With the summer holiday in full swing, there's still plenty of time to enjoy time off and make the most of those long, (hopefully) sunny days!
Entertaining children of all ages can get expensive when school is out. Here’s our top ideas to beat the boredom and get out and about across Leicestershire, without spending a penny this summer.
Fab free fares
Travel on selected bus services across Leicestershire is available completely for FREE across every weekend in August 2025.
There’s no voucher required and residents of all ages can enjoy this unmissable offer. Leave the car at home and visit Leicester city centre, Bradgate Park, Twycross Zoo, Fosse Park and more.
Full details on all eligible services are available on the Choose How You Move Website.
Dino T-Reks
Got a budding palaeontologist in your family? Get outside and take part in one of our free, interactive, dinosaur-themed trails across 14 Leicestershire parks, featuring artwork created by local children and the chance to enter a competition to win prizes.
Designed to get children interested in sustainable transport, like walking, cycling and scooting, it’s a great opportunity to burn off some energy in the fresh air.
Find out where to spot dinosaurs near you.
Kids Eat Free
Eating out with children in tow can get expensive. Many of your favourite cafes and restaurants are offering free and £1 meals for kids in the city and county this summer holiday.
See the Visit Leicester website for more info.
Summer Reading Challenge
Every summer, children aged 4-11 have the opportunity to take part in a summer reading challenge through their local library, completely for free. This year’s theme is ‘story garden’.
Read six books to complete the challenge and receive a medal, certificate and special seeded bookmark. More information, as well as accompanying events is available on the libraries webpage.
Holiday Activities Fund
Even though the summer holidays are now in full swing, there’s still time to book your child a place on a wide range of different holiday programmes.
Completely free to families who receive benefits-related free school meals, children from reception to year 11 can take part in fun organised activities ranging from sports and fitness to crafts and performing arts.
With a nutritious meal included, it’s a great way to meet new friends, stay active and discover new hobbies and interests.
Country Parks
The county council manages five fantastic Leicestershire country parks, where admission is always free for all.
Get out and about in the fresh air and take advantage of trails, great facilities and education on our local heritage.
Find your nearest country park.
Family Hubs
37 family hubs are available across Leicestershire, which the county council runs in collaboration with partnership organisations.
Hubs provide a one-stop shop and offer advice, information and resources to help families navigate every stage of life – and we’re still here for you during the summer holidays.
Find out more, as well as more fun, free events available for you and your family on the family hubs website.
Museums
There’s so much to see and do at council-run museums in Leicestershire.
Visit Melton Carnegie museum, Charnwood museum and Harborough museum, where admission is free for everyone.
Each museum runs free events and activity days too, from historical and nature themes to crafts and creativity.
See what’s on near you on our museums webpage.
Group Walks
The Choose How You Move team regularly organise free group walks across the county and city.
Walks range in difficulty and length and many are family friendly, with fun themes like wildlife, local history and even food and drinks!
It’s a great way to see more of your local area in a completely new way and leave map reading to the experts.
Where will you go this summer?