40 fabulous family days out: summer holidays sorted!

This summer try out the spectacular new natural adventure play area in the Outdoor Gardens at Eden Project. Entry to Nature’s Playground is included in Eden admission, but you will need to book in advance. Just arrive within the hour time slot you book, and you can stay for as long as you like.
When: Opens 8 Jul 23
Where: Eden Project, Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG

Journey down the rabbit hole and enter a fantastical world inhabited by curiouser and curiouser characters with Theatre on Kew's Alice in Wonderland this summer. Join Alice as she searches for a way home, meeting the disappearing Cheshire Cat, the beautifully dressed Mad Hatter, and the bad-tempered Queen of Hearts who is busy painting the roses red. Set within the enchanting surroundings of Kew Gardens, this specially-commissioned, outdoor theatre performance is led by a very talented cast of actor-musicians.
When: Weds-Sun, until 28 Aug 23
Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond

Read our honest review of Alice in Wonderland at Kew Gardens here

Throughout the summer holidays, take part in a series of free, hands-on activities and explore Heroes and Villains School at Hever Castle. Discover secret signs and calls, test your skills to become the hero and defeat the villain at each turn, fight the last battle – who will be the last standing? Sport your best caped crusader costume to really get into the spirit of the school.
When: Until 3 Sep 23
Where: Hever Castle & Gardens, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG

Visit Audley End Miniature Railway this summer for magic, miniature trains, enchanted creatures, fairies, elves, storytellers and more. Board the miniature train to take a captivating woodland journey: look out for enchanted creatures along the route. The train passes through an ancient mine where fire breathing dragons live, guarding precious ancient crystals. Don't miss the super adventure playground; the Fairy and Elf Walk; search for bugs and creepy crawlies in the Nature Corner; and check out the interactive story-telling show on the Woodland Stage.
When: Until 3 Sep 23
Where: Audley End Miniature Railway and Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB

Head to Whipsnade Zoo this summer where the Beanotown kids are taking matters into their own hands. Too many grown-ups have been rubbish at animal conservation so far, but Dennis and friends reckon they can do better. As part of Beano's 85th anniversary celebrations, take a leaf out of their comic book and learn how to protect wildlife at home and around the world. Join your favourite Beano characters on our comic strip trail. Kids (and grown ups) can meet our amazing animals and join in with blamtastic games and interactive challenges. With plenty of conservation action to be taken and mischief to be caused, this family-friendly summer event is perfect for kids aged 5 and up.
When: Until 4 Sep 23
Where: Whipsnade Zoo, Whipsnade, Dunstable LU6 2LF

Calling all Operation Ouch! fans! Don't miss the first Operation Ouch exhibition, coming to the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester this summer. Dive headfirst into the digestive system for an unforgettable journey of super-sized science with the Museum's world premiere blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You, which will see the hit BBC children's TV series brought to life. Join Dr Chris, Dr Xand and Dr Ronx for a special mission to discover where our food goes when we eat. Prepare to be shrunk, swallowed, squeezed through and spat out of Dr Xand's digestive system with this lively adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies.
When: Until 2 Jun 24
Where: Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4FP

Love museums? These are the UK's best museums for kids

Horrible Histories is coming to Hangar 2 at the RAF Museum London this summer. Learn all about the history of flight, from the disasters to the triumphs, to the downright stupid! Do you have what it takes to successfully complete the Horrible Histories: Up in the Air Adventure? Surround yourself with iconic aircraft, undertake a series of cunning conundrums and even meet the pilots of the past whose flying experiences were not always legendary for the right reasons! There's loads to discover from STEM and craft activities to the Up in the Air Challenge activities and puzzles. Can you work out the message before time runs out?
When: Until 3 Sep 23
Where: Royal Air Force Museum London, Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL

Don your sea legs and navigate the high seas with a swashbuckling treasure hunt through the Sea Life Hunstanton aquarium this summer: you may even get some treasure at the end! Captain Careless has really done it this time. They've lost all the pirate treasure at SEA LIFE Hunstanton and the crew are none too pleased! Can you help the Captain find all the lost booty that is hidden around the aquarium and fill in the pirate map as you go? And while on your hunt for the Captain's booty, learn all about the real 'treasures of the ocean'.
When: Until 3 Sep 23
Where: SEA LIFE Hunstanton, Seagate Road, Hunstanton PE36 5BH

There are pirate adventures at the Sea Life centres in London, Brighton, Blackpool, and Weymouth.

