Free and Cheap Family Days Out
Parks, walks, play areas, animals, museums and family adventures across the Wakefield district and a little further afield.
Use this page whenever you need an inexpensive idea for a family day out. Many places are free to enter, although parking, activities or refreshments may cost extra. Follow the links to check current opening times and prices before travelling.
Scenic walks
For a slower day with lovely views, woodland, lakes or open countryside.
Newmillerdam Country Park
A popular circular lakeside walk with woodland paths and plenty of places to pause. The main route is manageable with many pushchairs, although woodland paths can be muddy.
Plan a visit →Sandal Castle
Explore atmospheric castle ruins and wide views across the Calder Valley. Combine it with nearby Pugneys for a longer outing.
Plan a visit →Seckar Wood
A peaceful woodland and heathland nature reserve that works well for wildlife spotting, a scavenger hunt or a quiet family walk.
Plan a visit →Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Large landscapes, woodland and outdoor sculpture make this feel different on every visit. Children enter free; adults pay admission and parking is included.
Check current tickets →Family walks and trails
Walks with something extra to keep children interested along the way.
Anglers Country Park
Follow the family story trail, walk around the lake, watch wildlife and bring a picnic. The surfaced paths make it one of the easier options for little legs and pushchairs.
Plan a visit →Fitzwilliam Country Park
Way-marked paths cross open grassland and woodland, with pond-dipping platforms and routes suitable for walkers, cyclists, pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Plan a visit →Walton Colliery Nature Park
A network of walking and cycling paths with information boards and connections to the Trans Pennine Trail. Take bikes, scooters or a nature checklist.
Plan a visit →Pontefract Castle and Park
Explore the castle ruins first, then continue to Pontefract Park for open space and its large fairytale-themed playground.
Start at the castle →Ducks, ponds and wildlife
Places to watch ducks, birds and other wildlife around the district.
Thornes Park
Visit the duck lake and small aviary, then add the playground, walled garden or a picnic to make a longer outing.
Park information →Pugneys Country Park
The lake and surrounding paths offer plenty of opportunities for spotting water birds. Pair the walk with nearby Sandal Castle.
Park information →Anglers Country Park
Watch the lake and reedbeds for birds, bring binoculars if you have them and visit the bird hides without needing to complete a long walk.
Park information →Newmillerdam
A scenic place to watch ducks and other birds while walking beside the water. Keep children close at the lake edge.
Park information →Parks and play areas
For climbing, running, picnics and burning off energy without attraction prices.
Thornes Park Play Area
A large play area with an accessible roundabout, sensory panels, train-themed toddler space, castle area, tall climbing unit and double zip line.
Park information →Pontefract Park Play Area
Thirty pieces of equipment with areas for toddlers and juniors, including a castle slide, giant climbing unit, music and storytelling features.
Park information →Carr Lodge Park, Horbury
A useful local choice for a shorter outing, combining a children’s play area with green space for running, games and picnics.
Explore Wakefield parks →Purston Park, Featherstone
A traditional town park for a low-key playground visit, ball games or a picnic. Check local information for facilities before making a special journey.
Browse council parks →Farms and animals
Animal encounters ranging from low-cost local visits to bigger paid days out.
Blacker Hall Little Farmers Trail
Follow the farm trail, meet animals and add selected feeding experiences if wanted. Check the current ticket price and what is included before visiting.
Check current details →National Coal Mining Museum Ponies
Meet the pit ponies at the Pony Discovery Centre and look out for horsekeeper talks. Admission and seasonal parking arrangements can vary.
Plan a visit →Swithens Farm
A larger farm visit with feeding sessions, tractor rides and play options. The Play Barn can carry an additional charge, so compare ticket choices first.
Check prices and times →Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
A community farm with animals, crops, wildlife habitats and paths. It is further away but remains one of the lower-cost paid animal days out nearby.
Check admission →Rainy days, museums and history
Mostly free indoor places, with castles to add when the weather improves.
Wakefield Museum
Local stories and family-friendly displays inside Wakefield One. Combine it with the library or a city-centre activity.
Plan a visit →Pontefract Museum
Discover royal connections, Civil War finds and Pontefract’s famous liquorice history in an Art Nouveau building.
Plan a visit →Castleford Museum
A compact museum that works well for younger children or as part of a trip into Castleford. Check opening days before travelling.
Museum information →The Hepworth Wakefield
Modern art galleries, family activities and a riverside garden. Wakefield district residents and under-18s receive free exhibition entry.
Plan a visit →Pontefract Castle
Explore one of Yorkshire’s most important medieval sites, including dramatic ruins and stories of royal scandal and Civil War sieges.
Plan a visit →National Coal Mining Museum
Galleries, historic colliery buildings, interactive exhibitions and outdoor areas can fill most of a day. Some tours and seasonal activities cost extra.
Plan a visit →Further afield
Worth the slightly longer journey when you want a different full-day adventure.
Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens
Free museum, landscaped park, gardens, play area and picnic space. Cannon Hall Farm is next door but is a separate paid attraction.
Plan a visit →Roundhay Park
A large free park with lakes, woodland, open space and play areas. Tropical World is nearby but has separate admission.
Park information →Elsecar Heritage Centre and Park
Combine the heritage village and historic buildings with the nearby park, playground and reservoir walk. Special events may charge.
Plan a visit →Ponderosa Zoo
A smaller zoo with more than 100 animals and family play areas. Check prices and opening times before making the journey.
Check current details →Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
A hands-on museum designed for children, especially useful for a planned rainy-day treat. Advance booking is usually sensible.
Check tickets →Yorkshire Wildlife Park
A larger, higher-cost animal day out that is best treated as an occasional planned trip. Booking ahead can help secure the best available price.
Check tickets →