Cheap Days Out: Free and Low-Cost Family Days Out in the UK
A good day out with the kids shouldn't mean an eye-watering bill by the time you've paid for tickets, parking and a round of snacks. The good news is that there are more ways to do it cheaply than most people realise, from free attraction passes hidden in newspaper promotions to £1 trial passes, Nectar points that stretch further on theme park tickets, and whole days out that cost nothing at all.
This is where we gather the best of them, with the deals checked and the catches explained, so you can find a cheap day out that suits the family without spending an afternoon hunting for it. Have a look through the guides below, and it's worth checking back, since the best seasonal offers change through the year.
The best cheap and free family days out right now
Cheap days out: your questions answered
How can I find free days out with the kids?
There's more free than people expect, if you know where to look. Newspaper promotions regularly give away family passes to attractions like the National Trust, many museums are free to enter, and free outdoor spaces like country parks and beaches cost nothing but the journey. It's worth planning around the free options first, then adding a paid treat only where it's genuinely worth it.
How do I get cheap theme park tickets?
The single biggest rule is to book online in advance rather than paying at the gate, which can cut the price by half or more on parks like Legoland, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Beyond that, look at Nectar points on Merlin attractions, newspaper token promotions, and family discount passes. Never turn up and pay the gate price if you can avoid it.
Are family discount passes like Kids Pass worth it?
They can be, if you'll use them more than once or twice. A service like Kids Pass costs £1 for a 30-day trial and unlocks discounts on cinema, attractions and dining, so a single family cinema trip can cover the cost. The key is to work out what you'll actually use before the trial renews, which our Kids Pass review walks through.
What are the cheapest days out during the school holidays?
School holidays are when the best family offers tend to appear, so it pays to look before you book anything. Cinemas run cheap morning screenings, supermarkets and restaurants run kids-eat-free deals, and many attractions add seasonal promotions. Our kids eat free guide and our holiday activities post round up what's on offer.
How can I save money on food and drink on a day out?
Bringing your own is the simplest saving there is, since food and drink at attractions is where the cost can really add up. A packed lunch, refillable water bottles and your own snacks can save a family a small fortune across a day. Where you'd rather eat out, a kids eat free deal is the cheaper option. You might also be able to save money on food, plus other costs via a cashback app too!
Can you use loyalty points for days out?
Yes, and it's one of the most overlooked savings. Tesco Clubcard points can be exchanged for days out through Reward Partners, often at more than their cash value, and Nectar points now stretch further on Merlin theme park tickets. If you've been collecting points without a plan, a family day out is a good way to spend them.