A day out doesn’t have to mean a day of overspending. With a little planning, you can enjoy quality time with family or friends—without stretching your budget. From nature walks to free museums, there are plenty of ways to enjoy summer days without the cost.
Explore for Free
There are fantastic places to explore across the UK that don’t cost a penny. Try:
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Local museums and galleries – many offer free admission or run ‘pay what you can’ days. Even larger attractions may have special free events or open days. For example, you can search Art Fund’s guide to free museums by location.
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Public parks, nature reserves and walking trails – local green spaces offer room to relax, picnic, and play. You’ll often find walking or cycling trails through nearby woods, canals or coastlines.
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Town heritage trails and community events – many towns have downloadable heritage trails, guided walks or themed scavenger hunts. Local Facebook pages and council websites often list free festivals, craft markets, and fun days during the summer holidays.
Websites like Day Out With The Kids and Great Days Out make it easy to find what’s happening nearby.
Pack Smart and Save
Eating out can be one of the biggest costs on a day trip. But packing your own lunch, snacks and drinks could save you £20 or more for a family of four. Use refillable bottles to avoid the cost (and waste) of bottled drinks, and bring simple, family-friendly snacks like sandwiches, fruit, and flapjacks.
Not only is this more budget-friendly, it also means you’re free to stop and eat wherever you like—whether it’s a picnic bench at a local park or a blanket on the beach.
Simple Ways to Make It Special
You don’t need to go far for it to feel like an adventure. Some of the best memories come from relaxed, slow-paced days. Try:
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Photo challenges – use a phone or disposable camera and challenge the kids to take pictures of things they’ve never noticed before.
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Nature treasure hunts – download free printable scavenger hunts from sites like The Woodland Trust or make your own.
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Outdoor games – bring a ball, frisbee or pack of cards to play in the park.
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Create a local explorer journal – encourage children to write or draw something from each trip, building a creative scrapbook of their summer.
Discover Hidden Gems in Your Community
At Wave Community Bank, we believe some of the best days out are right on your doorstep. Supporting local events and attractions not only saves you money, but also helps strengthen your local economy and community spirit.
You might be surprised what’s close by—an open garden day, a community orchard, a small animal sanctuary, or even a volunteer-run miniature railway.
Use Visit Britain or your local council’s tourism or “What’s On” page to uncover events and venues nearby. Local Facebook groups are also a goldmine for upcoming events and free activities.
💡 Top Tip: Create a “Summer Bucket List” with your family of low-cost things to do locally, and tick off each one as you go. Not only does it help with planning, but it gives everyone something to look forward to.
