Here are over 30 of our top family days out for the summer holidays in and around Leicestershire and the East Midlands, including Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and more.

1. National Forest Adventure Farm, Farmarama

The National Forest Adventure Farm is hosting Farmarama from 20th July to 2nd September 2024, including the Maize Maze, a foam party, a beach with paddling pools, seaside shows and more! We love their events and have always had great fun there, so will definitely be heading down to check this out!

Find out more here or check out our review of the National Forest Adventure Farm here.

2. Warwick Castle

Words can’t describe how much fun Lily had at the Warwick Castle Zog Activity Trail – such a great day out for all the family, so it’s great to see it back for summer as well as the Zog Show. The Falconer’s Quest birds of prey show is fantastic, the Wars of the Roses live show is back too and there’s even the Zog Playland and a brand new Legend of The Trebuchet show on throughout the summer too.

Check out our review of the Zog Trail at Warwick Castle here or find out more here.

3. West Lodge Farm Park

Those who follow us on social media will know how much we LOVE West Lodge Farm Park and this award-winning farm is a great place to visit in the school holidays.

They also have free barrel rides, Lily’s favourite ever outdoor play area, animal petting, den making, pony rides, walking trails and more. You can also find their brand new adventure golf too.

This summer, don’t miss their Dino Weekend on 13th-14th July as well as their Camping Weekends.

Find out more here or check out our review here.

4. Manor Farm Park & Woodlands

Manor Farm Park & Woodlands is a wonderful day out with the family and they have launched an exciting and accessible trail in the woodlands, bringing to life a series of children’s books and characters produced in association with the Natural History Museum in London – the World of Dinosaur Roar! Discovery Trail.

What’s more, as well as all the usual fun on the farm, you’ll also be able to  enjoy their animal experiences throughout the week too.

This summer, you can also get involved with Foamfest with a foam party every day (weather permitting) throughout August as well as owl holding and more.

Find out more here or check out our review here of the dinosaur trail.

5. Bluebell Dairy, Bluebell’s Big Summer

We have made many great memories at Bluebell Dairy and are also massive fans of their Ice Cream Getaways camping weekends.

From cow safaris and alpaca walking through to animal petting, the indoor and outdoor play areas and jumping pillows too, Bluebell Dairy is a little gem for all the family to visit – not to mention their incredible ice cream!

Throughout the summer, you can enjoy activities such as the Maize Maze, Creepy Bug Shows, Foam Party and more… as well as water bomb battles too!

Find out more here or check out our review here.

6. National Trust Properties

We are huge fans of visiting National Trust properties with our membership, especially Calke Abbey and Stoneywell, however all the properties we visit are great for exploring, and they often have events going on for each of the school holidays too.

Find out more here or check out our review of Calke Abbey here.

7. Gulliver’s Theme Parks

We’ve lost count how many times we’ve visited Gulliver’s Theme Parks – they’re great place to head for a day or an overnight themed stay with the kids. Keep an eye on their social pages for discounts as they often have reduced park tickets.

Check out our reviews here:

Gulliver’s Kingdom & Explorer’s Retreat Matlock Bath
Gulliver’s Land & Adventurer’s Village Milton Keynes
Gulliver’s Valley South Yorkshire

Visit the Gulliver’s Theme Parks website here.

8. National Space Centre, Leicester

The National Space Centre is running the Space Rocks Summer Holiday activities from July 20th to September 1st, Understand more about what’s ‘out there’, from Moons to meteorites and some of the exciting future sample return missions planned.

Book now to include entry into additional talks, craft sessions, and take a low Earth orbit cruise from the Tetrastar Spaceport.

Not only is it hours of fun, with interactional exhibits suitable for all the family, you also get a free return pass to use within the year.

Find out more here or check out our review here.

9. Moira Furnace Museum & Country Park

We recently visited volunteer-run Moira Furnace before a timeslot at Calke Abbey and it was absolutely fantastic. With canal boat rides at weekends and through school holidays, their museum and stunning woodland and canal-side walks, it really is a special place to visit.

