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 call for indoor activities, wet-weather options, educational visits or something that works for mixed ages. This guide brings together family-friendly ideas from across UK Holiday Breaks.
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 pitched for younger children.
Explore Theme Parks →Waterparks
Waterparks and leisure pools are particularly useful for families when the weather is uncertain. Indoor slides, wave pools, splash areas and tropical pools make a great wet-weather day out.
Explore Waterparks →Zoos and Safari Parks
Zoos, safari parks and wildlife parks are popular with children and adults alike. They offer a mix of animals, conservation, play areas, talks, gardens and full-day family activities.
Explore Zoos and Safari Parks →
Indoor and Rainy-Day Ideas
Museums and Galleries
Museums and galleries are ideal for wet-weather days, city breaks and educational visits. Many larger museums have family trails, hands-on areas, cafés and changing exhibitions — and the best national museums are free to enter.
Explore Museums and Galleries →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 alongside the ice.
Explore Ice Skating →Snow Centres
Indoor snow centres offer skiing, snowboarding and snow play year-round, regardless of the weather. Especially useful if you want something active and completely 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 and other indoor activities.
Explore Tenpin Bowling →Outdoor and Adventure Ideas
Go Ape
Go Ape offers forest-based outdoor adventure activities including treetop challenges, zip wires and rope crossings across sites throughout the UK. A great choice for families, older children, teenagers and groups who want something active and different.
Explore Go Ape →Scenic Rail Trips
Scenic and heritage railway trips offer a more relaxed family day out, especially if you enjoy countryside, steam railways, narrow-gauge railways or coastal views. A wonderful way to see the UK at a gentler pace.
Explore Scenic Rail Trips →Historic Sites
Castles, abbeys, cathedrals, Roman sites and stately homes make interesting family days out. Many historic places also have gardens, trails, exhibitions and specific family activity programmes.
Explore Historic Sites →Go Underground
Caves, caverns and mines give families a very different kind of day out. Some are gentle show caves, while others are more adventurous underground experiences. A fascinating and memorable alternative to a conventional attraction.
Explore Go Underground →Planning Tips for Family Days Out
Before choosing where to go, it’s worth thinking about the age range of your children, whether you need indoor or outdoor activities, the weather forecast, journey time, parking, food and drink facilities and 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. Always check the attraction’s own website for current opening times, booking requirements and any age guidance before travelling.
More to explore: Family Days Out Guide | UK City Breaks | Holiday Cottages | Holiday Parks