National Trust – Free Explorer Backpack Trails
Hundreds of National Trust properties offer free Explorer Backpacks and nature trails for children. Borrow a backpack and discover wildlife.
Reliable family day-out ideas
Museums and galleries
Many offer free entry, family trails, hands-on exhibits, lockers, cafes and school holiday activities.
Animals and nature
Zoos, farms, aquariums, nature reserves, beaches and forest trails are strong all-weather or seasonal options.
Active days
Castles, theme parks, climbing centres, swimming pools and adventure playgrounds work well when children need to burn energy.
Choose by age and energy level
- Toddlers and preschoolers: Keep travel short, check buggy access and plan around naps, snacks and toilets.
- Primary-age children: Pick places with a clear activity loop: trail, play area, animals, workshops or collectable tasks.
- Tweens and teens: Look for independence, challenge or novelty such as climbing, escape rooms, science museums, skating or big walks with a food stop.
Before you go
- Check booking requirements, parking, public transport, toilets, food options and age suitability.
- Look for family tickets, off-peak discounts, Blue Peter badge offers, free return offers and local resident deals.
- Check whether pushchairs, scooters, dogs, packed lunches or re-entry are allowed.
- Keep a shorter backup plan in case weather, queues or tiredness changes the day.
Match the day to your family
A good day out is not always the biggest attraction. Parents usually get a better result by matching the outing to travel time, weather, food needs and how much energy everyone has left at the end of the week.
Low-energy day
Choose a local museum, library event, short trail, garden centre, cinema, cafe-plus-playground or a familiar park with one new thing added.
High-energy day
Look for outdoor space, climbing, swimming, bikes, beaches, country parks or attractions with several activity zones and places to pause.
Mixed ages
Prioritise venues with buggy access, baby-change facilities, safe toddler areas and enough challenge for older siblings.
Cost and booking questions
- Is the headline price per child, per adult, per car or per family?
- Are booking fees, parking, lockers, rides, workshops, animal feed or special exhibitions extra?
- Can you leave and re-enter, bring a packed lunch or move tickets if a child is ill?
- Does the venue offer annual passes, free return visits, off-peak rates or discounts through rail, council, employer or membership schemes?
What to check for accessibility and comfort
Before travelling, check step-free access, quiet spaces, Changing Places toilets, sensory guides, wheelchair hire, buggy storage and whether carers enter free. If your child finds busy places difficult, search for relaxed sessions, early openings or quieter weekday slots.
Build a realistic day plan
- Morning: Check live opening updates, weather, parking and whether tickets need a timed slot.
- Arrival: Find toilets first, agree a meeting point with older children and decide where lunch will happen.
- Middle of the day: Do the must-see activity before everyone is tired, then leave space for play or a slower wander.
- Exit plan: Have a clear leaving cue, especially if there is a gift shop, playground or long walk back to the car.
Seasonal ideas
Rainy days
Libraries, museums, soft play, swimming, indoor climbing and covered markets can rescue a wet weekend.
Summer
Water play, beaches, lidos, farms, forest trails and evening picnics make the most of longer days.
Winter
Light trails, pantomimes, city museums, short walks and hot-chocolate stops can be easier than full outdoor days.
When a paid day out is worth it
A paid attraction can be good value when it fills most of the day, suits the whole age range and avoids extra costs once inside. If the visit is mainly for one short activity, compare a free museum, park trail or local activity session before booking.
Useful next read: planning family days out. For lower-cost options, see free things to do with kids or browse activity-led ideas in children's activities.
Featured Days Out
Trusted options from across the UK
National Trust — Family Days Out
500+ properties with adventure playgrounds, trails, wildlife and historic houses. Annual family membership pays off in 2–3 visits.
Official info →Dungeons (The London Dungeon, Edinburgh, York, Blackpool)
Live actor-led history horror shows. Not for younger or sensitive children. Book online for cheaper tickets.
Official info →Go Ape
Treetop adventure courses with zip lines and rope bridges. Mini courses for younger children. Book ahead — busy at weekends.
Official info →Forestry England — Forest Play
Waymarked trails, play areas and wildlife at forests across England. Gruffalo trails, orienteering and seasonal events at many sites.
Official info →