Top 30+ best new family days out for half-term, across the UK

Half-term is fast approaching, but if you haven’t made plans don’t fret. These brand new days out across the UK will keep the whole family entertained (and tire out little ones).

From new theme park rides to a planetarium and a mini tree-top adventure, prepare for plenty of fun…

MIDLANDS

Close Encounters at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire

Get up close with some of the world’s most endangered and extraordinary creatures in a brand-new indoor experience at Twycross Zoo. Home to more than 13 rare species, come face-to-face with an electric-blue tarantula, panther chameleons and a Chinese crocodile lizard, while learning about vital conservation work, from global breeding programmes to species reintroductions. Adults £26.95, children £19.75, includes one year of access, twycrosszoo.org

The Toxicator at Alton Towers, Staffordshire

Meet The Toxicator, the latest high-octane addition to Alton Towers’ legendary line-up of theme park rides. With dizzying drops, wild twists, and full-throttle flips, this new rollercoaster hurls riders into a whirlwind of speed and suspense. For those who don’t fancy being spun upside down, there’s something for every age and bravery level across the park, from gentle family rides to splash-filled adventures. Adults from £29 online, children under 90cm free, altontowers.com

The Planetarium at Sherwood Observatory, Nottinghamshire

A brand-new £6.8m planetarium has opened at Sherwood Observatory in Sutton-in-Ashfield, offering an immersive journey through the cosmos. Experience the night sky in stunning wrap-around shows, explore distant galaxies, and discover how we observe the universe. With cutting-edge technology and real-time stargazing, it’s a thrilling celebration of space, science and discovery. Adults £7.50, children £6, U3s free, sherwood-observatory.org.uk

Summer of Music, Shropshire

The Quarry, Shrewsbury’s beautiful, 29-acre parkland encircled by the majestic loop of the River Severn, will be alive to the free soundtrack of brass, folk, jazz, classical and oompah-pah this summer with the launch of the town’s first regular bandstand concert series. With Sunday afternoon performances bring a picnic, enjoy live music and wander the riverside setting and gardens. Until 31 Aug, free, visitshropshire.co.uk/summer-in-quarry-park-your-ultimate-guide-to-whats-on-in-shrewsbury

EAST

Summer Nights at Hertfordshire Zoo, Hertfordshire

Step into the zoo after-hours to see lions, reptiles and rare birds in the magical glow of twilight every Saturday evening in June. The evenings will also feature Indian street food, summer drinks, stilt walkers, face painting, and live music and dance, along with over 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs which will come to life in the late evening. Until late June, tickets from £16, U2s free, hertfordshirezoo.com

Try Leo’s Jungle Journey in Great Yarmouth (Photo: Alexey_Fedoren/Getty/iStockphoto)

Leo’s Jungle Journey at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Norfolk

Set right on Great Yarmouth’s scenic South Beach, this classic amusement park has been delivering family fun for over 100 years. It’s home to retro rides and rollercoasters for adrenaline seekers, as well as the new Leo’s Jungle Journey – an exciting safari-themed ride inspired by the park’s beloved mascot, complete with a bouncing jungle bus made for younger thrill seekers. Adults £26, age three to six years £19, U3s £10, pleasure-beach.co.uk

NORTHWEST

Stories – Brought to Life, Manchester

Step into a groundbreaking immersive art experience inspired by the National Portrait Gallery, and discover the extraordinary stories behind some of the UK’s most iconic figures. From royalty and cultural icons to trailblazers and national heroes – including David Bowie, Jane Austen, Queen Elizabeth II, and Ncuti Gatwa – explore how these individuals helped shape the nation’s history and culture, all within a bespoke 10,000 sq ft purpose-built digital gallery. Until 31 August then touring the UK, adults from £26.95, children from £16.95, npgunframed.com

Samlesbury Hall Food & Drink Festival, Lancashire

Two days of cooking classes, tasting sessions and live entertainment await at the inaugural food and drink festival at the 700-year-old Samlesbury Hall in Preston. As well as showcasing Lancashire’s finest food and drink producers, the estate will open its manor, gardens and playgrounds – and reveal the stories that earned the property its reputation as one of England’s most haunted houses. There will also be a special ‘Dinner with Dickens’ event on 6 June, featuring live performances of his writings that may have been inspired by his stay at the hall in 1867. 7-8 June, free entry, samlesburyhall.co.uk

NORTHEAST

Unicorn Splash Park at North Yorkshire Water Park, North Yorkshire

Cool off this summer with a magical new attraction featuring three giant inflatable unicorns – including the world’s tallest. Bounce, slide, or take the ultimate five-metre plunge into the lake at this Scarborough-based attraction. Prefer to stay dry? Try axe throwing, archery, bushcraft, or the brand-new laser tag experience. £16, northyorkshirewaterpark.co.uk

North Yorkshire Water Park’s Unicorn splash (Photo: Provided)

