So, you’ve checked the recent weather forecast and it’s looking rather sunny for the next few weeks and you want to plan some quality outdoor family activities out in the open.
Where do I start? I hear you ask!
Rest assured, we have a wide range of diverse and unique outdoor family activities from ghoulish ghost tours, outdoor inflatable aqua parks, the best theme parks, kids museums, quirky butterfly houses and so much more…
Activity Centres
Why activity centres?
What better way to spend your family time than overcoming your fears of the high ropes? Challenge each other to a snowboarding race or cut through the clouds as your soar above a deep dusty quarry… Activity centres are the adrenaline pinching & laugh-out-loud experiences you NEED to spend your days out doing, which is why it is one of the most popular outdoor family activities.
Where should I try first?
You can find some of the most popular outdoor activities in our Action Attractions blog which includes Go Ape, Zipworld & more! Alternatively, here are some great noteworthy activity centres to try out…
Ready for an epic adventure? Head into the woods at The Tunnel Tree Tops in Charmouth where you’ll find an awesome high ropes course set high up in the trees, plus there’s even a zip wire to get down!
This outdoor adventure centre is 75 acres of pure fun! Only two miles from the centre of Birmingham, this hidden urban oasis offers unique experiences like canoeing in Birmingham’s famous canals…
Head to the Scottish mountains for a serene ski sesh! The ski runs extend over 3 valleys and 4 mountains on natural terrain. With nursery slopes for beginners too, you can grasp the basics of skiing and snowboarding in no time!
Fly across a 50m high zip wire – it’s 490m long and reaches speeds of 40mph! Adrenaline Quarry also has a Giant, floating inflatable Aquapark! Not to forget it’s wild karting track & axe-throwing too.
Parks & Gardens
Why parks and gardens?
Outdoor family activities don’t have to be action-packed or expensive and more often than not, parks & gardens are free family days out! Kids can explore and learn about the environment around them while also burning some energy. Parks usually have adventure playgrounds where kids can live out their pirate ship or Rapunzel fantasies, climbing to the highest peaks and swinging off on the nearest pole.
Gardens tend to be a part of stately homes and national trust spaces. They are usually immaculate and are magical for a child to explore. National trust gardens also have a fascinating history to them which you will also learn about when you visit them.
Where should I try first?
Check out our Parks Near You blog for parks across the UK that could be around the corner from where you live!
Yes, it’s the hotspot park in London! Hyde Park is one of London’s finest landscapes and covers over 350 acres within which are numerous fun family activities! Psst, there’s a lido, rowing boats and pedal boats too! You might want to take a towel & some spare clothes with you to this one.
Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Dumfries, Scotland
Journey through the story of the universe in 40 major areas of the garden which are spread over 30 acres of land. This garden has a fascinating history and was created with the help of a scientist… This garden is certainly a must-visit with its unique & optical illusion style.
Biddulph Grange Garden, Staffordshire
Stand on elegant Italian terraces, discover the Pharaoh inspired Egyptian courts and explore Oriental wonders such as the Pagoda and the Great Wall Of China! Open every day of the week, a worldwide adventure awaits you… Are the little explorers ready?
Did you know Lyme Park was in the film Pride & Prejudice? This stunning park has 1400 acres of glorious Greenland to explore. Try your hand at orienteering or some family favourites like hide and seek or tag! There’s an epic adventure playground too!
Why not visit the park that was filmed in Star Wars 7, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows?! This epic park is an interesting and mystical place, perfect for imaginative kids who love to adventure and re-enact their favourite films.
Safari Parks & Sea Safari
Why safari adventures?
Safari Parks are one of many popular outdoor family activities where you can spend the whole day outside watching, meeting and having your face painted as all your favourite animals. Children & animals together = pure magic. Safari parks also tend to have amusements, cafes & rides too so that your day keeps ongoing.
Where should I try first?
