Before your little ones reach double digits, tick off this bucket list of family day trips across the UK for family fun – as chosen by a ‘just’ ten-year-old. We’ve thrown in some classics and a few quirkier family day-out adventures – and for all budgets.
1. BeWILDerwood
Let imaginations run wild while they still ‘believe’ at the ultimate adventure playground – BeWILDerwood. Squirrelled away in woodlands in Norfolk and Chester, kids roam freely in treehouses, navigating winding pathways and zip wires along the way. Upping the magical feel is interactive storytelling about whimsical characters in bell tents and wooden shacks, along with face painting and crafts.
A dreamland for… outdoorsy folk with an apathy for indoor soft play. We promise there’s not a dusty ball pit in sight here.
2. The Van Gogh Immersive Experience
Step into the paintings and surreal world of Van Gogh with the ultimate immersive experience. Touring nationally since 2017, this is one of the best – 5,000,000 plus visitors can’t be wrong. The 1000 m2 light and sound are such a spectacle, little ones won’t even know it’s educational. The add-on VR experience (for an additional fee) at the end will be a bonus for any tech-mad kids out there, too.
A dreamland for…budding artists in the making and tech-mad soon-to-be-tweens alike.
Image credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Work your parenting wizardry with a surprise family day trip to Harry Potter Studios in London – you’ll be in for some serious brownie points. Highlights include the iconic Great Hall, filled with props and costumes to help your little ones step into the magical world of Hogwarts, and the bustling wizarding shopping street, Diagon Alley. Granted, this is one of the pricer family day trips to make it on our list, but it’s worth it.
A dreamland for…Harry Potter fanatics – young and old.
Image credit: Eureka!
4. Eureka!
Make the everyday magical at Eureka in Halifax – The National Museum for Children dedicated to showing kids how everyday stuff works through interactive exhibits (indoors and out). Fostering creativity, exploration, and learning through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics is the name of the game here. Not that your little ones will notice. They’ll be far too busy having fun to notice there’s any learning involved on this family day trip. The café overlooking a sensory garden is a winner too for anyone in need of a caffeine boost.
A dreamland for…lovers of facts and curious little minds.
5. Cadbury World
Dive into a chocolatey world with a family day trip to Cadbury World in Birmingham. With Freddo’s Stage Show and an outdoor play area for when the sugar rush kicks in, there’s more to chocolate than you think. Prepare for an obscene amount of sweet treats included in the entry fee – but that’s all part of the decadent fun.
A dreamland for…anyone mad about chocolate. Which translates to pretty much any kid, right? There are products for anyone with dietary requirements, too.
6. Thames Clippers
Skip the overpriced River Thames cruises and hop on the Thames Clippers instead. Nearly the same price as a tube trip but double the fun, you can see all the sightseeing hotspots from the comfort of the indoor cabins, or if the sun’s shining, from one of the open back decks. Head down towards Battersea Power Station to marvel at the incredible architecture and take a stroll around Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, before dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. Then travel back at dusk as the lights of London spark on. That’s a family day trip right there.
A dreamland for…city day trippers wanting to tick off London landmarks without the crowds.
7. Chester Zoo
Play ‘spot your favourite zookeeper’ from the Channel Four hit series, The Secret Life of the Zoo at Chester Zoo. Covering over 125 acres, and with hundreds of animals to see (including the adorable red pandas), there’s a lot of ground to cover here. The monorail (for an additional fee) will help any tired feet.
A dreamland for…any Doctor Dolittle’s in the making.
8. Kitty Cafe
Put cat cafe into a local Google search and you’ll see furry emporiums popping up all over the shop. While not all cat cafes welcome children, Kitty Café with branches in Birmingham, Leicester (soon to open), Leeds, and Nottingham happily allow little ones, too for family fun. Watch a gang of adorable rescue cats parade about as you tuck into afternoon tea on the cushy sofas.
A dreamland for…anyone crazy about cats – and cake.
Image credit: Adrenaline Alley
9. Adrenaline Alley
Take things up a notch at Adrenaline Alley Skatepark in Corby. Europe’s largest indoor skatepark – this is one place that’s sure to impress your adrenaline junkies in the making. Not just exclusive to skateboarding, there are dedicated areas for scooters, too. The drop-in diner is handy for refuelling rumbling tummies and there’s a SkateHut shop to treat kids to some cool swag.
A dreamland for … BMX, mountain biking, scooter, skateboard, and inline enthusiasts.
10. Big Fish, Little Fish
Get down to some banging beats with your little peeps at a daytime family rave. Think mini-festival with none of the faff of camping and all the family fun. Big Fish, Little Fish is one of the original gatherings and still going strong. Glow sticks at the ready, folks!
A dreamland for … little movers and rockers in the making.
Ready for more family day trip inspiration from Stay Play UK? Check out our other blogs here.