As the days get colder and the leaves turn red, there’s still plenty to do in the outdoors as a family, and it doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. We’ve put together a list of our top picks for family days out on a budget so you can make some memories without breaking the bank!
Grab yourself an insulated coat or down jacket and check out our top picks for low-cost and free fun days out for the family this autumn.
Jumbles Country Park, Bolton
Opened in 1971 by Queen Elizabeth II, Jumbles Country Park is a fantastic outdoor space in Bolton, Greater Manchester. It’s easily accessible by public transport and perfect for families as it offers a range of ways to enjoy the outdoors at no cost. Wildlife lovers will have plenty of birds and animals to spot during their visit, including the elusive Kingfisher, with fishing and sailing activities available throughout the year as well.
There is a 3 ½ mile circular route around the reservoir, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, with multiple extended routes should you wish to enjoy the fresh outdoor air for longer! The Jumbles Country Park Café is perfect for a quick lunch break, or to simply rest and enjoy the scenic view.
Roskillys Dairy Farm, Cornwall
Even with the colder days approaching this Autumn, kids are sure to be excited about ice cream! So why not take them to Roskillys Dairy Farm to learn how one of their favourite treats gets made? Located on the stunning southern tip of Helston, Cornwall, Roskilly’s is a working Cornish Organic Farm, run by a family of farmers since 1950.
With their very own deliciously smooth ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes and even toppings made on-site, the whole family will love the taste of Roskillys’ incredibly fresh dairy treats.
Admission is free for the whole family so there’s plenty to discover, including a milking parlour with viewing gallery, on-site restaurant, and beautiful meadows for walking in. Families can also meet the more than one hundred cows currently living on the farm, as well as the goats, pigs, birds, and other animals that make up the Roskillys Farmyard Family.
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Just because the kids are out of school for the holidays, that doesn’t mean they can’t learn something new! Located in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland is perfect for families as it’s packed with fun-filled activities for all ages to enjoy. Kids will love the interactive galleries, including driving a Formula One simulator, running in a giant power-generating hamster wheel, and even getting a robot to spell out their name!
With plenty to see, do, and discover, learning about the world around us has never been so much fun! Admission is free, meaning the whole family can go out and make some long-lasting memories at the National Museum of Scotland.
Beveridge Park, Fife
The 104-acre Beveridge Park was given to the people of Kirkcaldy, Fife as a green space to enjoy by Provost Michael Beveridge in 1892, providing a huge amount of space for outdoor activities. Today there are facilities for multiple sports and games, as well as a picnic area and several large play areas, making Beveridge Park perfect for families and children.
Little ones will love the magical Wizard’s Walk, an easy-going 1.9-km circular trail that takes you into the heart of the wood as you search for the elusive wizard statue. For longer walks or bike rides, the Woodland Walks provide lots of lush green space as you breathe in the crisp autumn air.
Heartlands Cornish Heritage and Culture, Cornwall
Dubbed as Cornwall's first free cultural playground, Heartlands Cornish Heritage and Culture is a family friendly visitor attraction in Cornwall, boasting a 19-acre Cornish Mining World Heritage Site with plenty to see and do. Offering free entry for all ages, the Heartlands has a ton of green outdoor space to enjoy, as well as a café and indoor entertainment for those unexpected rainy days!
Whether they want to learn, relax, explore or play, there’s a wide range of activities to keep kids happy, including the diaspora gardens and a giant indoor soft play area where they can create their own adventures.
Create It Arts & Crafts, Cheshire
Create It Cheadle is an arts and crafts café based in Wilmslow, Greater Manchester, with a whole range of creative activities to get stuck into, including painting, pottery, and papier-mâché. Families can even take part in silver or clay imprinting for a truly unique crafting experience!
Let kids express their inner artist as they decorate their own piece of pottery, chosen from a huge range of designs including mugs, bowls, money boxes, plaques, and more. With prices starting from just £5 per person (which includes having your pottery glazed and fired!) the whole family can enjoy a crafty day out with a keepsake to take home.
Wilderness Wood, Sussex
Looking for somewhere to take the family where you can just unwind, relax, and breathe in the crisp outdoor air? Look no further than Wilderness Wood found in East Sussex, home to 62 acres of woodland and wildlife, including a kitchen garden and Christmas tree field.
Even after enjoying an idyllic day of walking and a tasty picnic in the outdoors, there’s still a long list of things for the whole family to enjoy. The Wilderness Wood hosts a series of events and workshops throughout the year, with everything from choir and music groups to identifying fungi found in the forest! Check out their online timetable for ideas when planning your visit.
Admission for non-members is just £4 per person, or £15 for a household, so you can take the whole family out. Dogs are also welcome so your four-legged friend can join the fun too!
One Planet Adventure, Denbighshire
One of Wales’ most popular cycle parks, One Planet Adventure is home to a wealth of cycling routes and mountain biking trails with something for everyone. Cycling is a fantastic way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors, so dust off your bikes and get pedalling!
Each cycle route is colour coded so you can stick with your comfort level, or if you’re feeling daring, step up to the next challenge level. The Green path is a family-friendly route suitable for walking or cycling, making it ideal for little ones or just a relaxed day out with family.
When bringing your own bikes along you’ll pay only the parking fee, with under 16s able to enter for free!
So that’s our guide to family days out on a budget – whether you’re seeking new outdoor adventures or free half term activities for kids, there’s lots to discover all across the UK.
Looking for more ways to keep the kids entertained during half term? Check out our guide to some fun outdoor activity ideas for the school holidays here.
