20 FREE Ideas for Family Outings this Easter

1. Museums

Visiting a museum is both fun and educational…and they’re usually free to visit.  There are lots of different museums dotted around the UK each offering something different, including Science, Natural History, Art, Culture exhibits and more – use this handy guide to find your nearest museum: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/free-museums-and-art-galleries.

2. Forest Walks

Wrap up warm and take a walk in the woods with the family.  Stick to the nature trails so you’ll end up back at the car park and not get lost!  The kids will love kicking the leaves around and climbing trees.  Take a carrier bag and collect leaves, conkers, acorns and more, and then make a collage with your new found treasure when you get back home.

3. Step Back in Time

Show the kids a taste of the good old days with a visit to a historical attraction site.  The original buildings have been preserved, and staff dress in traditional clothing, making the experience true to life for your little ones.  Check out the Black Country Living Museum in the Midlands here – http://www.bclm.co.uk/.

4. Beaches

Pack the car up and head to the nearest beach!  Make your own packed lunch, grab the bucket and spade and have a fun day by the sea.  Even if the weather isn’t great, walk the promenade with a bag of chips and take in the sea air.

5. Country Parks

Country parks are so much more than a field, they offer the perfect free family outing.  They have climbing frames, nature trails, ponds where you can feed the ducks and much more.  Take a picnic, a football and even the dog for a fun family day out.

6. Play Tennis

There are lots of tennis courts dotted around the UK that are free to use – this website will help you find them: http://www.tennisforfree.com/index.php.  Tennis is a great way to keep fit and a fun activity for all age groups.  Even toddlers make great ball girls and boys!

7. Garden Centre

Some garden centres these days are like mini villages, with pet shops, aquatic centres, cafes, plant nurseries, shops and much more.  Have a look around then enjoy a lazy lunch to save washing up.

8. Strawberry Picking

During this Season you head to your local strawberry farm to pick your own.  Give the kids a punnet to fill – they’ll have great fun competing to find the biggest, juiciest strawberry!

9. Heritage Sites

Pay a visit to a historical site to discover the past – a great day out that’s educational too.  The English Heritage website will guide you to your local attraction sites, including castles and monuments: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/.

10. Festivals

The Festival Calendar is bursting with local food festivals, carnivals, music festivals and more – some of which are completely free!  Check it out here so you can start planning for the year: http://www.thefestivalcalendar.co.uk/.

11. Community Events

Your local community will have a wealth of free events taking place, but they aren’t always so good at spreading the word.  Take a look in local newspapers and billboards in your village for information.

12. In The Garden

You don’t have to step further than your back garden for a great day out.  Have a barbecue, play football, have a water fight, do some gardening together – there are plenty of things you can do outside in your own back garden.

13. Bike Riding

Grab your water bottles and helmets and get on your bike!  Cycling is another great way to keep fit whilst having fun.  Make a day of it and take the bikes and a picnic to a cycle trail – the British Bikes website will help you find one: http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/recreation/article/bcst-where-to-ride-0.

14. Car Boots

Whether holding a stall or being the customer, car boots are great fun.  Get rid of your old things and make a better of extra spending money by holding a stall at the car boot – it’s a fun way to clear the garage or empty the attic!

15. Visit Relatives

Visiting friends and family is completely free!  You could also invite them to a small garden party if the weather is nice.  Enjoy some adult conversation whilst the kids run around and play without it costing you a penny.

16. Splash Around

Swimming is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy together.  You’ll also find free kids swim passes available at selected swimming pools – check out this website to find a local pool: http://www.better.org.uk/promotions/free-swimming.

17. Hit the Shops

Head to a local retail park for a browse around the shops – a leisurely way to spend an afternoon at no cost as parking is usually free.  Look for one with a toy shop or pet shop so the kids can have fun playing with the toys or seeing the animals.

18. Feed the Ducks

Take some bread to a local park and feed the ducks.  This is a favourite with little children especially; they’ll love quacking along as the ducks shout out for more bread!

19. The Library

Take your little bookworms to the local library and let them read until their heart’s content!  They’ll love being able to choose their favourites and take them home to read.

20. Farm Parks

Whilst Zoos usually charge an admission fee, some working farms are free to visit!  You can buy animal feed for a couple of pounds when you arrive, then head out and feed the ducks, pigs, cows, sheep and more.