What are good free days out in Nottingham?
Browse the free category for parks, libraries, museums with free entry, and public spaces. Always check official websites before visiting.
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Things to do with kids in Nottingham
A family-friendly city with caves, parks, libraries, local museums, climbing, and soft play options.
Please check the official website before visiting, as opening times, prices, and availability can change.
Need a full plan for today?
Match activities, printables, and places in Nottingham with the Activity Matcher.
Open Activity MatcherQuick stats
- 16 family-friendly listings
- 5 free ideas
- 12 indoor options
- 6 outdoor options
- 8 birthday-friendly venues
- 11 SEN-friendly listings
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Best for rainy days in Nottingham
Indoor museums, libraries, soft play, and activity centres suit wet weather. Always check official websites before travelling.
Top rainy-day picks
Nottingham Castle Family Grounds
A heritage-style family visit for stories, galleries, grounds, and city history.
Nottingham Central Library Children’s Space
A free indoor stop for children’s books, quiet breaks, homework support, and story-led visits.
Nottingham Soft Play Hub
A generic soft play option for indoor climbing, slides, toddler time, and birthday sessions.
Nottingham Kids Climbing Centre
An active indoor climbing listing for school-age children, movement, and party groups.
Best free ideas in Nottingham
Parks, libraries, and free public venues help keep school holidays affordable.
Top free picks
Wollaton Park
A large park option for open space, walks, nature spotting, and family picnics.
Nottingham Central Library Children’s Space
A free indoor stop for children’s books, quiet breaks, homework support, and story-led visits.
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
A grand hall and deer park offering wide lawns, nature trails, and seasonal events that feel like a countryside escape within the city. Popular for photography, picnics, and school holiday walks.
Highfields Park Family Walk
A lakeside university park with boating options, ducks to watch, and gentle paths for buggies and scooters on calm sunny days. Connects well with nearby museum visits.
Best outdoor options in Nottingham
Parks, farms, zoos, and outdoor trails suit dry weekends and after-school energy release.
Top outdoor picks
Nottingham Castle Family Grounds
A heritage-style family visit for stories, galleries, grounds, and city history.
Wollaton Park
A large park option for open space, walks, nature spotting, and family picnics.
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
A grand hall and deer park offering wide lawns, nature trails, and seasonal events that feel like a countryside escape within the city. Popular for photography, picnics, and school holiday walks.
Highfields Park Family Walk
A lakeside university park with boating options, ducks to watch, and gentle paths for buggies and scooters on calm sunny days. Connects well with nearby museum visits.
Printable backup ideas for Nottingham
Hunt sheets, bingo cards, and travel printables help with queues, cafés, and the journey home.
About days out in Nottingham
There are 16 listings in this guide covering free places, indoor venues, outdoor spaces, and birthday-friendly options. Use category filters above to narrow results, or browse activities and printables for at-home backup ideas.
FAQs
Common questions
What can families do on a rainy day in Nottingham?
Prioritise museums, libraries, soft play, and indoor activity centres. Keep a printable hunt or bingo sheet ready for travel and queues.
How do I plan a full day in Nottingham with children?
Use the Activity Matcher with your city selected, then pair a morning outing with a quiet at-home or printable activity afterwards.