If you're looking for ideas for the best days out for toddlers in the UK and Ireland, you've come to the right place. We've got loads of great suggestions from indoor days out to cheap days out and even seasonal days out. From exploring Peppa Pig world to a medieval duel at Warwick Castle, enjoying one of the UK's best water parks, or perhaps a trip to London for a city adventure, there is something to spark the imagination in every child.
We understand it can be hard to keep little ones entertained, especially for a whole day so we have included everything from activities such as toddler theatre shows and museums to places where your toddler can run wild outside. Whether they love the ocean and want to explore an aquarium, or you want to catch up with friends with a picnic or enjoy the sunshine in a pub garden, or you need something to entertain on a rainy autumnal day, we have it all covered.
Read on for inspiration for days out during the school holidays, for special occasions and during all seasons.
Best days out for toddlers UK: England
Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Wonder
Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Wonder is a fun and exciting show for toddlers (and all the family), featuring lots of familiar Disney favourites including Moana, Mirabel, Elsa and Buzz Lightyear. Watching their favourite stars of screen and cartoons skating around the ice is guaranteed to delight little ones, and their parents! This Disney live show is touring throughout the UK from 20 February until 23 March 2025.
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
From epic bird shows to a medieval dining experience and even a Horrible Histories maze - there is lots of fun to be had at Warwick Castle for the whole family! Throughout the year they host kid-friendly activities and events, including a Festival of Archery during February half term.
LEGOland Windsor
LEGOland Windsor boasts over 55 rides and attractions, as well as shows and events. There are plenty of areas suitable for tots, babies and adults - so everyone can join in the fun. Even better, they're bringing back Brick Days for February Half Term so you can have even more fun on a day out! (available on selected dates from 15th February - 9th March 2025).
Cbeebies Land, Alton Towers
CBeebies Land is where your little one’s TV dreams come true. From In the Night Garden to Postman Pat, expect your tots to be star struck as you make your way around the attractions. CBeebies Land is part of Alton Towers, so there's plenty more to do if you have older kids too, which is great while the little one is having a nap. If you are staying, we'd recommend a stay at the CBeebies Hotel!
SEA LIFE Brighton
Whether your tot is up for feeding turtles or even Sharks (if they're brave), Sea Life Brighton is an aquarium like no other! With areas including Day and Night Ocean experience, Rainforest Adventure, Secrets of the Reef and even a glass bottom boat, this is both fun and educational.
Thomas Land, Drayton Manor Park
Calling all Thomas the Tank Engine fans, a day out at Thomas Land will make all your dreams come true! Take a ride down the railway with either Thomas, Rosie or Percy, or take to the sky with James - there's plenty of Thomas and friends themed attractions to explore at Thomas Land. Plus, it's part of the larger Drayton Manor Park so older children can hit the scarier rides if they dare!
Gulliver's Land, Milton Keynes
Gulliver's Land in Milton Keynes is well worth a visit with your tot! Pop into the Whispering Woods and take the Fairy Trail through to turn all your toddler’s worries into wishes. There are also many familiar faces at Gulliver's Land including Bing, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Elmer. This makes for a really busy, fun packed day.
The Deep Aquarium, Hull
Make some fishy friends at this award-winning aquarium in Hull, The Deep! Your tot can learn about life under water and see a huge variety of sea life! With a mission to 'to create a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, and inspire positive change for ocean survival,' we think this is a great place for both an educational and entertaining day out. Buying a day ticket gets you annual membership so you can return as many times as you want.
Willow's Farm, St Albans
Come and play with the much-loved stars of the animated CBeebies series ‘Peter Rabbit’ at Willows Activity Farm, near St. Albans. Visit Peter’s Secret Treehouse, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s Kitchen and Lily Bobtail’s Nature Discovery at the first Peter Rabbit themed adventure play area of its kind.
