Here are over 30 of our top family days out in and around Leicestershire and the East Midlands, including Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and more. There’s Jubilee Celebrations, fun on the farm, theme parks and more to enjoy this May half term!
1. National Forest Adventure Farm, Dino Week
This May half term holiday have a roar-some time at the Adventure Farm from 28th May til 5th June.
Open the gates to the new Raptor Ranch where a T-Rex, Velociraptor, Triceratops and Spinosaurus are waiting to meet you. Learn to tame the ferocious beasts in a Dino Training Camp, get up close for a one on one Dino Encounter and be brave enough to take on the Raptor Run and evade the velociraptor to collect the dino eggs.
Find out more here or check out our review of the National Forest Adventure Farm here.
2. Warwick Castle, Zog Activity Trail
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 and now you can enjoy the fantastic Zog Playland. The Falconer’s Quest birds of prey show and indoor areas of the castle will also be open this Half Term. You can even expand it into a short break!
Find out more here or check out our review of the Zog Trail at Warwick Castle here.
3. West Lodge Farm Park
Those who follow us on social media will know how much we LOVE West Lodge Farm Park and we are counting the days until we head back again.
With free barrel rides, Lily’s favourite ever outdoor play area, animal petting, den making, pony rides, walking trails, the huge indoor play area and more, it really will make a great half term day out.
What’s more, they also launched their brand new adventure golf last year too for a small extra cost!
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 we especially love their World of Dinosaur Roar discovery trail, bringing to life a series of children’s books and characters produced in association with the Natural History Museum in London.
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 and even celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Find out more here or check out our review here.
5. Bluebell Dairy
We have made many great memories at Bluebell Dairy and can’t wait to head back on one of their Ice Cream Getaways camping weekends very soon.
From cow cuddling 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!
This half term, you can enjoy their Young Farmer’s Week, from 28th May til 5th June, including the cow safari, bottle feeding the lambs, pig show, water balloons and the brand new play area.
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.
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
Excitement levels are ‘rocketing’ in our household that the National Space Centre is hosting the Martian May event running throughout half term.
“Take a walk on the Martian side, as we head to a planet with two moons and lots of robots. Discover the geography and geology of one of our closest neighbours, find out how rovers explore the surface and get hands-on with science.
Book your day tickets online now and your visit will include an opportunity to drive our Martian rover, immerse yourself in a full-scale version of the Mars surface, head to the lab to test our space soils and take a look at an actual piece of Mars in our Solar System gallery.”
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.
What’s more, you can enjoy a special production of Peter Rabbit on May 28th, in the outdoor theatre.
To top it off, the weekend of the 28th May, they will be running a Beatrix Potter trail between 10am and 4pm each day. Trails will be available Saturday and Sunday from the museum shop.
To finish off the Jubilee weekend in style, you can also enjoy one of their popular craft fairs on June 5th.
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.
With rides suitable for children of all ages, daily events, a splash park 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. Alton Towers
I know theme parks are an obvious choice, and one people often avoid in half term, but the theme park boasts the awesome Gangsta Granny ride, CBeebies Land, Sea Life and more to explore, making it a great day out for all the family.
What’s more, this half term, Mardi Gras is coming to Alton Towers for plenty of colourful celebrations.
Check out our review of CBeebies Land at Alton Towers here or find out more here.
13. Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo is one of our favourite zoos and there are a whole host of savings for families throughout the half term week to help you enjoy the animals, play areas, splash park and more.
With giraffes, tigers, meerkats and more, alongside the brand new Gruffalo Discovery Land (review coming soon), there really is so much to enjoy at Twycross Zoo.
Find out more 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 we are super excited to visit their new Splash Land that opened in Easter.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for half term activities, visit their website here, or check out our review here.
16. Boost Trampoline Park (Northampton & Leicester)
Lily has bounced at Boost since she was 2 years old, and always loves a jump session there, so she’s excited to hear that they have Jubilee celebrations from 2nd – 5th June at the trampoline parks.
What’s more, you can save up to ÂŁ2pp by booking in advance.
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. 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.
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.
