If you are looking for the perfect day out with toddlers, 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 activities such as live 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 even enjoy the sunshine in a pub garden, or perhaps you are looking or something inside 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.
Toddler days out uk
1 of 2Disney on Ice
Disney on Ice is a fun and exciting show for toddlers (and all the family) who love Disney and it features lots of familiar Disney favourites including Moana, The Lion King, Toy Story and Frozen. If you are planning a family trip to a winter ice rink this Christmas, Disney on Ice will be just the inspiration you need. This Disney live show is touring throughout the UK from October 2024 until January 2025.
2 of 2Bubble Planet
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.
1 of 15Legoland, Windsor
Legoland 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. We also love that during holidays such as Halloween and Christmas they have special themed events.
2 of 15Warwick 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! They also offer seasonal events such as festive ice skating and a light trail.
3 of 15Cbeebies Land, Alton
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!
4 of 15SEA 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.
5 of 15Glasgow Spy Mission Treasure Trail, Glasgow, Glasgow and Strathclyde, Scotland
An ideal safe day outdoors, follow the Glasgow Spy Mission Treasure Trail, solve clues on route as well as taking in the views and exploring the area. Your little ones will love playing detectives ad so will you. Starting at Hillhead Underground Station, you can explore Great George Street, Gibson Street and around some of Glasgow's iconic buildings.
6 of 15Thomas Land, Staffordshire
Calling all Thomas and the Tank Engine lovers, 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. Plus they have a Spooktacular Halloween event, perfect for half term fun.
7 of 15Gulliver's Land, Milton Keynes
This fun-filled park 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 face at Gulliver's Land including Bing, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Elmer. This makes for a really busy, fun packed day.
8 of 15Dublin Zoo, Dublin, Ireland
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 too. Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest zoos and home to 400 animals. You'll need to pre-book a timeslot to avoid disappointment.
9 of 15The 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.
10 of 15Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Republic of Ireland
Another great option if you are based in Ireland is the Aillwee Cave, which is located in the Burren 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.
11 of 15The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle, Stirling and Falkirk, Scotland
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. With some of the activities free, this makes for a great cheap day out with toddlers.
12 of 15Treetop Adventure Golf, Cardiff, Glamorgan and Cardiff, Wales
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. Plus they have some Spooktacular half term events too, just in time for Halloween.
13 of 15Willows Activity Farm (featuring Peter Rabbit!), 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 this first Peter Rabbit themed adventure play area of its kind.
14 of 15Peppa 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 it is part of Paulton's Park theme park so there is lots to do for big kids too.
15 of 15Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, near Dursley, 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.
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
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. In Spring, with lots of baby animals, 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.
London days out with toddlers
If you're looking for fun days out there are interactive experiences, museums, Royal parks, and playgrounds to keep them busy during a fun day out in London.
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 are the place to be. 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 Diana, 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 an ideal spot to let their imaginations run wild and it's located just next to Kensington Palace, so you are close to lots of things to do and see.
See the sights on The Toot Bus
If it's their first time in the city, then it's understandable why 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. There are also special bus tours at certain times of the year such as a Halloween tour during October half term.
The best family-friendly pub gardens
Summer afternoons are made for lounging around in the sun, but it can be difficult with several tots in tow. A safe and fun family-friendly pub garden is a great place for your little one to get outside and play while you relax with friends.
The best adventure playgrounds in the UK
There are many fantastic adventure playgrounds across the UK 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. Roald Dahl, one of our best-loved children's authors has a museum in Great Missenden, where he lived, dedicated to his work and life with lots of interactive displays for little ones, The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is perfect for a literary day out.
The best museums in the UK for families
There are so many museums to explore here in the UK. 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!
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 – you really can have fun with your baby for free!
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.
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.