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.
Under a spectacular glass roof, children can see dinosaur skeletons and fossils on the ground floor and pick up a free Dinosaur Detective trail for ages 3–7. Family-Friendly Sundays run every Sunday afternoon, 2pm–4pm, with no booking needed. Open daily, 10am–5pm.
Official info →Reached through the back of the Museum of Natural History, so it is easy to combine the two in one visit. The dimly lit galleries are crammed with masks, boats, musical instruments and totem poles, and older children love hunting through the cases. Opens Monday from midday and Tuesday to Sunday from 10am, closing at 5pm.
Official info →Britain's first public museum, with free entry to the permanent galleries. The ancient Egypt galleries, with their mummies, are usually the biggest hit with children. Check the families page for trails and holiday activities before you go.
Official info →Oxford's large central parkland, next to the museums on Parks Road, with wide lawns, trees and paths down to the River Cherwell. It suits walks, picnics and letting off steam on the grass, and is easy to combine with the Natural History and Pitt Rivers museums next door.
Official info →A large country park run by Oxford City Council on Shotover Hill, with marked walking trails, orienteering routes and a natural sandpit beside a tiny stream that younger children love (follow the red trail). The lower paths from Brasenose Farm are the most accessible. Buses get you close, but expect a 15–20 minute uphill walk.
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.
Suggest a Listing