We’re making it really easy for you to plan your summer, see what’s open, what’s new in Doncaster, do you need to book, is it buggy friendly, is there a baby change…all the important things that mum’s need to know when booking a family day out.
First published 2021, updated for 2023.
Our team of Mumblers, led by Doncaster Mumbler have reviewed some of our favourite places to bring you an A-Z of fun, family friendly venues and attractions to enjoy this summer in Doncaster.
Whether you want to spend a day in the city centre or get out and about in some of the great venues and open spaces, Doncaster is a huge place and there are lots of things to do and explore.
A great option for a walk, scoot or bike ride on a sunny day, with a stop off at Annabel’s (winner of the ‘Eating Out with Kids’ award at the 2021 Doncaster Mumbler Awards!)
The paths around the lakes are great for walking and most are suitable for pushchairs and bikes, trikes, scooters.
Annabel’s serve coffee’s teas and more recently Pizza too! We enjoyed a fantastic pizza recently and if you have little ones there is a sandpit and some tractors for the kids to play on.
Facilities:
Good to know:
Situated in Doncaster town centre, Bake, Battle and Roll is a Board Game cafe and Doncaster Mumbler Debbie went along to check it out.
” I visited Bake, Battle and Roll with my eight year old son and I can’t recommend this place highly enough. They have a massive selection of board games to play – from really simple ‘Orchard Toys’ type games to teenager and adult. All the games are organised into shelves of difficulty so it’s easy to select one that’s appropriate. Rachel and James (the owners) are so friendly and helpful and are great at recommending games or talking you through instructions to get you started as quickly as possible. The food is delicious and very reasonably priced – I had a panini and my son had a bacon sandwich. They do a wide range of drinks including milkshakes and smoothies. They have also recently introduced a vegan menu and I overheard another customer commenting on how delicious the vegan milkshakes are. We stayed for a couple of hours, but could’ve stayed longer if it wasn’t for our parking ticket running out. Great for a rainy day activity or to tie in with some other activities to make it a great day out in the town centre”.
Price: We paid £22.50 for food, drinks and gaming time.
Good to know:
Bake Battle & Roll, 24-26 Wood Street, DN1 3LW
Cast is Doncaster’s theatre, home to our beloved Christmas pantomime and a great place for all ages to enjoy. Situated in the Cultural & Civic Quarter, we’ve enjoyed several of their seasonal family shows.
Look out for the ‘As You Like It’ Drama Workshop on 23rd June – £6.
Allegro Dance Academy will also be showcasing their school’s talented performers 1st/2nd July.
Price: Prices for performances vary. See What’s On here
Facilities:
Cast, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BU
This is the new home for Doncaster Libraries and Heritage Doncaster in the Civic and Cultural Quarter. Situated on the site of the old Girls High School and the former Waterdale site of Hall Cross School, the building looks fantastic. It is absolutely worth a visit this summer.
Doncaster Mumbler have had a few trips to the Children’s Library.
“It was very light and colourful, with views in to the museum and outside. The choice of books was brilliant, Mini Mumbler found a Harry Potter section so we lost her to Hogwarts for a bit. It’s a lovely place to sit for an hour and read. It was very easy to sign up for a library card and children can take up to 12 books out at a time, with up to a month to read and return (although renewals can be done online).”
Look out for the Summer Reading Challenge this year (the 2022 theme is Gadgeteers!) and there are usually some free craft activities.
“In terms of the Museum and Gallery, there are lots of exhibits, it’s a huge building! First stop when you enter is the Rail Heritage Centre, with the Green Arrow and No. 251 locomotive inside the building, plus a KOYLI (Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry) area. We enjoyed taking a look back at Doncaster and seeing the sarcophagus, the Danum shield and the old sitting room, with an old TV. There was a typical old fashioned shop for children to explore and lots of interactive elements with buttons to press and videos to watch. The Art Gallery which is at the top of the building was really impressive, with some works loaned from the likes of the British Museum. It was very peaceful up there and we really enjoyed it.”
Price: Free
Facilities:
Good to know:
Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1
A family run farm, with farm shops open during the soft fruit season (Jun/July) it’s a great summer day out.
Mumbler Lyndsay loves the tearoom too!
“They serve delicious homemade cakes and scones, shortbread, ice cream and hot and cold drinks. There’s even pimms and prosecco if you fancy a tipple with your strawberries in the sunshine!”
See our full found up of where to PYO strawberries this summer here.
Eastfield Farm, Tickhill, DN11 9JD
Boston Park Farm is a favourite amongst local families and is really accessible if you’re visiting from further afield. I know we love it and so do locals, who voted them Doncaster Mumblers’ ‘Favourite Party Provider’ in 2021! Doncaster Mumbler Rachael, along with her little girl and new baby boy went along for the day. Rachael’s first trip out as a new mum, with two children under 5 was a bit daunting, however she was in good hands with Boston Park Farm!
They know what children (and mums) need. A working farm, there is so much to enjoy there.
“My favourite part of the farm are the children’s play areas – lots to keep the kiddies busy and heaps of fun. The farm contains many different animals that the children can feed, outdoor play areas, indoor soft play, a sand pit, bouncy castle, Go-Karts and a hay bale pyramid”.
Look out for the Maize Maze during July to October, which is a lot of fun too, plus they are building a new pig barn which will be accessible for visitors.
Price: Family Ticket from £15.00 to £20.00, Adult from £2.50 to £4.50, Child (3-12 years) from £5.50 to £6.50, Toddlers (1 & 2 Years) £4.50, Baby under 1 Free. They also do a 1 adult and 1 child ticket from £8 to £11. Book here
Entry to the Maize Maze is included in your admission ticket when it is open.
