Days Out With The Kids: Fun Ideas In The UK

Whether you're in Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield or beyond, you can count on Wing Fest for a cracking day out. This quirky food festival promises £1.50 chicken wings from some of the UK@s best vendors, who are all battling for your vote of best wing across three categories.

When you're not indulging in chicken, cocktails and beer, there's all sorts of entertainment on the cards across the weekend. Think live music, DJs, axe throwing, arcade games and even eating competitions. Plus, everyone will receive a free trucker hat on arrival.

FLY-KID X FAMILY RAVE is the ultimate family-friendly daytime bash packed with nostalgic jams, taking place in both North and South London. Get ready to groove to everything from Beyonce to Bruno Mars, Missy Elliot to Madonna, Drake to Dua Lipa, and a whole lot more. While you soak in the beats, your kids can enjoy some top-notch entertainment, including awesome face painting, street dance lessons, hip-hop dress-up fun and more.

If you're on the hunt for fun activities to enjoy with the little ones in London, why not swing by Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair for a delightful mid-morning treat with a candy shop twist? Indulge in everything from scrumptious homemade scones, sandwiches, and pastries featuring funky lollipops and delectable peanut butter cups. It's a seriously sweet treat for all ages, available for £39 per under-12-year-old.

The Toymakers' Grotto at Merry Hill stands out for its commitment to accessibility, reserving the opening slot of every single day for SEND families requiring a sensory-calm setting.

Inside, children participate in group toy crafting suited to all age levels before moving on to a private, unrushed meeting with Santa for photographs and a special wrapped gift.

You may know Flight Club as the UK's original interactive darts bar, serving up quirky cocktails and sharing pizzas for big groups enjoy as they battle it out at the oche – but did you know it's now a spot that provides fun and games suitable for all ages? That's right: Flight Club have just released child-friendly daytime sessions for kids 12 and up, so the whole family can get in on the action. 

Whether your kids end up beating you or not, this is a great choice for a day out during the school holidays. And if your little ones are prone to extreme hunger, treat them to something from the food menu, like a sharing pizza or tasty plate of tacos. 

Step into history with guided tours of the newly restored Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall), where expert-led sessions explore the building's 800-year story, from medieval hospital to Victorian town hall, with tickets from just £8. For families, the Dragons, Ghosts and Gargoyles tour lets you play medieval smells roulette, dress in historic costume and more.

Whether you're a history buff or looking for a unique day out, these events offer a rare chance to explore one of Dover's most iconic landmarks in a fresh and engaging way. There's even live events and sport thrown in for good measure, like live wrestling (from £12) and a Frankie Valli tribute act (from £20).

Situated in Crowborough, East Sussex, Realms VR is a brilliant indoor day out for the whole family. They offer VR gaming experiences for ages seven and up, while their VR escape rooms are suitable for over 12s.

You can battle it out head-to-head, or work together to solve puzzles and challenges. There are all sorts of fun themes too, from aliens to ninja trials and haunted mansions.

LEVEL1 is your one-stop-shop for family fun. An epic playground, it's the place to settle scores, ignite rivalries and taste sweet victory.

Round up your crew and get on down for mini golf, climbing walls, high ropes, racing sims, AR darts and plenty more. When it's time to refuel, head to the kitchen for pizza, burgers, hot dogs and all kinds of sweet treat.

In the oh-so-charming Malt Kiln Farm Shop in the beautiful village of Stretton-under-Fosse, Rebecca's Kitchen gives you much more than a meal at the local cafe. Pull up a pew with the fam in its stunning garden or light and airy dinner to tuck into fresh, seasonal produce sourced straight from skilled butchers and British farmers.

For a special treat, order up an afternoon tea, with delicate pastries, finger sandwiches and artisan sausage rolls. Got hungrier mouths to feed? There's plenty more on offer, from succulent roasts to sandwiches, jackets and soups.

For families with children, The Freston Boot provides engaging activities like self-led spooky trails around the grounds, perfect for letting kids run off some steam. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse range of events, this spot is an ideal destination for families seeking both relaxation and entertainment.

The beautifully quaint Bay Tree hotel is hosting an adorable festive afternoon tea made for kids who are desperate the meet Santa. Before they're visited by the man of the hour, the children will receive their very own mini spread complete with hot chocolate, while adults can indulge in their own treats without the little ones attempting to steal the goods – alongside a tasty mulled wine. 

Upon Santa's big arrival, each child will get a chance to meet him and receive a small gift as a souvenir to remember this special day by. The event will take place on 13th December, with tickets starting at £27.50 for child admission. 

Swap screen time for stage time with a family day out to Fuller's Opera in the Garden. The pub garden atmosphere, comic twists, and modern script make Così fan tutte an ideal introduction to live performance for young audiences.

Pair it with a relaxed pre-show meal and you've got a full afternoon of food, fun, and theatrical flair - without the opera snobbery.

Embark on a journey through the tales of fables and adventures, as we unveil the UK's treasure trove of castles. Each one, a unique masterpiece, promises a day filled with drama, history, and stories waiting to be discovered. Whether you fancy a prince or princess-worthy day out, our guide to the best castles in the UK is your ticket to a trip back in time.

Get set to uncover some seriously mind-blowing vacation spots in our hand-picked guide to the 13 best beaches in Devon, and start plotting your next getaway to the South West.

Is there any better way to spend a day out than exploring Britain by foot? Strap on your walking shoes and prepare to soak in the stunning English countryside, from the serene country paths and riverbanks down South to the breathtaking hills and valleys up North. Check out our list of the top walks and hikes in England.

When it comes to child-friendly days out in the UK, Hull Adventure is perfect. This top multi-activity centre includes family bookings, including for the 700-metre all-weather karting circuit where you can reach speeds of up to 40mph (minimum age 8 to 13 with adult driving, 14+ to drive self).

Not only that, but there's also 5-a-side bubble football and family old-fashioned sports days.