Get ready to spark your kids' creativity at Young V&A – the museum where children, young people and families can imagine, play and design. Previously the Museum of Childhood, the rebranded V&A reopens this summer after a long redevelopment. There'll be three new permanent spaces, the Play Gallery, the Imagine Gallery and the Design Gallery packed full of hands-on fun, including workshops, arcade games and a performance space.
When: From 1 Jul 23
Where: Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
**FREE**

Read our honest review of the new Young V&A

Splosh your way through Leeds Bear Hunt – a large-scale public art trail, taking place across Leeds this summer. Decorated by local, national and international artists, designers and illustrators, 35 giant Bear sculptures will hide in plain sight on the streets of Leeds. The Bears will form a family-friendly trail of discovery, bringing Michael Rosen's iconic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt story to life, and taking visitors and local people on adventures around the city and surrounding open spaces. Designed to celebrate the vibrancy, culture and creativity of Leeds, and to raise money for Leeds Children’s Hospital, the trail will be deeply rooted in the local community.
When: Until 1 Sep 23
Where: In and around Leeds
**FREE**

Try your hand at the wild Caveman Course with plunging waterfalls, or the jungle canopy of the Treetop Course at Jungle Rumble golf on Brighton beach. And after the game, treat your family to a fab snack on the roof terrace cafe. We recommend the mega milkshakes!
When: Open daily
Where: Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf, 286 Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1EN

There are other Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf centres in London; Bristol; and Glasgow

The Big Hop Trail is a brand-new art trail around the North East of Scotland and the islands, raising money for Clan Cancer Support. Look out for 40 gorgeous hare statues, decorated by artists, designers and school children around the area. A dedicated trail map and app will help you navigate your way to discovering each sculpture, where you can unlock a series of rewards and fun facts.
When: Until 3 Sep 23
Where: North East Scotland
**FREE**

Pete Waterman’s Making Tracks returns this summer! Don't miss your last chance to join Pete Waterman OBE and his Railnuts team for the third and final instalment of Making Tracks at the Cathedral. This year’s 64-foot long track is modelled after Milton Keynes railway station with some very special never-before-seen features and trains. Like previous years, visitors will be able to drive the trains using dedicated control tablets. It's sure to be a wonderful day out for miniature railway enthusiasts of all ages!
When: Until 2 Sep 23
Where: Chester Cathedral, St Werburgh St, Chester CH1 2DY

Love trains? Here are our top days out for young train lovers in the UK

All Aboard for a day of family fun with Thomas & Friends this summer. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy many more Thomas & Friends activities at a heritage railway near you.
When: Select dates throughout July and August
Where: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre; East Anglian Railway Museum; The Watercress Line, Hampshire; East Lancashire Railway; Caledonian Railway; Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway; Swindon & Cricklade Railway; and Whistlestop Valley, Yorkshire

Enter the Ice Cream Farm and enjoy this sweet-treat themed adventure park complete with activities, soft play and friendly farm animals. Kids will love the Parlour, the world’s largest purpose-built ice cream parlour, which houses more than 50 delicious, award-winning flavours: yum!
Where: The Ice Cream Farm, Drumlan Hall, Newton Lane, Cheshire, Chester CH3 9NE

Love an adventure farm? Here's our top recommendations for adventure farms all around the UK

Join Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin in this spectacular outdoor theatre show, on their hair-raising adventures in Quantum Theatre's delightful adaptation of Beatrix Potter's much-loved Tales. Quantum Theatre has been touring for more than 30 years and continues to tour all across the UK, including theatres and arts centres, National Trust and English Heritage venues, castles, parks and gardens. Don't miss this summery treat in a gorgeous venue near you.
When: Until 3 Sep
Where: various venues around the UK

Love Peter Rabbit? Here are the best Peter Rabbit days out for kids in the UK

This incredible inflatable obstacle course will challenge your 4+ year olds with rolling logs, scramble nets, a spider wall, foam pits, tilting beams and more... So, have a laugh, burn some energy and have masses of fun, whatever the weather, before chilling out in the on-site cafe.
Where: Total Ninja, Tenax Road,
 Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1JT

Love trampolining? Here's a list of the best trampoline parks in the UK

Step into the epic retelling of the story of Robin Hood, rebellion and creativity as well as the history of the city of Nottingham at this world-class attraction. Plus there’s a new castle-themed play area perfect for your little outlaws to enjoy.
When: Open daily from 26 Jun 23
Where: Nottingham Castle, Lenton Road, Nottingham, NG1 6EL

If you want to tire your kids out, a day trip to Conkers forest adventure centre should do the trick. There are more than 100 different indoor and outdoor exhibits, including adventure and water play, the sky viewing tower, barefoot walk experience, woodland discovery centre and high and low ropes courses.
Where: Conkers, Rawdon Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote DE12 6GA