Throughout the summer, they also have a whole host of events to enjoy too including car shoes, Little Feet Festival and more.

Find out more here or check out our review here.

10. Twin Lakes theme park

Twin Lakes is one of our favourite theme parks, set in 100 acres of countryside as well as a fantastic water park too.

With rides suitable for children of all ages, daily events and even a farm to enjoy, we have always enjoyed our visits to Twin Lakes.

Find out more here or check out our review here

11. Swadlincote Snowsports Centre

If you’re looking for a day out for kids over the age of 4, that’s great for younger and older kids as well as adults too Swadlincote Snowsports Centre is your answers. With snow tubing, a toboggan run, drop slide, ski lessons and holiday clubs, it is a great place to visit in the school holidays.

Find out more here or check out our review here

12. Gloworm Festival

Gloworm Festival is one that is close to our heart – a fantastic festival for children of all ages, based at Thoresby Park, Nottingham.

You can visit for a day or the whole weekend, but however long you spend there, it will be an EPIC time.

With sponsors including Playmobil and CBeebies, live music from the likes of Andy and the Odd Socks, meet and greets, food, funfair and more, it is an amazing event.

Book your tickets or find out more here or check out our review here.

13. Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo is one of our favourite zoos and this summer you can enjoy the brand new Gruffalo Discovery Land, as well as the Summer Sundown events too. They also have a Festival of Animals running throughout August with a parade, steel drums and more on selected days.

What’s more, Twycross Zoo has a great outdoor splash park area to play in too – just head towards the penguins!

Find out more about the Gruffalo Discovery Land here or check out our review here.

14. SnowDome Tamworth

There is so much fun to be had at Tamworth SnowDome, whatever the weather. From their amazing snow fun park to their climbing walls and tobogganing too, we’ve always loved our visits to SnowDome.

We recommend signing up to their newsletter for huge discounts on all their activities, but we can’t recommend it enough for an adventure with the family!

Find out more here or check out our review here.

15. Conkers

There is so much to do for all the family at Conkers, from barefoot walk and outdoor adventure ropes, to enjoying their play areas, crafts, sensory trail, discovery centre and more.

The Conkerchoo trail has always been a favourite with Lily, and this summer you can enjoy the brand new Splash Cove outdoor splash park area and swan pedaloes to hire too.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page for summer activities, visit their website here, or check out our review here.

16. Boost Trampoline Park (Northampton & Leicester)

Boost Trampoline Parks are in both Northampton and Leicester. Lily has bounced at Boost since she was 2 years old, and it’s always a great place to bounce off some energy!

With trampolines, foam pits, balance beams and more, we really do recommend a visit to Boost Trampoline Park.

Check out our review here or visit their website here for session details.

17. Sundown Adventureland

As a dedicated theme park for under-10s, Sundown Adventureland is truly a special place to go. With a huge outdoor Angry Birds play area, sandpits to play in and plenty of rides for young kids to enjoy, there really is so much to do at Sundown Adventureland.

Check out our review here or visit the website here.

18. Wistow Maze

Wistow Maze is a great day out for the family, and this year’s maze design is in the shape of a javelin thrower, to mark the summer Olympic Games.

We loved visiting Wistow Maze in previous years and really do recommend it, with Wistow Rural Centre to visit afterwards too, just across the road.

Find out more in our review here or keep an eye on their Facebook here for the latest updates.

19. Peak Wildlife Park

Peak Wildlife Park is a truly unique day out with the ability to come face-to-face with some amazing animals, including penguins, wallabies and lemurs.

With walk-through areas, daily talks, animal feeding and more, we really do recommend Peak Wildlife Park as a place to have fun, learn and meet some incredible animals.

Check out their website here or our review here.

20. Mini Meadows Farm

Nestled in 12 acres of rolling countryside in the village of Welford, Mini Meadows Farm provides a fun, educational and great value family day out for adults and children alike, whatever the weather.

