Six weeks of summer holidays and you’re looking at potentially £200-300+ in activity costs if you’re not careful. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to give your kids brilliant days out. I’ve tested all of these with my own children – a three-year-old and a nine-month-old – and they’ve all come in under £20 for the family.
These aren’t cheap knock-offs of expensive days out. These are genuinely good days where everyone has fun, nobody’s bored, and you can actually relax for a bit.
[INSERT IMAGE 1: Family at a National Trust property or local park. Casual, real photo of you with both kids. Wide alignment, left side. Caption: “Budget days out don’t mean boring days out.”]
Quick Decision Guide: Which Day Out Suits You?
Want somewhere you can stay all day + bring a picnic?
→ National Trust property
Looking for something free but with a coffee option nearby?
→ Nature reserve or forestry walk
Kids are getting restless and need climbing/playing?
→ Local park or soft play (off-peak)
Want something seasonal and slightly different?
→ Pick your own farm (toddlers aged 3+)
Need somewhere with a bathroom, café, and no pressure to buy?
→ Garden centre
Bank holiday Monday with everyone else?
→ Canal towpath walk
Rainy day backup under £20?
→ Free/cheap museum with family hour
Want to see animals?
→ Farm shop or farm visit
Looking for a walk that doesn’t feel like “exercise”?
→ Forestry Commission forest
Special occasion that still won’t break the bank?
→ Steam railway with family discount day
The 10 Best Budget Family Days Out Under £20
1. National Trust Properties – Best for Full Days Out
Cost: Free–£8 per family depending on location
Best for: All ages (we’ve taken ours from newborn onwards)
Time needed: 2-4 hours or full day
This is genuinely my go-to for a proper family day out. National Trust properties are designed with families in mind – there are usually playground areas, open spaces for toddlers to run around, and water features to explore. Half of the joy for my three-year-old is finding the play area and discovering what’s different from the last NT visit.
Why they’re brilliant on a budget:
- Many are free for members; if you’re not a member, admission is usually £5-8 per family
- You can bring your own picnic (and I always do – saves a fortune vs. the café)
- Different every season, so you can visit the same property multiple times
- Huge variety: gardens, farmland, historic houses, parkland
- Parking is usually included
Practical tips:
- Go midweek if possible (quieter, easier to manage a toddler and baby)
- Bring a picnic and water bottles – café prices are restaurant-level
- Check the website first for what’s actually open/interesting that day
- Some have playgrounds that’ll keep toddlers occupied for an hour (this is a feature, not a bug)
Downsides:
- Peak summer weekends get busy
- Not all properties have good baby/toddler facilities
What to bring: A lightweight compact pram makes NT walks so much easier, especially with both a toddler and baby in tow.
2. Garden Centres – Underrated but Genuinely Good
Cost: Free entry (+ optional purchase of a plant)
Best for: Toddlers aged 1+
Time needed: 1-2 hours
I didn’t realise how much my daughter would love a garden centre until we went to one when she was bored on a rainy day. Garden centres are massive spaces with lots to look at, and many now have soft play areas, cafés, and play equipment outside.
Why they work:
- Completely free entry
- Toddlers genuinely enjoy walking around looking at flowers and plants
- Many have playgrounds or soft play for rainy days
- Café with reasonable prices (often cheaper than high street)
- Huge space to let kids run around safely
- Sensory overload in a good way – colours, smells, water features
What to expect:
- Some have amazing soft play (free if you buy a coffee)
- Outdoor play equipment (swings, climbing)
- Fish ponds to look at (mine could watch the koi for 30 minutes)
- Usually very quiet weekday mornings
- Nice if they sell plants – my daughter “chose” a small sunflower for £2, which kept her entertained for weeks
Downsides:
- Not as engaging for over-5s who want “something to do”
- Weather dependent for outdoor elements
- Easy to accidentally spend money on plants you didn’t plan to buy
What works: Go midweek morning when it’s quiet. Bring a bottle for the toddler. Buy a coffee and sit outside. Call it a win.