Miffy’s 70th Birthday at Leeds City Museum, Yorkshire

Beloved children’s character Miffy turns 70 this year, and to mark the occasion, Leeds City Museum has launched a charming interactive exhibition for fans of all ages. Featuring rarely seen artwork by Miffy’s creator, Dick Bruna, the exhibition blends nostalgic displays with hands-on activities to celebrate seven decades of this iconic little bunny. On Sat 28 Jun there will also be a special family fun day, with face painting and the chance to meet Miffy. Until 7 Sep, free, museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Hull Maritime City, East Yorkshire

Hull’s historic maritime quarter is getting a major makeover, with phased openings planned throughout 2025. Highlights include the return of the Spurn Lightship, which helped guide vessels through the challenging waters of the River Humber for nearly half a century, and the Arctic Corsair – a legendary deep-sea trawler often dubbed “Hull’s Cutty Sark.” Also set to reopen is Queens Gardens, a central green space currently undergoing a transformative revamp, while there will be various walks and talks throughout spring and summer. maritimehull.co.uk

The National Science and Media Museum, Bradford

Designed to inspire future scientists and innovators, the newly refurbished museum features two new permanent galleries that showcase world-renowned collections in photography, film, and television, as well as three cinema screens and interactive exhibits. Free, scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk

S&DR200, County Durham

As part of Railway 200 – the landmark celebration marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway – the Stockton and Darlington Railway is hosting S&DR200, a vibrant festival honouring both the origins and future of rail travel. Set across the Tees Valley, the festival will feature exhibitions, live music, and captivating artworks, bringing the story of the railway to life in dynamic and unexpected ways. Visitors will also have the chance to uncover the legacy of the historic 26-mile journey from Shildon to Stockton on 27 September 1825 – a moment that transformed travel and transport across the globe. Until Nov 2025, free, sdr200.co.uk

Zip World’s Tiny Trek (Photo: NICK MIZEN)

WALES

Tiny Trek at Zip World, Conwy

This is a new mini treetop adventure course for toddlers aged two to five, designed to build confidence and coordination in a fun, safe setting. Suspended just 1.4 metres above the ground, Tiny Trek features 17 elements – including tunnels, walkways, and mini zip-lines. Parents or guardians can walk alongside to offer support and encouragement as their little ones explore. £10, zipworld.co.uk

Summer Nights at Caldicot Castle and Country Park, Monmouthshire

Enjoy an unforgettable weekend of live music within the historic walls of Caldicot Castle with the brand-new concert series, Summer Nights. In its inaugural year, the stage will be headlined by Razorlight, Levellers, and Squeeze, alongside rising Welsh talent for an incredible summer session. 1-3 Aug, adults £60.75, myticket.co.uk/artists/caldicot-summer-nights

LONDON

V&A East Storehouse, Stratford

Purpose-built to house over 1,000 archives and more than 250,000 objects from the museum’s vast collection, the V&A East Storehouse promises a new kind of museum experience. Visitors will gain rare insight into the inner workings of a major institution, exploring how objects are acquired, curated, and cared for behind the scenes. Come September it will also be home to the David Bowie Centre, a remarkable archive of more than 80,000 items celebrating the life and legacy of the music icon. From 31 May, free, vam.ac.uk

The Peter Rabbit Adventure at Hampton Court Palace, Richmond

Peter Rabbit is hopping over to Hampton Court Palace for a family trail that combines the sweeping gardens with the mischievous tales of Beatrix Potter’s fictional characters. Help Peter and friends solve puzzles, mend the Tailor of Gloucester’s coat, and sneak into Mr. McGregor’s garden, all while exploring the stunning grounds of the Tudor palace. 25 July-7 Sep, adults from £28, child from £14, U5s free, hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

Spyscape, Covent Garden

Channel your inner James Bond in this high-stakes immersion into the world of espionage. Created with real insiders, including the Head of Training at British Intelligence, the museum and experience in Covent Garden combine psychological profiling, high-tech missions, and physical challenges to test whether you’d survive in the field. From 30 May, £23, spyscape.com/london

Elvis Evolution, Newham

Hot on the heels of the groundbreaking ABBA Voyage comes Elvis Evolution – a new musical attraction at Immerse LDN, ExCeL Waterfront, which celebrates the one and only King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Blending cutting-edge digital technology, live actors, and immersive multimedia, this experience transports you into the heart of Elvis Presley’s world, letting you relive his most iconic moments on stage and discover more about his meteoric rise to fame. From July, £75, elvisevolution.com

SOUTHEAST

Magical Matilda Summer at the Roald Dahl Museum, Buckinghamshire

Enter the imagination of Roald Dahl and celebrate one of the author’s greatest works with a Magical Matilda Summer, running Tuesday to Sunday throughout the school holidays. Families can enjoy a range of Matilda-themed activities, from crafting clay Bogtrotter cakes and playing Crunchem Hall-style courtyard games to a cake smash and storytelling. 24 July-31 Aug, adults £11.95, children £9.95 when pre-booked online, U5s free, roalddahlmuseum.org

