Stuck for ideas this weekend? Browse our pick of family days out in Leicester, from world-class museums and wildlife parks to hidden gems right on your doorstep. We include prices, age suitability and what to expect so you can plan ahead.
Leicester’s signature family day out with interactive space galleries, a towering rocket display and the UK’s largest planetarium. Book timed tickets for weekends and holidays, allow three to four hours, and check Small Space / toddler events if you have under-fives — parking is on-site beside Abbey Pumping Station.
Official info →Formerly New Walk Museum — a free city museum with dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt and temporary shows. Parts of the building are closed for 2026 gallery works, so check open galleries and cafe status before you promise a full day, and pair with a short New Walk stroll for younger children.
Official info →The story of Richard III’s discovery under a Leicester car park, with interactive exhibits and the original grave site view. Better for school-age children than toddlers; no on-site parking so plan Highcross or nearby council car parks, and combine with Cathedral Square for a shorter half-day.
Official info →Leicester’s industrial museum with beam engines, vintage vehicles and a technology play area — general entry is typically free outside event days. Opening is limited (holiday Mondays and special events), so check dates before you travel; park at the neighbouring Space Centre car park and walk across.
Official info →Leicester’s landmark glass-fronted theatre in the Cultural Quarter, with a regular family and Christmas show programme. Check age recommendations and running times before booking littler children, and arrive early for foyer space — useful as a planned evening or matinee rather than a drop-in day out.
Official info →Days Out vary by age, timetable and provider style. Parents usually get the best results by checking practical details first: location, session length, costs, age range, booking terms and how the provider handles safety and communication.
Shortlist options that fit your normal school run, weekend routine or holiday dates before comparing extras.
Ask about trial sessions, what is included, staff checks, cancellation terms and what your child needs to bring.
Keep one backup option nearby in case a class is full, a camp sells out or weather changes your plans.
Many offer free entry, family trails, hands-on exhibits, lockers, cafes and school holiday activities.
Zoos, farms, aquariums, nature reserves, beaches and forest trails are strong all-weather or seasonal options.
Castles, theme parks, climbing centres, swimming pools and adventure playgrounds work well when children need to burn energy.
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.
Choose a local museum, library event, short trail, garden centre, cinema, cafe-plus-playground or a familiar park with one new thing added.
Look for outdoor space, climbing, swimming, bikes, beaches, country parks or attractions with several activity zones and places to pause.
Prioritise venues with buggy access, baby-change facilities, safe toddler areas and enough challenge for older siblings.
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.
Libraries, museums, soft play, swimming, indoor climbing and covered markets can rescue a wet weekend.
Water play, beaches, lidos, farms, forest trails and evening picnics make the most of longer days.
Light trails, pantomimes, city museums, short walks and hot-chocolate stops can be easier than full outdoor days.
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.
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