[INSERT IMAGE 2: Toddler at a garden centre or looking at flowers. Medium width, right align. Caption: “Garden centres are free and toddlers genuinely enjoy them.”]
3. Free or “Pay What You Wish” Museums
Cost: £0-5 per family
Best for: Older toddlers (2+) and preschoolers
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Most UK museums have free entry or “pay what you wish” hours. This isn’t glamorous, but it works. My three-year-old has had brilliant afternoons in quiet museums looking at fossils, Egyptian mummies, and interactive exhibits.
Where to find them:
- Natural History Museum (free entry)
- British Museum (free entry)
- Science Museum (free entry)
- Many local museums have free entry or budget entry (£2-3)
- Most have specific “family hours” that are quieter
Why they’re brilliant:
- Actually free or very cheap
- Air-conditioned (summer advantage)
- Quieter than you’d expect midweek
- Many have interactive children’s sections
- Café available (bring your own snacks to save money)
Reality check:
- Very hit or miss with toddlers. Some love it, some are bored after 20 minutes
- Works better if the museum has a dedicated children’s section
- Summer holidays = busier than term time
Pro tip: Go for one specific exhibit rather than “seeing the whole museum.” My daughter was happy looking at dinosaurs for an hour. That’s a win.
4. Beaches – Free (Except Parking)
Cost: Free entry + parking (usually £3-7)
Best for: All ages
Time needed: 2-4 hours or full day
A trip to the beach costs you parking and whatever snacks you buy. That’s it. Toddlers will dig, paddle, chase seagulls, and be entertained for hours.
Why beaches work:
- Genuinely free (except parking)
- Toddlers don’t need toys – sand is the toy
- You can bring your own picnic
- Works year-round (even winter paddling is fun for toddlers)
- Sensory heaven – textures, sounds, moving water
What to bring:
- Collapsible bucket and spade (space-saving for travel)
- Or stainless steel bucket and spade (plastic-free)
- Old clothes for getting wet
- Sun protection – hats and UV clothing
- Picnic and water bottles
- Nappy supplies
- Waterproof bag for wet clothes
Downsides:
- Weather dependent (rainy days aren’t fun)
- Parking can add up
- Sand gets everywhere (including your car, your clothes, your house)
- Facilities can be basic
Money-saving tip: Go off-season (September onwards) when parking is cheaper and beaches are quieter.
[INSERT IMAGE 3: Beach scene with your toddler digging or playing in sand. Wide alignment, left side. Caption: “Beaches are the most affordable full-day activity – and toddlers love them.”]
5. Nature Reserves & Wildlife Spots – Free
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Most RSPB reserves, local wildlife trusts, and country parks are free to visit. You just turn up, park, and walk around. My kids love spotting birds, looking for insects, and just being outside.
Where to find them:
- RSPB reserves (free entry)
- Wildlife trusts (free or £2-3 donation)
- Country parks (free)
- Local nature reserves (free)
Why they work:
- Genuinely free
- Quiet (especially midweek)
- Toddlers love finding things (birds, insects, interesting plants)
- You can take as long or as little time as you want
- Picnic-friendly
What to bring:
- Binoculars (optional – toddlers don’t really need them)
- A simple identification book or phone camera to spot things
- Picnic
- Bug catcher (if they enjoy that sort of thing)
Downsides:
- Weather dependent
- Quality depends on the specific reserve
6. Pick Your Own Farms – Seasonal (Strawberries, Apples, etc.)
Cost: £5-15 per family (depending on what you pick)
Best for: Older toddlers (3+) and children
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Pick your own farms are brilliant for older toddlers and children, but honestly, younger toddlers (under 3) aren’t really going to get it. You’re basically paying to let them eat berries while you do the actual picking.
