Free (or cheap) things to do with the kids this Summer

School’s out for summer!

Time to make some fantastic memories with the kids. We know days out with the family can quickly add up, but there’s no need to break the bank to have a blast this summer.

Get ready for a summer of fun with our list of free (or cheap) things to do with kids over the summer holidays!

Visit a Museum

There are plenty of different types of museums dotted all over the UK, perfect to keep little ones entertained.

The free and popular Bristol Museum and Art Gallery will be a for-sure hit for all things fossil and Ancient Egypt. While Blaise Museum – one of Bristol’s Free Historic Houses set in a late eighteenth-century mansion on the Blaise Castle Estate in Henbury will be sure to captivate the imaginations of those visiting with it’s impression collection of toys and dolls.

If you fancy heading out of the city, why not pay a visit to Weston Museum?

Learn about the unique story of Weston-Super-Mare through objects from the North Somerset Collection. The museum tells the story of the town and the surrounding area from prehistoric times to present day

National Museum, Cardiff are running a busy programme of exhibitions and events, and have something to amaze everyone, whatever your interest – and admission is free!

Gloucester is a city jam-packed with diverse history. With many museums to pick and choose from, there is something for all the family to discover. The Museum of Gloucester is a must see! Charting the history of Gloucester including Iron Age artifacts. Lego fans will be impressed by history exhibition, where iconic moments and figures are vividly brought to life in Lego.

Go Geocaching

Geocaching, the act of finding small easily concealable capsules with gems hidden inside, has become a favourite summer holiday activity for all ages. With plenty of caches hidden all around the UK, wherever you are, why not get the kids together and have a stroll in search of treasures?

Visit Your Local Community Farm

If your kids love all things animal, then why not visit one of the UK’s free animal farms. With plenty of goats, cows, pigs and chickens to pet and feed, you can spend all day meeting every animal at the farm. Visit St James City Farm in Gloucester where there is sure to be an activity to suit all of your little ones.

Or meet the resident pigs at St Werburghs City Farm, Bristol, which also features a fantastic children’s play area, community garden and café- perfect to pick up an ice cream on a hot day!

Visit the Library for the Summer Reading Challenge

If your kids are bookworms or like immersing themselves in a good graphic novel, well then the library may be a great solution to the summer boredom. Browse your favourite local library and spend a day reading from the shelf. Check out your book of choice to finish it at home!

All UK libraries are running a Summer Reading Challenge,  The challenge is a free annual event led by the Reading Agency, which begins on Saturday 6 July 2024 and invites children to read six books over the summer holidays.

Your Community

Many organisations will be running free or reduced rate activities for under 16’s this Summer. Here are just a few we have found in the areas we serve:

Stroud District: The Stroud district Summer HAF & HAP programmes offer free-of-charge children's activities. Search by location, age range, activity type and date to find in-person or online activities including sports, music, crafts, day trips and cookery classes.

Gloucestershire Play Rangers are offering free, outdoor, active play including den building, fires, arts and crafts, sports and playful games for 7–14-year-olds.

Gloucester:  Gloucester Arts Trail is the perfect way to explore the city. 2.5 mile circular walk around the central part of the City of Gloucester. The route is way marked and includes artwork depicting the different elements of the city and identifying buildings and events of historic interest. ‘Look’ signs point out items of interest to see on the walk.

Wales: Located in the heart of Cardiff Bay, The Wales Millennium Centre hosts lots of fun and inspiring activities, making it the perfect day out for young children and their families. The centre opens at 10am and is free to visit. You can enjoy the regular performances, tours and even get messy or creative in their workshops.

John Lewis Cardiff are holding various free children’s workshops throughout August (booking is essential) from crafting activities to meeting your favourite Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol characters, there is something for all ages.

Bristol and North Somerset: The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is one of the city's most iconic events, and it is completely free to go along to. Running across three days, from 9 August to 11 August, the festival at Ashton Gate is open not only for its famous mass ascents and night glows, but a whole host of lesser-known attractions suitable for the whole family.

North Somerset is hosting Party on the Green once again and includes daredevil BMX stunts, circus skills, an acrobatic showcase and more. Visit Coniston Green, Bournville Road, from 1pm-5pm on Saturday 10 August. And it’s completely free!