Peppa Pig World, Hampshire
From Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter ride, to Muddy Puddles Water Splash Park, to George’s Spaceship Indoor Playzone - Peppa Pig World has all you need for a family fun day out! Nestled in The New Forest in Hampshire, you and your tot are bound to have a ball in this beautiful setting. Plus Peppa Pig World is part of Paulton's Park theme park so there is lots to do for big kids too.
Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Gloucestershire
Take your tot to feed an array of ducks, geese and swans at Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, plus visit the flamingos and explore the watery world of Toad Hall. You can also splash about at Welly Boot Land or enjoy the indoor soft play, it’s definitely the perfect day out during the warmer months, or if you wrap up warm, it is fun for winter too.
Bubble Planet, London
Looking for a unique experience for the whole family to enjoy during the school holidays? Visit Bubble Planet for a fun-filled day with lots of interactive experiences. Full of different exhibitions including LED room, selfie room, infinity room and even a bubble bath themed room, there is something for everyone, young and old alike. Located in Wembley in London, each visit should take between 60 - 90 minutes.
Battersea Children's Zoo, London
Battersea Children's Zoo is set in Battersea Park and is ideal for toddlers and young children. It's home to 100 animals from around the world, including monkeys. meerkats and tropical birds and there's also an adventure playground and regular animal experiences, activities and keeper talks to introduce little ones to a fascinating world.
Ireland:
Aillwee Cave, County Clare
Another great option if you are based in Ireland is the Aillwee Burren Experience, which is located in County Clare and offers one of the best views of Galway Bay. It's also one of the oldest caves in Ireland. As well as a tour of the cave, you can sit down and watch flying displays at the Birds of Prey centre, the home to eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls from all over the world.
Dublin Zoo
If you're based in Dublin, or you are planning a trip to Ireland during the school holidays, then why not head to Dublin Zoo? It promises a fun-filled day out for all ages and the place to learn more about animals through regular keeper talks. Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest zoos and home to 400 animals. You can save up to 15% by pre-booking your ticket.
Scotland:
Glasgow Spy Mission Treasure Trail
An ideal safe day outdoors, follow the Glasgow Spy Mission Treasure Trail, solving clues en route as well as taking in the views and exploring the area. Your little ones will love playing detectives and so will you. Starting at Hillhead Underground Station, you can explore Great George Street, Gibson Street and around some of Glasgow's most iconic buildings.
The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre
If you and your little ones love treetop adventures and scenic trails, the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre in Aberfoyle should be on the top of your list when you're in the area. With something that everyone can enjoy including wildlife watching, orienteering and Go Ape. If you are looking for something less strenuous there are a variety of walking trails and even one to a waterfall. As some of the activities are free, this makes for a great cheap day out with toddlers.
Wales:
Treetop Adventure Golf, Cardiff
Treetop Adventure Golf is perfect for a wet day in Cardiff, and something for all ages. With a theme of a tropical rainforest, you won't be disappointed. There are different levels for everyone to enjoy, including Tropical Trail and Ancient Explorer.
Folly Farm, Pembrokeshire
Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire has something for everyone. From the zoo with its lions, rhinos, giraffes and penguins to the fairground rides, and indoor and outdoor play areas, there's no change of getting bored here.
The best theme parks for toddlers
From Chessington World of Adventures, Paulton's Park, Pleasure Island and even Digger Land, there are so many brilliant theme parks for toddlers in the UK! While they may not be able to go on all the rides, there is always something for them to do with lots of toddler friendly areas. Theme parks make a great day out for all the family because there is something to entertain everyone.