The underground playground, built in a former mineshaft, is one for all the kids who love adventure. It’s the ultimate adrenaline rush for adults and children over 7, where you scramble and jump between nets in a network of caves over six levels. This one-of-a-kind adventure has slides as high as two double decker busses, too.
Where: Zip World Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Wales, LL41 3NB

If your child is a big Harry Potter fan, they'll LOVE the Wizards London Bus Tour. This guided tour takes people all around London, from the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron to the streets that inspired Diagon Alley.
Where: Wizards' London Bus Tour, Victoria Embankment, Temple, London WC2R 2PH

Are you a big Harry Potter fan? Check out our recommended Harry Potter-themed days out in the UK

A trip to the zoo is a classic summer holiday outing, and Chester Zoo has to be one of our faves. There are always lots of new animal babies to spot, including a rare baby Rothschild's giraffe. This year, the zoo celebrates its 90th birthday with a brand-new walk-through Latin American wetland aviary, packed with spectacular bird life.
Where: Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1EU

Love animals? These are the top zoos and safari parks for families in the UK

It can be hard to find a theme park that appeals to all ages, but Drayton Manor suits everyone from tiny toddlers to teenage adrenaline junkies. The main park includes rides from tame carousels to the hair-raising Pandemonium, but the big attraction for small children is Thomas Land, with gentle rides and Thomas himself.
Where: Drayton Manor Theme Park, Drayton Manor Drive, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW

Do you love theme parks? Here are our recommendations for the best theme parks for toddlers

Lego-mad kids will find enough building inspiration to keep them occupied for the rest of the holidays at Legoland Discovery Centre. From the Duplo Farm to the Ninjago City Adventure, there’s more than enough brick-themed fun to keep children aged 3 and over amused.
Where: Legoland Discovery Centre, Unit D5, Barton Square, intu Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AS

There's a second Legoland Discovery Centre in Birmingham, too.

This wildlife oasis in Northern Ireland is the perfect place for children to get back to nature this summer. There’s a Secret Swamp trail with fairy doors to spot, a play barn, pond dipping sessions, and lots of wildlife for kids of all ages to coo over.
Where: WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, Newtownards, County Down BT23 6EA

Water babies will be beside themselves with excitement at this enormous waterpark on the south coast. Babies and toddlers can play in the safe, shallow waters of Buccaneer Splash, with a mini flume and water play. Older thrill seekers will love the adrenaline rides including the aptly named Screamer... and there’s a sun terrace where you can stop off for lunch on a warm day.
Where: Splashdown, Tower Park, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY

There's a second Splashdown in Devon. And here are our tips for the UK's best indoor water parks

Let your kids live their Bob the Builder dream at these JCB-themed adventure parks. There’s a range of activities for children of all ages: they can drive a real dumper truck, go for a spin in the scoop of a giant digger or take a ride in a real JCB. There's also an indoor play area, safari and go-karts.
Where: Diggerland has four UK locations: Yorkshire, Kent, Devon, and Durham.

Take a dive with Horrible Histories into the stories of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd in this history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in, live on board a boat.
When: Booking until Oct 23
Where: Horrible Histories – Terrible Thames Tour, Tower Bridge Quay, London, E1Q 1LD

Love Horrible Histories? Here are the best Horrible Histories days out in the UK 2023

With floating monkey bars, hurdles and an ice climbing tower, Aqua Park is a mix of ‘Total Wipeout’ and ‘Ninja Warrior’. Prepare to get (very) wet. After your hour long session, you can explore the rest of the Water Park, set in 50 acres of New Forest countryside. The Aqua park is suitable for kids over the age of 6 or over 110cm in height.
Where: New Forest Water Park, Ringwood Road, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2EY

Love inflatable aqua parks? Here are our tips for the best inflatable aqua parks in the UK

Introduce your kids to one of the most iconic musicals of all time as The Wizard of Oz comes to the London Palladium this summer. A sensational cast joins Dorothy and Toto for an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road! Starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion and Diversity star Ashley Banjo as The Tin Man in his West End musical debut. It's sure to be a real treat.
When: Until 3 Sep 23
Where: London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TF

• Read our honest review of The Wizard of Oz here

Let your kids burn off their energy on The Bear Trail, an outdoor children’s adventure complete with a wobbly bridge and a Bear Mountain. Step across mud pits, fly down ziplines and crawl through tunnels in Devon's muddiest family assault course.
Where: The Bear Trail, Westcott, Cullompton EX15 1RZ

