As a parent, you’ll know full well that there’s only so many times you can visit the local playground, shopping plaza, or the same old indoor trampoline park before the kids (and you!) start craving something different.
Thankfully, there are loads of creative days out which you can enjoy across various parts of England that will fire up your little one’s imagination and keep them busy.
These aren’t tacky tourist attractions. Rather, they’re hands-on, interactive and enjoyable activities that spark joy and creativity for all ages.
So, if you and your kids love messy art, nature, fantasy worlds or mind-blowing science, here are seven family-friendly experiences you should expose yourselves to.
1. Get Creative at Pinot & Picasso London
Kids love to express themselves creatively, and there is no better place to let them do so than at Pinot & Picasso London. Located in Shoreditch, this experience enables you to enjoy art with a twist.
While the brand is known for paint-and-sip events (which are adults only), the London studio also hosts family-friendly sessions during school holidays and weekends. During these times, kids and adults can enjoy step-by-step painting lessons guided by a local artist in a relaxed, no-pressure setting.
You do not need to be the next Gainsborough or, for that matter, Picasso, to take part in this activity. In fact, people with no art pedigree at all are widely encouraged to participate.
It is a particularly good activity to do in winter or on a rainy day, and when the session is complete, everyone leaves with their own framed masterpiece. Whilst you are there, Shoreditch is a fabulous area to explore afterwards!
2. Enchanted Forest Trails and Storybook Walks
If you find your children dragging their heels on a walk, a surefire way to quicken up their pace is to take them on a story-based nature walk.
These types of activities are now prevalent throughout the UK, with some of the best being found at Forestry England sites.
Try the Gruffalo Trail at Wendover Woods or Salcey Forest, where children follow character clues through the trees. Alternatively, head to Finkley Down Farm in Andover, where you’ll find seasonal treasure hunts, interactive boards, and nature craft stations.
3. Imaginative Museums
England is home to some brilliant, child-focused museums that blend fun and learning in the most creative ways.
One of the most notable is The Story Museum in Oxford. It offers an immersive experience that explores stories through soundscapes, dress-up zones, and reading nooks. You literally walk through a recreated storybook world.
If that doesn’t get you excited, then perhaps a visit to The Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire will. It is packed with scribble walls, craft corners, and chocolate-scented exhibits and gives kids the chance to dive into storytelling in ways they will love.
4. Hands-On Workshops and Maker Spaces
We all know kids love to construct and build things. So, why not give them the opportunity to do so in an environment where you won’t have to clean up the mess?
There are plenty of opportunities to do so across England, one of which is in Brighton, at The Mini Makery. It offers themed crafting sessions with everything from screen printing to slime making.
If you happen to be based in the north of England, then Make It York, in York, is a good place to head to. It runs family-friendly arts workshops where you can all make things like clay sculpture, badges, or comic strip design.
The great thing about these places is that there is a lot more to them than making fridge-worthy art. They are also about problem solving, expression, and learning new skills in a relaxed environment, which means they have real educational value, too.
5. Interactive Theatre
Interactive theatre experiences are growing in popularity for people of all ages. But increasingly, several are being tailored just for kids to enable them to enjoy the thrill of performing on stage.
Polka Theatre in Wimbledon is one company that hosts creative productions designed for little ones. Often, they encourage the audience to move, shout, or even come on stage, which is usually well received.
For something totally immersive, Punchdrunk Enrichment sometimes runs “choose your own adventure” performances where the set becomes a world to explore.
These days out blur the lines between watching and playing, which for most kids, strikes the perfect balance.
6. Farm Parks and Animal Encounters
Most kids love animals. But if you want to take them to something a little bit different from the usual petting zoo, then be sure to venture out to Hobbledown Heath in Surrey.
Boasting tunnels, climbing zones, hobbit-style houses, and even high ropes for older kids, this venue is a cross between a fantasy playland and a farm park. Your little ones will want to spend all day here, while you can sit down and relax with a latte.
Not too far away from it in Wooburn Common, Odds Farm Park blends traditional animal encounters with imaginative play areas and creative craft barns. There is also go-karting and crazy golf available for kids to enjoy here.
7. History That Comes Alive
England has a rich history that dates back centuries, and it’s always good to expose the kids to activities that showcase it. Thankfully, historic sites in England are getting clever about how they engage younger visitors. So, you don’t need to drag kids through dusty castles with long lectures anymore.
At Warwick Castle, for instance, kids can try archery, explore a Horrible Histories maze, or get lost in a medieval camp full of costumed characters. Meanwhile, the infamous York Dungeon makes history thrilling for tweens and up, thanks to its ensemble of actors, spooky sets, and twisted tales of England’s past.Dover Castle, the Tower of London, and Kenilworth Castle are other examples of historical sites across England that provide fascinating experiences for all the family to enjoy. However, if you fancy hopping across the border to Scotland, then Edinburgh Castle is a fantastic place to go.