With animals to meet and feed as well as some incredible indoor and outdoor play areas, we love our visits to Mini Meadows Farm.

This summer they also have Pirate Days on 25th-29th July as well as summer foam parties every Thursday-Sunday from 27th June until 31st August!

Find out more here or check out our review here.

21. Windmill Farm Park

Windmill Farm Park in Leicestershire is a brilliant day out for the family. With brand-new jumping pillows, their indoor play area, animal feeding, events and outdoor play areas too, it is a fun, affordable and special day out this half term.

Find out more here or check out our review here.

22. Hatton Adventure World – Dinosaurs Alive

Hatton Adventure World is hosting the Great Summer Adventure event this summer, from 20th July to 2nd September.

Get ready for an unforgettable summer at Hatton Adventure World! Dive into our brand-new Maize Maze and enjoy a bigger and better-than-ever Foam Party. There’s endless fun with our classic summer activities, including:

• Tractor Safari: Hop on and explore the scenic countryside.
• Falconry Displays: Marvel at the beauty and grace of majestic birds of prey.
• Scales & Tails: Get hands-on with fascinating reptiles and creatures.
• Guinea Pig Village: Meet and cuddle our adorable guinea pigs.

That’s not all! Enjoy the excitement of our Fun Fair and Inflatables Area, challenge yourself with Laser Combat, and let the kids loose in Soft Play and on our Super Slide Mania. Don’t miss our Family Fun Shows that will keep everyone entertained.

With so much to do, one day might not be enough! Upgrade to a Summer Pass for just £10 more and make Hatton Adventure World your go-to destination all summer long.

With funfair rides, bouncy castles, falconry displays, spring animals and more, Hatton Adventure World always makes a great day out.

Find out more here or check out our review here.

23. Tropical Birdland, Leicestershire

Tropical Birdland in Desford, Leicestershire, is a fantastic 6.5aces bird sanctuary. With a parrot walk, outdoor play area, walk-through aviary and woodland walks, as well as the Real Macaw Cafe, it really is a special day out at Tropical Birdland.

Booking is essential – find out more on their website or check out our review here.

24. Foxton Locks, Market Harborough

Foxton Locks is a series of locks on the Grand Union Canal which is made up of two staircases, each of five locks, dating back to the 1900s.

Managed by the Canal & River Trust, it is the UK’s longest and steepest locks and a truly unique place to visit. There are beautiful walks, including accessible routes across the canal (see the map for access), which are also suitable for cycling and even free downloadable activity packs for kids too.

Lily’s favourite part was helping the volunteers to open the lock gates for the barges to come through!

Check out our review here.

25. Beacon Hill Country Park

If you have little adventurers, a great free day out (minus parking costs) is Beacon Hill Country Park. You have the rhododendron labyrinth, wooden play area and cafe as well as access to wooden sculpture trails from the bottom car park as well as rocks to climb and stunning views from the upper car park.

Lily also enjoyed den building in the woodlands – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

Check out our review here.

26. Nottingham Water Sport Centre

The Nottingham Water Sports Centre is a great place to get outdoors and enjoy all their fantastic activities, including Sky Trail, Mini Golf, Archery Combat & Lagoon Flat Water Activities.

Amongst 270 acres of country park, it is a beautiful day out for all the family, and great as a staycation too thanks to their fantastic campsite with camping and glamping options.

Find out more here

27. Stonehurst Farm

Stonehurst Farm is a small family-run working farm in Leicestershire, where you can hold baby animals, feed the cows and sheep, collect the eggs, enjoy a tractor and trailer ride, children’s pony rides, and enjoy the play areas too.

We loved their farm shop for local produce during lockdown and you can enjoy home-cooked food from the teashop too.

Find out more here

28. Alton Towers / CBeebies Land

I know theme parks are an obvious choice, and one people often avoid in school holidays, but there really is so much to do for all ages, and with CBeebies Land, Sea Life and more to explore, it really is a great day out.