Why they can work:
- Kids genuinely enjoy picking their own fruit
- Educational (where food comes from)
- Interactive and engaging
- Produce is fresher than the shop
- Usually costs less than buying from a shop
Reality check:
- Very weather dependent (mud, rain, heat)
- You’re doing most of the work
- Younger toddlers just want to eat the fruit and get bored quickly
- Can be busy on weekends
Money-saving tip: Go on weekday mornings when it’s quieter. Bring your own containers if allowed (cheaper).
7. Soft Play (Off-Peak Sessions) – Budget Option
Cost: £4-8 per child on off-peak sessions
Best for: Toddlers aged 1-4
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Soft play doesn’t have to be expensive if you go at the right time. Most soft play centres have dramatically cheaper off-peak sessions (weekday mornings, early afternoons).
Why they work:
- Excellent for burning toddler energy
- Indoor (rainy day backup)
- Usually has a café (reasonable prices if you don’t buy much)
- Safe environment
Money-saving tips:
- Always ask about off-peak rates (9am-12pm weekdays are usually cheapest)
- Don’t buy the expensive packages – just pay per session
- Bring your own snacks and let them have the free water
Downsides:
- Can feel like a waste of money if your toddler just wants to sit and watch
- Loud and chaotic
- You need to supervise (not a “sit and relax” activity)
8. Canal Towpath Walks – Free
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages (pram-friendly)
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Canal walks are oddly entertaining for toddlers. There’s usually a canal boat to spot, ducks to watch, and the path is flat and easy for prams. My daughter could walk a canal path for hours.
Why they work:
- Completely free
- Flat terrain (pram-friendly)
- Toddlers love spotting narrowboats
- Ducks, fish, waterfowl to watch
- Peaceful (adults enjoy it too)
- Usually picnic spots available
What to bring:
- Pram/compact pushchair (paths can be narrow)
- Snacks
- Camera (toddlers like photographing boats)
- Sun protection
Downsides:
- Limited sensory input for some toddlers
- Weather dependent
- Not very “active” for high-energy kids
[INSERT IMAGE 4: Canal walk or water scene with toddler. Medium width, right align. Caption: “Canal walks are peaceful, free, and toddlers love spotting boats.”]
9. Farm Shops with Farm Visits
Cost: Free-£5 entry
Best for: Toddlers aged 1+
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Farm shops often have animals you can see, playgrounds, or open space to run around. Entry is usually free, and the shop has a café. Toddlers enjoy looking at (and sometimes touching) animals.
Why they work:
- Free or very cheap entry
- Live animals to see
- Usually quieter than other attractions
- Café with reasonable prices
- Farm shop sells good quality produce
What to expect:
- Petting areas (sometimes free, sometimes £1-2)
- Play equipment outside
- Educational (where food comes from)
- Friendly staff
Downsides:
- Quality varies hugely
- Some are more “shop” than “experience”
- Weather dependent for outdoor areas
10. Local Parks (The Overlooked Gem)
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Time needed: 1-3 hours
This sounds obvious, but hear me out: your local park, if it has decent play equipment, can be an entire day out. My kids have spent full afternoons at a good park with different playground zones, a sandpit, and space to run.
Why they work:
- Completely free
- No planning needed
- Toddlers genuinely enjoy them
- Can stay as long as you want
- Picnic-friendly
- Community vibe (other kids around)
What to bring:
- Picnic
- Water bottles
- Sun protection
- Spare clothes/wipes
Pro tip: Explore parks outside your immediate area. Some have really good equipment and facilities you didn’t know about. Make it a “park safari” – try a different one each week during holidays.
[INSERT IMAGE 5: Toddler playing in a park or on play equipment. Medium width, left align. Caption: “A good local park is a full day out – and it’s free.”]
11. Forestry Commission Forests – Free or Very Cheap
Cost: Free (some charge £2-3 for parking)
Best for: All ages
Time needed: 1-3 hours
Forestry Commission forests are underrated. They’re usually free or very cheap to visit, have marked trails suitable for toddlers, and are genuinely beautiful.