Tiptoe around a family-friendly trail and meet dinosaurs, wild animals and more at Totally Roarsome at Hazlewood Castle near Leeds. A fab day out for the whole family, with a quiz, special surprises and simply loads of instagram appeal.
When: Until 3 Sep 23
Where: Hazlewood Castle, Tadcaster Near Leeds, Yorkshire, LS24 9NJ

Know a big dinosaur fan? Check out our top places for spotting dinosaurs in the UK

Have a right royal day out at the Lakeland Maze Park in the Lake District. This brilliant farm park offers an 8-acre maize maze (in a postage stamp-style image of the Queen’s head), as well as a corgi-shaped mini maze for younger visitors. There's also the UK's first Maize Quest Super Mega Ride 'n' Slide, offering kids the chance to whiz down a 150-foot-long slide in an inflatable ring; Tractor-and-trailer rides; indoor and outdoor playgrounds; super-giant trampolines AND indoor and outdoor go karts. There's so much to see and do at Lakeland, you're sure to have a fabulous day.
When: Open daily to 11 Sep and then at weekends to 30 Oct
Where: Lakeland Maze Farm Park, Raines Hall, Sedgwick, Kendal LA8 0JH

Love farm parks? Here are our recommendations for the UK's top farm parks for kids

This summer, see the roarsome Zog Live Show, bringing best-selling author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story to life in the grounds of Warwick Castle. Running until the end of September, the 25-minute production be on offer multiple times throughout the day and is the perfect spectacle after a day of exploring the Quest for the Golden Star trail and climbing and sliding in Zog’s very own Playland.
When: Until 29 Sep 23
Where: Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU

Love Zog? Here are other brilliant places in the UK you can find everyone's favourite clumsy orange dragon

Get real-life tips for a family day out at Warwick Castle this summer here

You'll find a fun and interactive The Tiger Who Came to Tea adventure trail in Tatton Park's beautiful spring gardens this spring / summer. Little, and not so little, explorers can engage with nature, the great outdoors and the classic story of the 'big, furry, stripy tiger'. Pick up a trail pack with your tiger mask and get hands on playing in Sophie's Kitchen, collect some teatime favourites along the way, and finally, snap a photo with the tiger!
When: Until 3 Sep 23
Where: Tatton Park Gardens, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6SG

Find the We the Curious team on Anchor Square and at venues across the city of Bristol creating spaces for everyone to experiment, play and get creative this summer while their main site is closed. Explore robots and how they interact with the world; create your own constellations and stories, and more. We the Curious will be on Anchor Square every weekend from 8 July to 3 September designing and making rolling contraptions. Experiment with wheels, weights and a big ramp and have a go at inventing your own mini rover.
When: Until 3 Sep 23
Where: Summer of Play, We the Curious, Anchor Square, Bristol and at other Bristol venues
**FREE**

For 7 weeks this summer, Southend, Shoeburyness and Leigh will be brought to life by a herd of beautifully decorated elephants! These unique elephants and baby elephants will be part of a spectacular free outdoor art trail. The art trail is completely free to follow; you'll be able to support local charity Havens Hospices by purchasing a map, downloading an app or getting involved in the fundraising events and activities. 
When: Until 4 Sep 23
Where: Southend-on-Sea
**FREE**

Dutch artist Afra Eisma puts on a playful, colourful, and interactive exhibition at The Tetley in Leeds city centre this summer. The brewery-turned-gallery will be filled with her trademark ceramics and textiles, each with a tale to tell. From imaginary characters to snapshots of intimate relationships, Eisma's work is brimming with humour, sensuality, and satire. And don’t worry about keeping your hands to yourself either. Visitors to this free exhibition are encouraged to cuddle, poke, squash, and sit on the pieces, plunging you headfirst into the artist's whimsical world.
When: Until 22 Oct 23
Where: Afra Eisma: splashdown tender, The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ
**FREE**

Part of the Leeds 2023: Year of Culture

Immerse yourself in our hands-on gaming experience at the Science Museum in London. Power Up features the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to beat your family at Mario Kart. Play against friends in multiplayer showdowns, rediscover your childhood favourites and test out some of the latest next-gen virtual reality experiences in this ultimate interactive gaming experience.  
When: From 27 Jul 23
Where: Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD

Take part in an ever changing artwork at Tate Modern this summer. Rasheed Araeen’s interactive sculpture Zero to Infinity is brought to life in the Turbine Hall. The artwork features 400 brightly coloured geometric cubes which people of all ages are encouraged to stack, tilt and balance to create new configurations, so there will always be a new way to play.
When: Until 27 Aug 23
Where: Tate Modern, Bankside, London
**FREE**