriors and rage bait.

Also, don't underestimate chatting with the other parents at school pickup. Maybe not all of them, but I guarantee there will be at least three mums who are on the pulse of every social activity within a ten-mile radius, and at least one will know about events before the organisers do.

Are outdoor activities safe for young children?

Safer than letting them loose in your house, every day for six weeks straight, that's for sure. Kids are basically indestructible rubber balls - they bounce really well. Obviously, you need to have some common sense when it comes to hazards like cliffs and busy roads, but a bit of mud never killed anyone. In fact, it builds character and saves on expensive toys because they'll be entertained by whatever nature provides.

What should I pack for a successful family picnic?

Simple food that won't turn into a science experiment if it sits in the sun for an hour. Sandwiches, fruit that won't bruise if someone sits on it, crisps (Monster Munch are my personal choice), and more drinks than you think physically possible. Also pack wet wipes, bin bags, and realistic expectations. If everyone comes home slightly dirty but smiling, you've won.

How do I manage kids' expectations for budget days out?

Lower the bar and watch everyone have a better time. Instead of promising "the best day ever," try "we're going to give this a go." Kids respond to enthusiasm more than expense. If you're excited about collecting conkers, they'll think it's the highlight of their week. It's all about the selling, not the spending.

What are the best UK beaches for families on a budget?

Any beach where you can park without remortgaging your house. Most UK beaches have the same ingredients - sand, water, a smattering of stones, and overpriced ice cream. The kids don't care if it's not the Maldives. They just want to dig holes and get sandy. Local lakes work just as well if you're landlocked - water is water when you're five years old.

Are there free museum activities for children during school holidays?

Loads. Most museums run special holiday programmes because they know desperate parents will turn up with coffee money and hope. Check their websites or give them a ring. Many have free entry anyway, and even the ones that charge usually do family tickets or cheap kids' rates. Plus, air conditioning on hot days is worth the entry fee alone. If you are close to London, all of the main museums, such as the Natural History, Science, and British museums, are always free, providing excellent days out for the whole family.

How can I keep teenagers entertained on budget family days out?

Good luck with that one, and you would be forgiven for asking yourself, ‘Do I have to take my teenagers out for the day?’ Teenagers think everything is either "cringe" or "dead." If you have your heart set on taking your more morose spawns along with you, the best bet is bribery - promise them some extra screen time, let them bring a mate, or offer to buy them something fizzy and caffeinated.

Geocaching sometimes works because it at least involves technology. Anything to get them out of the door, because trust us, once they are there, despite their protestations, the chances are they are going to enjoy themselves. Otherwise, just accept that they'll complain for the first hour, then secretly enjoy themselves while pretending they don't.