Family Days Out in the UK

Planning a family day out is much easier when you can quickly compare different types of attractions. Some days need outdoor space and adventure, while others need indoor activities, wet-weather options, educational visits or something suitable for mixed ages.

This guide brings together family-friendly ideas from across UK Holiday Breaks, including theme parks, waterparks, zoos, museums, historic places, underground attractions, rail trips and indoor activities.

Before travelling, always check the attraction’s own website for current opening times, booking requirements, age guidance and visitor information.

Big Family Attractions

Theme Parks

Theme parks are a strong choice if you want rides, shows, family areas and a full day of entertainment. Some are best for thrill rides, while others are better for younger children.

Explore Theme Parks

Waterparks

Waterparks and leisure pools can be useful for families, especially when the weather is uncertain. Indoor slides, wave pools, splash areas and tropical pools can make a good wet-weather day out.

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Zoos & Safari Parks

Zoos, safari parks and wildlife parks are popular with children and adults. They can offer a mix of animals, conservation, play areas, talks, gardens and full-day family activities.

Explore Zoos & Safari Parks

Indoor and Rainy-Day Ideas

Museums & Galleries

Museums and galleries can be ideal for wet-weather days, city breaks and educational visits. Many larger museums have family trails, hands-on areas, cafés and changing exhibitions.

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Ice Skating

Ice skating works well as an indoor family activity, especially for older children and teenagers. Some centres also offer lessons, family sessions, cafés and other leisure facilities.

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Snow Centres

Indoor snow centres can be a fun option for skiing, snowboarding, snow play and lessons. They are especially useful if you want something active and different from a normal indoor attraction.

Explore Snow Centres

Tenpin Bowling

Tenpin bowling is easy to understand and works well for mixed-age groups, birthdays, rainy days and evenings out. Many venues also have food, drinks, arcades or other indoor activities.

Explore Tenpin Bowling

Outdoor and Adventure Ideas

Go Ape

Go Ape offers forest-based outdoor adventure activities such as tree-top challenges, zip wires and rope crossings. It can be a good choice for families, older children, teenagers and groups who want something active.

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Scenic Rail Trips

Scenic rail trips can be a more relaxed family day out, especially if you enjoy countryside, steam railways, narrow-gauge railways or coastal views.

Explore Scenic Rail Trips

Historic Sites

Castles, abbeys, cathedrals, Roman sites and stately homes can make interesting family days out. Many historic places also have gardens, trails, exhibitions or family activities.

Explore Historic Sites

Go Underground

Caves, caverns and mines can give families a very different kind of day out. Some are gentle show caves, while others are more adventurous underground experiences.

Explore Go Underground

Educational Days Out

If you want a day out that is fun but also educational, good options include:

Museums & Galleries
Historic Sites
Factory Tours and Behind-the-Scenes Visits
Go Underground
Zoos & Safari Parks
Scenic Rail Trips

These attractions can help children learn about history, science, nature, engineering, transport, animals and how things are made.

Planning Tips for Family Days Out

Before choosing where to go, it is worth thinking about:

Age range of children
Indoor or outdoor activity
Weather forecast
Journey time
Parking
Food and drink
Toilets and baby-changing facilities
Accessibility
Booking requirements
How long the visit is likely to take

For younger children, shorter visits and flexible plans often work best. For older children and teenagers, more active or unusual attractions may be more appealing.