Family fun doesn't have to cost a fortune. We've gathered the best free activities for children, from museum visits and nature trails to library events and community festivals. Perfect for half terms, weekends and those 'what shall we do today?' moments.
A free museum with iconic locomotives, including Mallard, the world's fastest steam locomotive, and the Japanese Bullet Train. Open 10am to 5pm every day except 24 to 26 December, with last admission at 4.30pm. Booking free tickets online is recommended, and Station Hall and Great Hall have separate entrances. Children under 12 must be with an adult aged over 18.
Official info →More than ten acres of botanical gardens around the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, with an Edible Wood. Open daily 9am to 6pm. Picnics are welcome, but there are no ball games and no public toilets in the gardens; accessible toilets and baby changing are in the Yorkshire Museum. A kiosk near the Museum Street gate sells snacks and ice cream.
Official info →A large council-run play area with young children's equipment, climbing equipment for older children, a zip wire and a swing suitable for disabled children, plus a smaller open play area with climbing equipment and a table tennis table. The Rowntree Park Reading Cafe is in the park and there is a car park on Terry Avenue.
Official info →A raised walkway around the historic city, free and on foot only. The gates usually open at 8am and close at dusk, with closing starting at 3.30pm in November and December. It can close in ice, snow or high winds, so check with Visit York on 01904 909487 first, and expect steps if you are bringing a pushchair.
Official info →Free sessions of stories and rhymes for 0 to 4s and their grown-ups at libraries from Acomb and Clifton to Huntington and Tang Hall. Days and times differ by library, so check the schedule; York Explore runs sessions on Thursdays and Fridays at 10.30am.
Official info →Free Things to Do 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.
Parks, playgrounds, woods, beaches, canals, sculpture trails and local nature reserves are reliable free options.
Libraries, free museums, galleries, community centres and shopping-centre events can save a rainy day.
Photo scavenger hunts, local history walks, bug spotting, den building and simple craft challenges can turn ordinary places into activities.
The best free family options are often run by public bodies or community groups rather than large attractions. Check these regularly, especially before half terms and school holidays.
Look for story time, Lego clubs, reading challenges, craft mornings, park events, family trails and holiday activity programmes.
Many UK museums are free to enter and add bookable workshops, handling sessions, trails or relaxed family openings during holidays.
Children's centres, faith venues, markets, shopping centres and local charities often run free or pay-what-you-can family sessions.
Story time, playground circuits, duck-spotting, sensory walks, splash parks and simple train or bus trips often work better than long days.
Treasure hunts, nature bingo, free museum trails, den building, geocaching and local history challenges add purpose.
Photography walks, skate parks, sports courts, volunteering tasters, big bike rides and free festivals can feel less babyish.
Library challenge, indoor picnic, free museum room, shopping-centre trail or a short bus ride with a snack stop can be enough.
Use parks with hills, pump tracks, multi-use games areas, woodland loops, beaches or canal walks where children can move safely.
Suggest plans where paid extras are optional, so families joining you do not feel pressured to spend.
For a wider mix of paid and free options, browse days out with kids or use the free things to do guide for more planning prompts.
We're prioritising useful, factual listings for parents. Providers and parents can suggest additions for review.
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