Audley End Miniature Railway is having a summer festival (Photo: Hilary Barrett )

Ghostly Manor at Paultons Park, Hampshire

Replacing the former 4D cinema, Ghostly Manor is a brand-new ride that invites guests to join legendary ghost hunter Dr Kinley on a mission to recapture wayward spirits. Armed with “phantom phasers”, riders will make their way through a haunted manor in an interactive experience packed with special effects and surprises. Why not pop into Peppa Pig World for some light relief afterwards? Adults £45, children under 1m free, paultonspark.co.uk

Audley End Miniature Railway Summer Festival, Essex

Enjoy an action-packed festival running throughout the summer at Audley End Miniature Railway. Hop aboard the train and journey through magical woods to meet Cristabelle the Wishing Fairy and Twig the Elf, who’ll share the magic of wishes before you make your own. Back at Woodland Station, the festivities continue with face painting, live performances, giant art walls, and the fairy and elf parade, held twice daily. 19 July–31 Aug, ticket info coming soon, audley-end-railway.co.uk

Found Festival, Buckinghamshire

A new festival for those seeking a more intimate, alternative escape from the bustle of large-scale events. With a vibrant programme catering to families and thrill-seekers alike, it offers everything from cabaret and circus performances to woodland crafts, axe-throwing, dance sessions, and comedy for all ages. Hosted on the Claydon Estate, those in need of a slower pace, the wellness area provides a space to unwind, with yoga classes, sound baths, and even an on-site sauna. 22-24 Aug, adults from £215, 5-17s from £115, U5s free, foundfestival.uk

Found Festival on the Claydon Estate (Photo: Provided)

SOUTHWEST

Homecoming Festival, Cornwall

A 10-day celebration of literature, food, music, and nature that brings together bold voices and curious minds comes to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. From Dawn French to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, this festival features a vibrant line-up of creative, inspiring talent. Expect live performances, readings, and immersive experiences that explore the themes of home and belonging, alongside beaver tours, wildflower walks, morning yoga, family foraging and art classes. 13-22 June, adults from £25, child from £23,85, includes access to Heligan Gardens, heliganhomecoming.co.uk

Jurassic Immersive, Bristol

Step back in time to explore the prehistoric world with incredible virtual reality rides and life-sized dinosaur encounters (including coming face-to-face with the mighty T-Rex and the gentle Brachiosaurus), immersive prehistoric environments and hands-on activities. Designed to educate, engage, and entertain, the interactive journey begins when a hidden dinosaur sanctuary is uncovered after a powerful earthquake. From 7 June, adults £17.95, children £15.95, U4s free, jurassicimmersive.co.uk

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Built for King Henry I, Corfe Castle in Dorset has recently opened to the public for the first time since the English Civil War in 1646. Thanks to a National Trust conservation project, visitors can enjoy a new viewing platform to take a peek at the former royal living quarters, as well as unrivalled views of the Purbeck countryside. Tours of the King’s Tower are also running, as well as family events and talks. Adults from £14, age five to 17 £7, U5s free, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle

SCOTLAND

The Inverness Castle Experience, Highlands

Bringing Scotland’s history vividly to life, this new visitor attraction celebrates the spirit of the Highlands through stories of the past, present, and future. Guided by a seanchaidh – Gaelic for storyteller – visitors journey through a series of immersive rooms revealing more than 100 tales, myths, and legends from the region. Set along the banks of the River Ness, the castle itself – comprising two striking 19th-century buildings – provides a suitably majestic backdrop to the stories within. Opening late summer, invernesscastle.scot

Alpine Coaster in Midlothian (Photo: Provided)

Alpine Coaster Experience, Midlothian

Scotland’s first alpine coaster has launched at Midlothian Snowsports Centre. Stretching 980 metres, it’s the longest in the UK, reaching speeds of up to 28mph with a thrilling 170-metre vertical drop. Riders control their own speed as they race through twists, turns, and downhill loops for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. £7, midlothian.gov.uk

VARIOUS

Raver Tots Summer Festival

Dance the day away with your toddler at Raver Tots, a fun-filled festival of discos, live music, and games. This summer, the festival is heading to new venues including Prospect Park in Kent, Bristol’s Amphitheatre and Waterfront Square, and Brighton Beach. Enjoy funfair rides, giant inflatables, crafts, face painting, a dance tent, street food, and a licensed bar for the grown-ups – making it the ultimate family rave experience. Adults £25, children £20, babies £5, ravertots.co.uk/festival

WWT Dragonfly Festival

A summer-long celebration of dragonflies is taking place in Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust centres across the country. Explore the magical world of dragonflies through immersive, nature-filled experiences, from guided walks, to pond dipping, art workshops, and giant outdoor games, as well as puppet shows, stilt walkers, macrophotography exhibitions, and dragonfly safaris by boat. 21June-22 Sep, adults £16.29, ages three to 17 £10.58, wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/whats-on/dragonfly-festival