Seasonal days out for toddlers
With the ever changing season and unpredictable weather, sometimes you need to plan days out ahead, to ensure you choose something appropriate for winter or summer, or even special occasions. Some great summer days out could include petting zoos and family friendly festivals. For autumn days out, why not embrace the season and find a pumpkin patch near to you. When the weather starts to warm up, wildlife parks are a great choice for spring days out, as well as leisurely snow drop walks. You can also find some great Easter days out in spring with egg hunts to keep the little ones entertained (and topped up with chocolate!) Finally, Christmas days out are perfect in winter and a great way to kickstart the celebrations, so have a look into places such as Lapland UK, festive illuminations and of course, Santa's Grottos. And if you need to get everyone out of the house after Christmas, there are some brilliant Christmas breaks and days out to explore.
Toddler days out London
If you're looking for fun toddler days out in London, there are plenty of things to do in London with kids, including toddler-friendly interactive experiences, museums, Royal Parks, and playgrounds.
Plus, if you have an animal lover, there are zoos and parks packed full of cute and cuddly critters and even the king of the jungle at London Zoo.
Row a boat in Hyde Park
During the spring and summer months, the Royal Parks offer one of the best, and free, days out in London for toddlers. Whether it's to find the perfect picnic spot with the kids or you can go boating on the serpentine, it's a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Let their imagination run wild at the Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground
If they need to burn off some energy, the Diana Memorial Playground is the perfect place to do that. With a giant pirate ship in the middle, teepees and sensory trail, it's inspired by the stories of Peter Pan and is an ideal spot to let their imaginations run wild. It's also located just next to Kensington Palace, so you're close to lots of things to do and see.
See the sights on The Toot Bus
If this is one of your toddler's first days out in London, then they might want to see all the sights on a simple hop on, hop off bus trip with Toot Bus. Designed for kids aged 5-11, there's plenty of information for them to soak up on this journey and you won't have to put up with any complaints of tired legs.
The best family-friendly pub gardens
If you're wondering what you can do with your 1 year old on a sunny day, a pub garden might not be the first thing that springs to mind. But a safe and fun family-friendly pub garden is a great place for your little one to get outside and play while also allowing you to spend time with friends who might not have kids just yet.
The best adventure playgrounds in the UK
There are many fantastic adventure playgrounds across the UK that you and your family can visit, with some offering free entry. They make a refreshing change from visiting the same park every day and it's a great way to get physically active, plus playgrounds are great for your little one's development.
Days out inspired by children's books
Story time with children can often be a magical, mysterious and exciting experience, but you may be surprised to know that you and your family can visit lots of the places that inspired children’s literary classics, right here in the UK, including Winnie the Pooh, Paddington Bear, The Chronicles of Narnia and Beatrix Potter! You can also visit museums inspired by children's literature such as The Story Museum in Oxford where you can step right into the wardrobe to Narnia. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden, dedicated to Roald Dahl's work and life has lots of interactive displays for little ones, is perfect for a literary day out.
The best museums in the UK for families
Some of the best museums in the UK are also fantastic for kids. Most are themed with particular interests in mind such as science or dinosaurs while others encompass a variety of exhibitions. Plus, for many, small children under a certain age go free. Bonus! If they're into cars (and which toddler isn't!), they'll love the London Transport Museum, while budding Posties will enjoy Sorted! The Postal Play Space.
Best free outdoor activities for kids
You don't have to pay a penny to have a brilliant day out, with so many classic outdoor activities such as hide and seek, cycling, sculptures on the beach, bug hunting and more – there are lots of free things to do with your baby!
Alternatively, you could grab a picnic and let them burn off some energy while getting some fresh air with our pick of the best parks and fun-filled outdoor spaces for the whole family.
How to save money on days out
There's no denying that taking the family out for the day can be pricey. But there are many ways to save on days out for toddlers, including taking picnic lunches, investing in a Merlin Pass, and making your travel cheaper by using a Family & Friends Railcard. If you do travel by train for your day out, you can save even more by taking advantage of some fantastic 2-for-1 deals on entry to attractions such as Battersea Park Children's Zoo, London Transport Museum and LEGOland, and a 1/3 off SEA LIFE aquariums. And of course, we all know how much toddlers love trains!
Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.