West midland Safari park, Staffordshire
Apart from the ride around the safari feeding and spotting all the beautiful animals you can also set out on the all-weather Discover Trail. Watch the safari’s daily Sea Lion Theatre shows, enjoy a rainbow of feathers at Lorikeet Landing and get a healthy dose of the heebie-jeebies at Reptile World. That is before you find yourself lost in the Land of the Living Dinosaurs – the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur attraction… Not to mention the epic seasonal trails held here too, you can check out our very own blog on the park’s Winter Lantern Festival!
Woburn Safari Park, Milton Keynes
What’s better than a safari? Two safaris, of course! Explore the wild side twice over at Woburn Safari Park on foot and by car. Either way, you’ll learn all about the park’s 1,000s of exotic beasts and where to find them. Let the little ones loose on the Mammoth Play Ark and for the littlest kids head to the Tiny Tots Safari Trail, watch them run, jump and dive right into the active fun.
Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, Warminster
Little adventurers wanted! See Anne the elephant, hunt down the wolf pack with your phone to snap that perfect picture and gasp at the magnitude of the white rhino as it comes crashing past your path. Take a jungle cruise on the lake to visit gorilla island and sea lions, hand-feed lorikeets and wander into the bat cave and monkey temple…
Paradise Wildlife Park, Herefordshire
Enjoy an award-winning day out at Paradise Wildlife Park, home to over 800 exotic animals, over 30 animal experiences to pick from and over 30 animatronic dinosaurs at World of Dinosaurs. It’s a must-do for animal lovers of all ages. Oh, and they also have five indoor & outdoor play areas, crazy golf and a giant splash pool too!
Orca Sea Safari, Falmouth, Cornwall
Who said safaris were land only? Hop aboard Cornwall’s top boating experience, the Orca Sea Safari in Falmouth! Marvel at the dolphins, seals, whales, puffins and the b-b-basking sharks! Take in the stunning panoramic views of the Cornish coastline as you listen to ancient tales of smugglers and the town’s mysterious history…
Seafari Adventures, Oban, Scotland
Y’alright skipper? Climb aboard the 2-hour sea adventure into the rugged and magical coast of Corryvreckan. It is the wildlife trip of ALL wildlife trips, as it takes you through a chain of islands where you will see seals, eagles, porpoises and deer! Keep an eye out for those whirlpools too as you pass through the famous Gulf of Corryvreckan which is home to the world’s 3rd largest whirlpool area…
Wildlife Parks & Farms
Why Wildlife Parks & Farms?
If you are looking for a peaceful & fascinating day out, take the kids to a nature reserve of your choosing. It’s not only animals that we, as humans, are intrigued by but all the marvellous minibeasts and beautiful butterflies who help the world go round too. Outdoor family activities that include animals are so special, as you get to make some unlikely friendships with creatures from all walks of life and you earn a little bit about yourself too.
The UK has a whole host of truly fascinating creatures and outdoor wildlife parks that are perfect when planning your next outdoor family activity.
Where should I try first?
If you are looking more specifically for farms near you then our Farmyard Fun blog will be right up your street! Find out where your best local farms in the UK are and what activities they hold…
The Magic of the Butterfly House, Aberystwyth
Immerse yourselves in the world of minibeasts & Butterflies. This unusual day out with the kids is a fun-tastic way to meet all the fascinating creatures and wildlife that contribute to our ecosystem. The house offers a top tip for all kids: channel your inner flower and dress as bright and colourful as possible so that butterflies will land on you.
Catanger Llama Trekking, Towcester
Join these gentle creatures on a two-mile trek around the farm, or on half-day journeys which will take you through beautiful woodlands, arable and pasture. Plus if you’re a celeb spotter, don’t miss a meeting with Spinach – the oldest working llama in the UK and a TV superstar!
Trentham monkey Forest, Staffordshire
60 acres of Staffordshire countryside, 140 free-roaming monkeys and 2 brand new adventure playgrounds all for under £10 per person! The Trentham Monkey Forest is one of the most unforgettable and must-visit locations for all families! If you are a family who doesn’t like animals behind bars then rest assured, this isn’t a zoo. The Barbary Macaques monkeys roam freely in their bubble of tranquillity.
