Toddler days out
Animals, water, buttons to press and space to run. These are Scout’s favourite days out for little ones, many with under-3s or under-5s free.
Photo: Xavi Cabrera on Unsplash
Scout’s verdict
Go short, go early and plan around the nap. Many attractions let under-3s in free, so these are golden years for cheap days out.
Showing 60 of 60 adventures
Staffordshire, England
Big coasters for teens, CBeebies Land for little ones, plus a water park and hotels.
Scout: Thrill rides first while queues are short, CBeebies Land after lunch.
Windsor, Berkshire, England
Built for ages roughly 2 to 12: driving schools, gentle coasters and MINILAND.
Scout: Head to the far side of the park first and work back.
Chessington, Surrey, England
Family rides and a zoo in one ticket. A strong mixed-age day.
Scout: Plan your route around the animal talks.
New Forest, Hampshire, England
Peppa Pig World for toddlers, and the Viking-themed Valgard land (2026) for older kids.
Scout: Do Peppa Pig World in the afternoon when it’s quieter.
Blackpool, Lancashire, England
A classic seaside park with historic coasters, right by the beach.
Scout: Pair it with free beach time to stretch the day.
Tamworth, Staffordshire, England
Thrill rides plus Thomas Land, a whole area themed on Thomas & Friends for little engine fans.
Scout: Thomas Land is a toddler dream. Bigger kids can do the coasters.
North Yorkshire, England
A theme park and zoo combined, with rides for every age.
Scout: Rides and animals in one ticket makes it great value for mixed ages.
Orlando, Florida, USA
Four theme parks and two water parks. A holiday, not a day out.
Scout: Two parks done well beat four done in a rush.
Anaheim, California, USA
The original Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, side by side.
Scout: The parks are next door, so park hopping is easy here.
Marne-la-Vallée, near Paris, France
Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World, home of World of Frozen since March 2026.
Scout: Do two days, and hit World of Frozen early.
Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
A fairy-tale park with an enchanted forest walk and coasters for older kids.
Scout: The Fairytale Forest suits toddlers and grandparents alike.
Rust, Germany
Germany’s biggest theme park, themed on European countries.
Scout: Plan two days. It’s huge.
Billund, Denmark
The original LEGOLAND, near LEGO House.
Scout: Combine with LEGO House to make the trip worthwhile.
Copenhagen, Denmark
One of the world’s oldest amusement parks (1843), magical after dark.
Scout: Go in the evening for the lights.
Blackpool, Lancashire, England
A big indoor water park on Blackpool’s seafront: slides, wave pool and toddler areas.
Scout: Indoor and warm, so it’s rain-proof. No longer on new Merlin passes.
Forest villages across the UK and Ireland
Forest short breaks built around an indoor tropical pool, bikes and activities.
Scout: A short break, not a day out. Midweek breaks are usually cheaper.
Rust, Germany (next to Europa-Park)
A huge Scandinavian-themed indoor water world beside Europa-Park.
Scout: Give it its own day rather than squeezing it in.
Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
Disney’s shipwreck-themed water park with a big surf pool and gentle areas for little ones.
Scout: Check seasonal opening: Disney water parks close for refurbishment at times.
Leisure centres near you
Flumes, wave machines and inflatable sessions at local pools.
Scout: Look for family swim sessions and fun inflatable times.
Chester, England
One of the UK’s biggest zoos, run by a conservation charity.
Scout: Comfy shoes! It’s a big site.
Regent’s Park, London
The world’s oldest scientific zoo, run by ZSL.
Scout: Check the National Rail Days Out Guide offer first.
Wiltshire, England
A drive-through safari park plus a stately home and adventure play.
Scout: Windows up where the signs say: monkeys love car aerials.
Bewdley, Worcestershire, England
A drive-through safari plus walk-through areas and family rides.
Scout: Do the drive-through first, then the walk-round areas.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England
Walk-through wildlife park known for its polar bears.
Scout: Walkways are long but flat, which is good for buggies.
