With museums, playgrounds and adventure parks reopening this month, we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite spots that are ready to welcome you and your loved ones. Although a lot of our suggestions are based outdoors, always remember to wear a mask or face covering when spending time around other people. If you’re not yet ready to leave home there are still lots of fun digital and at home activities to do this weekend. Check out some of our guides to the best podcasts, building dens, or download our first Newbie colour book.
If you’d like us to do some research on the best family fun available near you get in touch with us via our Facebook or Instagram page. We always love to hear from you!
London
Take your little ones on a tropical adventure!
The lush utopia that is the Barbican Conservatory is now open on weekdays (though you must book a spot in advance). The indoor forest is magically overrun with 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees, exotic fish, tiny turtles and three indoor ponds. If you’ve never seen it before, now is your chance to take your little ones on an urban adventure.
Visit the Barbican here
Mini Matisse
Get arty with these hour-long baby-and-parents sessions at Dulwich Picture Gallery (costing £12). Begin with a relaxed viewing of the gallery’s impressive collection, then once inspired, roll up your sleeves and help your child paint their own masterpiece based on that month’s theme. Suitable for babies from sitting stage to age two. Sessions are twice monthly, 10am and 11.15am.
Take Flight
The Emirates Air Line is open and ready to take you and your little ones on an adventure in the sky as you travel over the City of London (don’t forget to pack your masks and face coverings, these must be worn on all TfL transport). Step off in Greenwich and take a wander along the water on Greenwich Peninsula’s The Tide.
Initially 1km in length, running from Peninsula Square to the river and along the riverside, The Tide will one day stretch 5km around the whole Peninsula. Use The Tide’s map with suggested routes to take in public art installations by global and emerging artists, including Damien Hirst, Allen Jones and Morag Myerscough, enjoy food and drink from independent traders beside the river or relax by one of the 5 meditation points from OPO by BeBox.
Check for times and travel restrictions on the Air Line here
Find out more about The Tide and things to do in and around Greenwich Peninsula here
Manchester
FOUR!
Perfect your swing at Treetop Adventure Golf in Manchester, where a tropical themed mini-golf paradise awaits you. Grab your clubs and get going on one of the two exciting 18-hole courses.
Explore the lush rainforest on the Tropical Trail, where you can chat with cheeky Toucans as you navigate your way around the Twisted Fig. Or you could find yourself in the crumbling temple on the Ancient Explorer course, surrounded by mystical ancient spirits. If you’re feeling brave, impress the Monkey Gods with your perfect putting skills on the bonus 19th Hole; if you succeed they may reward you with a free round!
Sheffield
Pushchair friendly walks around Sheffield
It can often be tricky finding enjoyable walks that are push-chair friendly. Thanks to Trips with a Tot, we’ve found a selection of push-chair and kid friendly walks around Sheffield.
Norfolk Heritage Park: A comfortable flat path around the entire park is great for prams and even goes through the woods which has a very wide path, beautiful in all seasons.
Graves Park: A huge park that allows you to easily choose a path to go for a walk either in or around the woods. There is a free animal farm, café, a big playground great for all ages and ducks.
Damflask Reservoir: Fantastic flat-path walk around the water near Low Bradfield. This is fantastic for getting out in the countryside with a pram.
For more walks in the Sheffield area visit Trips with a Tot here
Birmingham
What do you call a dinosaur with one eye?
Take your kids on a RAWsome trip back in time and visit The National Forest Adventure Farm’s Dino Summer event. Welcoming visitors back from 18th June, it provides 40 acres of safe outdoor family fun. Visitors can explore the 3m wide paths in separate family groups looking for dinosaurs hidden deep in the maze, try the thrilling Raptor Run to retrieve dinosaur eggs while evading the velociraptor hidden among the plants, and get up close to the interactive velociraptor and T-Rex for a scary prehistoric selfie.
For opening times and more click here
Film Night
Birmingham’s open air cinema is the perfect place to enjoy a family film out of the house. There are films suited for everyone, all you need is a car and some snacks and you’re set!
For films and times visit here
Kent
Queen and King for a day
Leeds Castle has reopened and it’s just as grand as we remember it. Take your kids on a royal excursion and let them play at being Queen or King for the day. Pack a picnic and make the most of the surrounding grounds. All visits must be pre-booked online.
Dig digging?
Have you ever wanted to drive a real JCB Digger or dumper? Well at Diggerland in Kent, the dream becomes a reality! You can ride, drive and operate real, full size construction machinery which provides a truly fun day out for all the family. The park is aimed at children between 4 and 14 years of age. There is a comprehensive Diggerland Ride Height Chart on their website, which indicates the suitability of all the rides they offer.
For opening times and digger bookings click here
Edinburgh
‘You’re a wizard, Harry!’
The perfect activity for Harry Potter fans, an original and magical walking tour of Edinburgh. Grab a wand and join your robed guide who will take you on a tour of the magical locations that inspired the characters and scenes of Harry Potter. You’ll even learn a trick or two along the way…
Climb Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the grassy hill jutting up from the City of Edinburgh. It is the remains of a volcano that erupted millions of years ago. Hundreds of people a day climb Arthur’s Seat for amazing views of the city. Gravel and dirt hiking trails snake their way to the top. This is fun for adventurous kids over the age of five. It’s also a great way to take a break from the city without leaving the city limits.
Happy Weekend.