What’s more, they also have the Splash Landings Hotel with waterpark, which you can book to access for a day, including all the flumes and outdoor/indoor areas too.

Check out our review of CBeebies Land at Alton Towers here or find out more here.

29. Drayton Manor – Summer Fun Fest

Thomas Land & Drayton Manor has announced the Summer Fun Fest this summer on Saturdays from 20th July-31st August, with live entertainment and evening rides.

Not only do you get to enjoy their hundreds of rides and activities, as well as the 15 acre zoo, you can also check out their new(ish) Adventure Cove.

Find out more here or check out our review here.

30. Van Gogh Exhibition – The Immersive Experience

For something truly unique, check out the Van Gogh Exhibition in Leicester at All Saints Church from 27th June until 31st August 2024.

The experience will let you discover the life of the artist in a new way: his time at the convent and in Arles, the secrets from the letters he wrote to his brother and much more. You will participate in a unique sound and light show that will immerse you in the world renowned and familiar images of Vincent Van Gogh.

No one will leave uninspired. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a 360 degree experience in the universe of one of the greatest geniuses of the last century.

Find out more here

31. Cattows Farm

From strawberry picking and other seasonal fruit picking to daily inflatables, Cattows Farm is fun for all the family.

We recently checked out their recently upgraded restaurant (a great place for cake and coffee!), but you can also enjoy their corn maze later in July too.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page for their latest updates or check out our review here.

32. Bradgate Park

Bradgate Park is a gorgeous day out for all the family, including a great place to paddle or hike to see the views.

Another favourite park of ours is Bradgate Park, with deer to visit, walks, an accessible path, cafes, toilets, and even a beautiful stream for paddling.

You can head to the top of Old John to enjoy the views and take the paths around the country park, or enjoy cycling, scooting and walking along the tarmac pathway through the middle.

This summer, you can also enjoy their Forest Fridays at £5 per child. Find out more here.

33. Kayak Explorer Day Trips, Let’s Get Lost

We could not be more excited for our kayak adventure this year with Let’s Get Lost – last year’s kayaking trip was our first official adventure of the year!

We booked a two-hour Explorer Day trip, and can’t wait to go back again – what’s more, they’re offering taster sessions this year too.

It is suitable for children age 5 and above, with all equipment included.

Bookings are filling up fast. Find out more here or check out our full review here!

34. Wicksteed Park

You know it’s nearly Summer when the boats make their return to the beautiful Lake at Wicksteed Park! From July 13th to September 1st get ready for summer fun in the sun at Wicksteed Park!

Join us from the 13th of July for an action-packed summer at Wicksteed Park, where you can dive into days filled with family thrills, exciting attractions, and unforgettable moments. Rain or shine, there is so much summer fun to be had at Wicksteed Park!

Find out more here

35. Go Ape

GoApe have adventures all year round, whatever the weather!

Kids and adults from the age of 4 (minimum height restrictions in place) are able to enjoy the Treetop Adventures, with even more adventures to step up to as children get older as well as nets and segways too!

We had so much fun at Go Ape Chessington for Lily’s 6th birthday. The GoApe obstacle courses are high in the trees, and are complete with zip wires, wobbly bridges, ropes and more.

You can check out the locations across the UK here and check out our full review here.

36. Leicester – Summer in the City

Leicester City is bringing back their Summer in the City events again this year with festivals, open streets, Leicester Food Festival, Caribbean Carnival, Leicester Pride and more as well as family friendly activities across the summer.

What’s more, Leicester’s Caribbean Carnival is back this year on 3rd August – a truly awesome event in the city with such incredible vibes.

Find out more here

Need more inspiration?

Want to head to the theatre in Londond? Check out our top family recommendations here.

Check out our ideas for unique family-friendly staycations in the UK

Check out our favourite farm park and wildlife park campsites

Check out our recent collaboration with ideas for activities to do with the grandparents

Check out our 20 ways to make family walks more interesting

Check out our 10 top tips for camping with the family

Check out a blog collaboration we were involved with about ideas for summer sleepovers with grandkids