Miniature Animal Farm at Huckleberry Woods, Kent
Okay, cuteness overload! These seriously adorable miniature animals range from little micro-pigs, miniature donkeys, Teddy Bear sheep and alpacas! You’ll be spoilt for choice and will feel like you’ve entered your happy place. You can take these delightful animals around Kent’s countryside as you walk, talk & pet your new friend. Huckleberry Woods is definitely a place to take kids of all ages.
Looking for fun outdoor family activities that include animals? The Miniature Pony Centre is the answer to your outdoor queries! It has a wide range of exciting activities for children and fun activities for families as a whole such as the chance to groom a pony, feed the ducks, work the loader on a real tractor or even help to herd the ponies into the barn and feed them. Burn off excess energy in one of many indoor or outdoor play areas. Do you want more fun activities for kids? Try out the Dartmoor Castle adventure playground, mini tractors, zip-wire and trampolines!
Chain Bridge Honey Farm, Northumberland
Discover first-hand the extraordinary tale of bees and honey! Take a peek at the Observation Hive where a living colony of bees can be viewed behind glass. Check out the quirky tea shop, it’s an old bus… Taste some delicious honey-flavoured ice cream from the farm shop and soak up the countryside. It’s a great place to visit at Easter too!
Outdoor Water Activities
Why Outdoor Water Activities?
Water activities are a broad range of outdoor activities from boating, outdoor inflatable aqua parks, surfing and even swimming with animals! Anything to do with water is always a magical experience and something that pushes you out of your comfort zone. Families tend to try outdoor water activities on their holidays but why not make it more of the norm? Water activities are not just fun but can teach you a great range of life skills too. Outdoor family activities like these are ALWAYS memorable!
Where should I try first?
New Forest Water Park, Fordingbridge
Take a trip to the UK’s first outdoor floating inflatable aqua park! You can explore the huge 80-metre long course which has 2 trampolines, monkey bars, flippers, slides, hurdles, rockets, rollers, an overhang climbing wall, a swing, a giant iceberg and much more. Test your balance on the wakeboarding activity or have a splashtastic time on the kayaks. Tired? Why not stay the night there as you dry off and get ready for day two…
Paddle West Row Boat Hire, Pembrokeshire
Create unforgettable childhood memories with your kids as you row around the stunning Pembroke Castle. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the breath-taking views around you; it’s the perfect activity for a nice, sunny day. The best part is – the whole family can take part. Psst, dogs are allowed on the boat too!
Get those endorphins popping on this amazing family outdoor activity. Try out a range of family activities like canoeing, kayaking & cycling all with the stunning Devonshire landscape behind you. Saddles and Paddles are positioned on the canal at Exeter Quay and near a traffic-free cycle route Exe Estuary Trail, making it an ideal location to bike or paddle from on your active family day out!
New Wave Surf School, Moray, Scotland
Surfs up! Learn how to ride a wave at the New Wave Surf School at Lossiemouth East Beach. Anyone from 6 to 106 years old is welcome to join the lessons. Lack of experience is not an issue, your pro surfing coaches are trained to teach you exactly what you need for your level. If you want to make this a regular activity why not join the parent and child surf club?
Cornwall Swimming Horses, Penzance
Neighhh way! Saddle up for a scenic coastal walk with a furry friend in Penzance! This magical experience is truly an unforgettable one and is the perfect place to take the kids all year round. Play around in the shallows with your horse friend, before swimming out further into the sea for your swim, no two swims with these horses are the same! This is one of our most unique listings, as well as being our most adorable too!
It’s time to push yourself out of your comfort zones and into the deep blue sea… This local child friendly company runs snorkelling courses for the whole family (over 8 years) and scuba diving courses for over 12s. They also have the Island’s only diving club which welcomes divers and snorkelers under 18!
Trails & Tours
Why trails and tours?
If you are looking to spend a day of exploration in an unknown city or to re-familiarise yourself with your own, then what better way to do that than through interactive trails! Outdoor family activities like this keep you excited and curious about the world around you… You should always keep your eyes peeled for seasonal trails in gardens and parks too, especially at Christmas when all that festive magic is in the air…
Where should I try first?