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
Hatton Adventure World is hosting the Wonderful Whitsun Pirate Invasion event this half term, from 28th May to 5th June.
You can enjoy a live stage show, pirate battles, pirate battles, exotic animals and more.
As well as the pirate fun, you can enjoy funfair rides, bouncy castles, falconry displays, spring animals and more – the Whitsun Pirate Invasion at Hatton Adventure World sounds a great day out this half term.
Find out more here or check out our review here.
23. Tropical Birdland, Leicestershire
Tropical Birdland in Desford, Leicestershire, is a fantastic 6.5acre 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. Bosworth Water Park
Bosworth Water Park is home to a man-made beach where families can play and paddle, a mini golf course, a huge adventure play area, sand pit and more.
You can hire pedaloes and even camp there if you wish! What’s more, you just pay for parking, which although seems expensive, you can have a great day out for all the family with no other entrance fees too!
Find out more here or check out our review here.
26. 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.
27. Bradgate Park
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.
28. 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
29. The Outwoods Sculpture Trail
From the 2nd June til 24th July, you can enjoy the Into the Outwoods sculpture trail, with 70 tree people lining the 1.25 mile woodland trail, opening on the 2nd June to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Parking is just ÂŁ1, toilets and cafe are available.
30. Matlock Farm Park
Throughout half term, Matlock Farm Park has a huge bundle of celebrations, including the Big Bubbleman, the Snow Sisters, an exotic animal day and a Jubilee Party.
The indoor jungle-themed Rainforest Playbarn is open and there are so many play areas, the UKs largest jumping pillow, sandpit, adventure play areas, animals and more.
Find out more here or check out our review here.
31. Magic Alley, Stratford
Magic Alley in Stratford has opened bookings for Wonderland for May half term, inspired by Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, including enchanting entertainers while you solve magical riddles and puzzles as you go along the trail to solve the crime of who stole the charts.
Recommended for ages 6+, the experience lasts around 45mins-1hr.
Book your space or find out more here
32. 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!
33. Wicksteed Park
You know it’s nearly Summer when the boats make their return to the beautiful Lake at Wicksteed Park!
Enjoy all of their rides and attractions all week, meet the animals at Wicky’s Farmyard, and join in the party as our Jubilee celebrations complete the week!
Find out more here
34. Dino Kingdom Leicester
Abbey Park in Leicester will become home to an epic pre-historic adventure from the 27th May to 12th June.
Come on an adventure to this facinating Dinosaur Park where you can encounter life-size prehistoric creatures still roaring and roaming the land!
Prepare to be blown away as the future meets the past! Marvel as cutting-edge 3D mapping and AR technology brings ancient history back to life right in front of your eyes. Expect interactive activities, delicious food and drink, thrilling fairground rides, and loads of fun games for your little ones to enjoy, all while learning about the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs!
Book tickets or find out more here
35. Leicester Riverside Festival
Leicester Riverside Festival returns on the first weekend in June. Spread over four areas this free two-day festival features fun on and off the water.
Bede Park will feature family activities including a fun fair, food stalls, arts & crafts, beer tent, acoustic music stage and lots of join in activities, whilst on the Piazza area our large music stage will feature great live bands and music for all ages.
Western Boulevard sees the return of the hugely popular street market with arts, crafts, tasty street food plus the Ride Leicester cycling area.
River Soar & Mile Straight hosts the colourful narrow boat rally, boat trips, canoes, boat rides, demonstrations and the opportunity to view and buy work from local artists at Art on The River.
Castle Gardens includes children’s activities with an eco and environmental focus.
It’s sure to be one of the best waterside festivals in the country and a fun-packed weekend not to be missed! Follow Leicester Festivals and Events for the latest updates:
twitter.com/leicesterfest
facebook.com/leicesterfestivals
instagram.com/leicesterfest
Need more inspiration?
Check out our ideas for unique family-friendly staycations in the UK
Check out our favourite farm park and wildlife park campsites
If the weather’s not great, why not check out our ideas for indoor days out here
Check out our 20 ways to make family walks more interesting
Check out our 10 top tips for camping with the family
Check out another recent collaboration of how to explore the world without leaving the UK
The 3am Diary 