Free days out
Dinosaurs, beaches, forests and festivals, all free. Here are the best free family days out at home and abroad, plus the schemes that make paid attractions free for kids.
Photo: Natalya Zaritskaya on Unsplash
Scout’s verdict
Free doesn’t mean second best. The Natural History Museum and the Smithsonian are among the best days out anywhere, and they cost nothing to get in. Budget for the extras instead: travel, parking and the gift shop.
Free museum
South Kensington, London
Dinosaurs, a blue whale skeleton and an earthquake room. General admission is free.
Scout says: The Science Museum and V&A are next door, so you can mix and match one free day.
Free photo spot
King’s Cross station, London
A luggage trolley disappearing into the wall at King’s Cross station, with a themed shop next to it. Taking your own photo is free.
Scout says: A fun free stop on a London day out. Combine it with the free museums in South Kensington.
Free museums
Washington, DC, USA
Most Smithsonian museums on and around the National Mall are free, including Natural History and Air and Space.
Scout says: A whole free holiday in one city! Pick two museums a day max with younger kids.
Outdoors
Across the USA
From Yosemite to the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s national parks are some of the best-value family days out there are.
Scout says: Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor centre. Kids love earning the badge.
BBC Blue Peter badge
Children under 16 who earn a Blue Peter badge get free entry at participating attractions when an adult pays and they show their badge and ID card.
National Trust & English Heritage
Both charities let children under 5 in free at most sites, and family memberships can cover the rest of the gang for a year.
Bank of America Museums on Us
Bank of America, Merrill and Private Bank cardholders get one free general admission at participating museums. The next weekend is 7–8 November 2026.
Museums for All
Families receiving SNAP benefits can show an EBT card for free or reduced admission at hundreds of participating museums across the US.
Every Kid Outdoors
US fourth graders (and home-schooled 10-year-olds) can get a free pass that covers entrance fees for the family at federal lands. The 2026–27 pass runs to 31 August 2027.
French national museums
France’s national museums, including the Louvre, admit under-18s free. EU/EEA residents aged 18–25 usually go free too.
Italy’s state museums
Italian state museums and archaeological sites have opened for free on the first Sunday of the month. Expect crowds and check booking rules.
Showing 18 of 18 adventures
South Kensington, London
Dinosaurs, a blue whale skeleton and an earthquake room. Free general admission.
Scout: Arrive at opening for the dinosaur gallery.
South Kensington, London
Space, flight and hands-on science. Free general admission.
Scout: Some interactive galleries charge. Check before you go.
Bethnal Green, London
A free museum designed for children and young people, full of play and design.
Scout: Brilliant for under-10s on a wet day.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Dinosaurs, Dolly the sheep and hands-on galleries. Free general admission.
Scout: Head up to the rooftop terrace for city views.
Washington, DC, USA
Most Smithsonian museums are free, including Natural History and Air and Space.
Scout: Two museums a day max with younger kids.
Museums near you
Many local museums are free and run holiday trails and crafts.
Scout: Ask at the desk for a kids’ trail sheet.
Across England, every September
Hundreds of historic places open for free, with tours and family events.
Scout: Some events need booking. Check the website in August.
Cumbria, England
Lakes, fells and boat trips. Some of England’s best walking.
Scout: Pick a short lakeside walk with a café at the end.
Derbyshire and around, England
Caves, edges and trails, easy to reach from many cities.
Scout: Former railway trails are flat and great for bikes and buggies.
County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Thousands of hexagonal basalt columns, and a legend about a giant.
Scout: Walking to the stones is free. The visitor centre charges.
Parks and woodland near you
Trails, play areas, bug hunts and den building, all free (parking may charge).
Scout: Pack a picnic and make it a full day.
Hidden all around you
Use a free app to find hidden “caches” near you: a real-world treasure hunt.
Scout: Brilliant for turning a walk into a mission.
Dark sky parks and reserves
Dark sky parks and reserves have some of the best night skies around.
Scout: Go on a moonless night and let eyes adjust for 20 minutes.
Rocky beaches at low tide
Crabs, anemones and starfish. Free fun at low tide.
Scout: Check tide times, and always put creatures back gently.
Dorset and East Devon, England
A World Heritage coastline famous for fossils on its beaches.
Scout: Search the beach, not the cliffs, and check tide times.
Public skate parks near you
Free ramps for scooters, skateboards and BMX.
Scout: Helmets on, and go early before it gets busy.
Trails and cycle paths near you
Old railway paths and forest trails: flat, car-free and great with bike hire.
Scout: Choose a route with a café or playground halfway.
King’s Cross station, London
The trolley vanishing into the wall. Your own photo is free.
Scout: Go early to beat the queue.
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Cost bands are a rough guide to a typical family visit, not prices. Always check current prices, ages and opening times on the official site.
More in our free US days out guide.
French national museums admit under-18s free, and Italy’s state museums have opened free on the first Sunday of the month. Many cities also have free parks, playgrounds and festivals. Planning a city break? See city breaks on TravelDeals.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
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