Mystery Trail, (multiple locations across the UK)
Solve clues and crack codes in this self-guided tour! You’ll be happy to know Mystery Trails have booklets available to purchase and try out all over the UK! From big towns to small villages and the mainland to islands – there’s a trail for everyone! All you have to do is purchase a booklet for £9.99 and head off on your adventure! Uncover unusual histories and peculiar buildings while you spend the day on the hunt for your next clue…
Ghost Bus Tours, (London, Edinburgh, York)
Rest assured this tour isn’t on foot but instead, on a Ghost Bus… Hop on the UK’s only comedy-horror theatre tour at The Ghost Bus Tours. Hold on tight for a fear-gripping, leg-slapping and mouth-dropping experience! The Ghost Bus Tour has 3 buses in the UK located in London, York & Edinburgh! Celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, Johnny Depp & Little Mix have all climbed aboard the Ghost Bus London for a wild and winding journey into the city’s haunting history…
Code Breaking Tour, (across the UK)
Mixing technology, geography and exploration, the Codebreaking Tour has trails & maps available all over the UK! Simply download the app and purchase a trail for just 99p. You choose where and when you want to do the trail & it’s a great way to get to know an exciting unknown city on a budget.
Harry Potter’s Tour For Muggles, London
Calling all Muggles! Starting at London Bridge tube station you can follow in Harry and their friends’ magical footsteps to explore film locations and real places that inspired Rowling and learn all about the weird and wonderful happenings during the filming of the beloved Harry Potter movies!
Embark on a guided tour on the calm rippling waters of Bedfordshire. Choose your vessel from a range of kayaks and canoes or you can hire the craft and go out paddling by yourself! Trek through the River Ouse and enjoy the varied wildlife from herons, ducks and kingfishers! You can also often see deer along the riverside, plus smaller creatures like rabbits and hares – how cute!
Theme Parks
Why theme parks?
To answer this question simply, kids love roller coasters, ghost trains, water rides, candy floss, and the otherworldliness of being in a theme park. Theme parks are not only for the thrill-seekers but their imaginative themes make a child feel as if they are stepping into the plains of a different world. Theme parks are fun for all the family because they have a great range of facilities, restaurants & gift shops, so you never need to worry about your day out.
Where should I try first?
If you are looking for the most popular theme parks feel free to check out our Theme Parks blog! Alternatively here are some other great family theme parks in the UK that offer a great range of outdoor family activities…
Greenwood Family Park, Gwynedd
Packed full of quirky thrill rides, activities, playground areas and much more, GreenWood Family Park has been voted the best family attraction in North Wales! Whizz along the World’s Only People Powered Rollercoaster, Splashdown UK’s first solar-powered water slide, Super sliding on North Wales’ longest sledge run and so much more! Did you know if you book in advance you save 15% on ticket prices?
Thorpe Park has the rides to deliver the thrills of your lifetime! Duck as you hurtle past giant blades on Saw The Ride, zoom in the sky on UK’s only winged roller coaster – The Swarm, and spin at breakneck speed on Colossus. Want more? Why not try Face Stealth, it’s one of Europe’s fastest roller coasters, accelerating from 0 to 80mph in under 2 seconds! Or take a forbidden journey through Derren Brown’s Ghost Train… There are lots to get stuck into at this theme park.
Oakwood Theme Park, Pembrokeshire
Why not add a little magic to one of your next outdoor family activities? Enter the fantasy world of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Charlie Bucket and all your favourite fairytale characters at Oakwood Theme Park. Would you brave the scary ghosts and ghoulish monsters on Spooky Street? Put your bravery to the test on the ‘Creepy Crawler’ ride and enter the Witch Hunt scare maze (only if you dare). Do you have a need for speedy coasters? Have a go at the famous Megafobia, Speed, and Drenched roller coasters. Make some memories that will last a lifetime at Oakwood Theme Park.
Found a good dollop of inspiration for your next outdoor family activity? If you are looking for more fun family activities check out our latest blogs. From UK breaks, water parks, petting zoos and so much more!