We’ve gathered together a mix of activities, adventures, and days out across the UK that won’t cost a penny! Perfect for making memories without stretching the budget. From free work shops to garden clubs, there’s something here for all ages to enjoy. We’ll keep adding new discoveries as we go, so pop back anytime for fresh inspiration. And if you know of a hidden gem we’ve not included yet, we’d love to hear about it so we can share it with other families too.
Selected Stores - Sept 2025
The Rainbow High Airstream is coming to Smyths Toys Superstores this September! From 12th September, fans can enjoy a free Rainbow High event packed with fun, fashion, and creativity. Meet the brand new Air Brush & Create Doll, design your own airbrush t-shirt, enjoy rainbow-inspired face painting, and spin to win fabulous prizes! Although this is a free event, tickets must be booked in advance. Don’t miss your chance to experience the ultimate Rainbow High adventure with your family!
Nationwide - September & October 2025
Come and meet the coolest Pups in Adventure Bay! Chase, Rubble, Marshall and Skye will all be visiting your local The Entertainer store this Autumn. It's free to meet but we would recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment.
Bring along your camera, your biggest smile and get practicing your best Paw Patrol catchphrases.
They would love to see your photos too so don’t forget to share your photos with them on social media.
Various Dates - Nationwide
Learn to fish with a team of professionally qualified and licensed angling coaches. All bait, equipment, permits and licence are provided, saving you the cost of buying an Enrivonment Agency daily rod licence. You'll be taught the basics of fishing tackle, how to correctly hold a pole, bait the hook, recognise bites, land and unhook fish and much more. They'll also advise on best value for equipment to help you get started on your own and point you in the direction of a suitable local club or academy when you are ready for it. All you need to do now is to book in and turn up on time on the day.
Waterstones - Nationwide
Join Waterstones for their legendary Children’s Storytimes—an inclusive and fully accessible experience perfect for a range of ages and abilities. Each session features a well-loved story, expertly read and sometimes even signed, making it a welcoming space for everyone. Held throughout the year during both weekdays and weekends, these delightful events offer something new each time, with stories that change regularly—so why not go along more than once? While some stores prefer advance booking, many also welcome walk-ins, making it easy to drop in and enjoy the magic of storytelling.
We love these and have done a couple of these now at our local Apple Store. This month they are offering two different work shops.
1. Make Your Own Emoji
Kids will learn fun ways to create their own emoji. We’ll show them how to draw colourful faces and objects. Then they’ll explore using the Procreate app on iPad with Apple Pencil to draw an emoji to take home. Devices will be provided. Recommended for kids aged 8–12.
2. Coding for kids
Code and create as a family with Swift Playgrounds using iPad. Kids will experiment with code and design an app using the About Me playground. They’ll use Swift code to customise their app with fun fonts, background colours, emoji and more. Then you’ll work together to bring their app to life. Recommended for kids aged 10 and up. Devices will be provided.
These are so much fun and completely free of charge. They ask you to book from an Apple device ahead of time with dates and times varying from store to store.
Little Seddlings workshops are about the wonderful world of houseplants. Learn all about some of the most popular houseplants, travel back in time and across the planet to learn more about their origins and play some fun games, too. Each Little Seedling will head home with their own little houseplant to care for at the end of the session
It will cover:
- The basics of houseplants and how to care for them
- A journey into the ancient past to learn how humans and houseplants have gone together for thousands of years
- Head deep into the rainforest and learn about houseplants that originate from tropical climates
- Then, travel to the desert and learn about cacti – even getting a chance to touch a few non-prickly ones!
- Finish it up by sharing some top tips and provide houseplant care advice
IKEA are run a number of free workshops, games & activities in store over the year. These vary from store to store and from season to season. Visit your local stores page on there website to see what on this month!
Tennis For Free operate fully inclusive mass participation alternative tennis sessions for all ages and sections of the community nationwide at public parks for free!
Their locations are growing so even if you don't see one near you yet but are intrested keep checking back.
Check availability, location and bookings on their website here.