Why they work:
- Minimal cost
- Beautiful scenery
- Toddler-friendly trails (many are flat or gently sloping)
- Picnic areas available
- Often have playgrounds
What to bring:
- Pram (some trails are pushchair-friendly, others less so)
- Picnic
- Water
- Bug catcher (optional fun)
Downsides:
- Weather dependent (muddy after rain)
- Some trails aren’t suitable for toddlers
- Can be quiet/isolated (not ideal if you need busy vibes)
12. Steam Railways (Family Discount Days)
Cost: £5-15 per family on discount days
Best for: Toddlers aged 2+
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Most heritage railways have family discount days where you can take the family for under £20. Toddlers love trains, and this is genuinely exciting for them.
Why they work:
- Special experience (not just “another park”)
- Toddlers love trains
- Usually have a café/snacks available
- Limited time needed (30-60 minute rides)
- Often cheaper on specific days
What to check:
- Family discount days (usually school holidays)
- Baby/toddler facilities (toilets, changing rooms)
- Whether you can bring buggies
- How long the journey is
Downsides:
- Need to plan around timetables
- Can be busy on family days
- Weather dependent (some trains are open-sided)
[INSERT IMAGE 6: Train or steam railway scene (if you have a photo). Medium width, right align. Caption: “Steam railways are special and surprisingly affordable on family discount days.”]
Money-Saving Hacks for Every Budget Day Out
Picnic strategy:
This is where you actually save money. A café lunch for two adults + two kids easily hits £30-40. A picnic costs £5-10. I always bring: sandwiches, fruit, snacks, water bottles. Check out our picnic ideas for families for inspiration.
Pack sun protection:
£10 on a good sun hat and UV clothing saves you buying expensive ones everywhere. Plus grab some natural suncream for babies – reapply regularly in the sun.
Go midweek:
Parking is cheaper, attractions are quieter, everything is less stressful.
Use a compact pram:
If you’re doing a lot of walking, a lightweight, portable pushchair makes everything easier – especially with a baby in tow.
Memberships:
If you’re doing multiple NT visits, membership pays for itself quickly. Same with some museums (annual passes are often £20-30).
Off-season visits:
September onwards = lower parking costs, fewer crowds, better weather.
Don’t buy extras:
Souvenirs, overpriced snacks, gift shop items. Bring what you need and skip the rest.
Which Days Out Suit Different Ages?
With a baby (0-12 months):
- National Trust (bring compact pram)
- Canal walks (pram-friendly)
- Parks (wherever)
- Beaches (bring shade)
- Nature reserves (quiet)
With a toddler (1-3 years):
- National Trust (playgrounds)
- Garden centres (things to look at)
- Parks (play equipment)
- Soft play (off-peak)
- Beaches (sand entertainment)
- Soft play (quieter sessions)
- Farm shops (animals)
With both (like me):
- National Trust works best (something for both, pram-friendly, picnic)
- Parks (toddler plays, baby watches or naps in pram)
- Garden centres (both entertained)
- Beaches (different things interest them, both safe)
The Honest Truth
The best day out under £20 is the one where:
- Nobody’s hungry (bring a picnic)
- You’re not rushing (arrive without time pressure)
- There’s something to do but also space to just… be
- You’re not stressed about money
National Trust properties and parks tick all those boxes. Everything else is a bonus.
Six weeks of holidays, two kids, no budget? You’ve got this. Pick three of these, rotate through them, and you’ll be fine. If you need more structured activities, check out our guide to rainy day activities for kids or kids eat free deals this summer to mix things up.
What You’ll Need to Bring
- Compact prams (for walking days)
- Sun hats and UV clothing
- Natural suncream for babies
- Picnic ideas for families
You literally don’t need much. Snacks, water, sun cream, and a willingness to just go. That’s it.
[INSERT IMAGE 7: Happy/tired family post-day-out (end of day, natural, real). Medium width, left align. Caption: “A good day out is when everyone’s happy and tired by bedtime.”]
Pin this post, bookmark it, screenshot it. Six weeks is long, but you’ve got more options than you think – and they won’t all cost £20.
Good luck! 🌳
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