Edinburgh, Scotland
A hillside zoo famous for its penguins.
Scout: Hilly, so bring a sturdy buggy or carrier.
Centres across the UK
Indoor aquariums with sharks, rays and penguins at some centres.
Scout: Perfect rainy-day rescue, usually 1.5–2 hours.
San Diego, California, USA
World-famous zoo in Balboa Park.
Scout: Use the bus tour to save little legs.
Monterey, California, USA
Sea otters, kelp forests and a giant open-ocean tank.
Scout: Don’t miss the otter feeds.
Saint-Aignan, Loire Valley, France
One of Europe’s best-known zoos, with giant pandas and a cable car.
Scout: Two days lets you see it all.
Farm parks near you
Feeding lambs, tractor rides, play barns and bouncy pillows.
Scout: Lambing season in spring is extra special.
Fruit farms near you
Strawberries in summer, apples and pumpkins in autumn. Pay for what you pick.
Scout: Go early in the season for the best pickings.
Pumpkin patches near you (autumn)
Hay-bale mazes, wheelbarrows and the perfect carving pumpkin.
Scout: Book a timed slot at weekends and wear wellies.
South Kensington, London
Dinosaurs, a blue whale skeleton and an earthquake room. Free general admission.
Scout: Arrive at opening for the dinosaur gallery.
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.
Halifax, West Yorkshire, England
A hands-on museum made for children, with play-based galleries.
Scout: Best for under-11s. Book ahead in the holidays.
Washington, DC, USA
Most Smithsonian museums are free, including Natural History and Air and Space.
Scout: Two museums a day max with younger kids.
Paris, France
One of Europe’s biggest science museums, with a dedicated children’s area.
Scout: Book the children’s area (Cité des enfants) in advance.
Museums near you
Many local museums are free and run holiday trails and crafts.
Scout: Ask at the desk for a kids’ trail sheet.
Warwick, England
A medieval castle with shows, towers and family events.
Scout: Climb the towers early, before queues build. It’s on the Merlin pass.
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.
Cornwall, England
Giant biomes with a rainforest inside, plus play areas and events.
Scout: The rainforest biome is warm. Wear layers.
Richmond, London
World-famous gardens with a treetop walkway and children’s play garden.
Scout: The treetop walkway is a hit with all ages.
California, USA
Waterfalls, giant sequoias and granite cliffs.
Scout: Check if timed-entry reservations apply in peak season.
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.
Rocky beaches at low tide
Crabs, anemones and starfish. Free fun at low tide.
Scout: Check tide times, and always put creatures back gently.
Seaside towns near you
Sandcastles, pier arcades, crazy golf and chips on the prom.
Scout: Choose lifeguarded beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Trampoline parks near you
Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits and dodgeball courts.
Scout: Look for toddler-only sessions for under-5s. Grip socks needed.
Bowling alleys near you
Bumpers for little ones and fierce family rivalries for teens.
Scout: Weekday daytime games are often cheaper.
Soft play centres near you
Slides, ball pits and climbing frames built for little ones.
Scout: Term-time weekday mornings are calmest.
Cinemas near you
Many cinema chains run cheaper kids’ screenings in the holidays.
Scout: Check your local cinema’s holiday kids’ club.
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.
Hyde Park, London (winter)
A huge seasonal festival with rides, an ice rink, markets and shows.
Scout: Weekday daytime visits are calmer. Some attractions are ticketed separately.
Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland
The “Hogwarts Express” route over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Seasonal.
Scout: No tickets? Watching it cross the viaduct is free.
Preserved railways near you
Short rides behind real steam engines, plus themed event days.
Scout: Check the timetable. Most don’t run every day.
Farms, gardens and railways near you (December)
Grottos, elves, crafts and a gift from the big man himself.
Scout: Book in October for the best slots.
Gardens and estates near you (winter)
Illuminated evening trails through gardens and parks.
Scout: Early-evening weekday slots are often cheaper.
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.
See the best days out with toddlers and where kids go free.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
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