Facilities:
Good to know:
Boston Park Farm, Doncaster, DN7 6DS
Book a Big Splash session at the Dome this summer and enjoy being back in the swimming pool.
Doncaster is lucky to have an amazing fun pool with slides, fountains and other fun stuff! Swimming in the lagoons is fun for all the family, from toddlers (there’s a great toddler area) to tweens and teens.
Rachel from Hull Mumbler visited …
“We had a great afternoon swimming at Doncaster Dome! I haven’t been since I was a teenager and I have loved it just as much as my kids, “.
Price: Check website
Facilities:
Good to know:
Doncaster Dome, Lakeside, Bawtry Road, Doncaster, DN4 7PD
The lovely park at Cusworth and the children’s play area is great during the summer months.
A perfect place to unwind and picnic, enjoying the outdoors. A huge hill to roll down, some trees for shade if you need them with little ones and a nice lake to walk around (it’s a fairly short circular walk).
Look out for a FREE Doncaster Mumbler Trail during the summer in collaboration with Get Doncaster Moving!
Price: Free, although car parking charges apply
Facilities:
Cusworth Hall, Cusworth Lane, DN5 7TU
Conisbrough Castle (an English Heritage Site) is a great place to visit this summer. Doncaster Mumbler had not visited for many years and the kids had never been, so they explored it recently!
“A great place right on our doorstep! The gorgeous sunshine meant that we could laze around on the grass whilst waiting to climb the impressive tower (wasn’t a long wait, but numbers were limited for obvious reasons). The kids loved exploring and climbing the ruins. We were also given a quiz sheet, so the kids enjoyed doing that and there were lots of hills to roll down outside the castle!”.
Price: Family Ticket £19.80 (2 adult and up to 3 children) or £12.20 (1 adult and up to 3 children), Adult £7.60, Concession £6.90, Child £4.60, Under 5’s free. Book here
Facilities:
Good to know:
Conisbrough Castle, Castle Hill, Conisbrough, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN12 3BU
Jump and climb and jump some more at Flip Out, a trampline and activity park, located in Doncaster’s Frenchgate Centre!
“A great indoor option if the weather isn’t brilliant. Lots of trampolines, climbing wall and a great little cafe. If you’ve under 5’s there is a soft play area too”.
Price:
Facilities:
Good to know:
Flip Out Doncaster, Frenchgate, St Sepulchre Gate, DN1 1SW
Normally you’ll find Claire with lots of little tots in her baby classes (Tots Play Doncaster), however she took her own not so little tots to Kingswood Adventure Golf to do a mini review for us! (Reviewed in 2021)
“We had a pirate-tastic time at Kingswood Adventure Golf in Hatfield. There are adult, child and family tickets available, helping to keep the cost down. We loved that there is a Gang of Five ticket available too for £20, as usually family tickets only accomodate 2 children.
When it comes to fun with kids, we all know it’s a case of ‘just add water’. Our Pirate gang loved that many of the obstacles included water features and I’m pretty sure they aimed to miss just so they could dip their hands in to retrieve lost balls. The course would be easily attempted with smaller children and is pushchair friendly if you’re taking younger ones too; under 3’s are free of charge. It took us about 45 minutes to complete the course with our intentional water shots, and some of our pirate gang played the holes more than once as they were having such good fun!”
Prices: Adult £6.00, Scallywags (4-14) £4.50, Stowaways (3 years and under) free. Ships Crew of Four £18 (1 adult & 3 children or 2 adults & 2 children), Gang of Five £20 (2 adults & 3 children or 1 adult & 4 children)
Facilities: Though we didn’t eat this time, there is a large family friendly dining area as well as toilet and changing facilities and smaller takeaway refreshments available.
Good to know:
There is lots to do around Doncaster Lakeside, whether that is a walk in the fresh air around the beautiful lakes (stopping to feed the ducks), shopping at Lakeside Village or having something to eat at the new Herten Triangle restaurants.
Hull Mumbler had a walk around the lake on their visit to Doncaster and it made for a full day out in Doncaster, after enjoying swimming at the Dome.
If you fancy shopping, there is something for everyone at Lakeside Village (free parking), including a play area for children to blow off a bit of steam and they Free Ping Pong available. Look out for lots of activities in the summer holidays too…their Summer Outdoor Cinema screenings will be back in 2022. They also have award winning baby change facilities at Lakeside and are doggy friendly in a lot of the shops.
Lakeside Village, White Rose Way, Doncaster, DN4 5PJ
The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, located just off the M18 at Lakeside has re-opened and is a great place to go as a family. Doncaster Mumbler visited with the kids and Grandad and everyone enjoyed it.
“The museum is a lot larger than I realised! There were planes and helicopters of every description, inside and outside, some of which the kids could sit in the Cockpit, which they found really good fun. There was also a helicopter simulator, so a few interactive things that they really liked. There is a ‘Blitz’ area, which has sound effects and shows a typical kitchen during WWII and so much history relating to our local area. We spent a good few hours there and the kids found it really interesting. There was plenty to keep them all interested”.
Price: Adult £6.50, Seniors £5.50, Children (u16) £3, Family (2 adults & 2 children) £15, Children under 5 are free. We have a Mumbler discount ***2 for 1 when you quote Mumbler ***
Facilities: There is a small shop which sells hot and cold beverages, cakes, snacks and ice creams. You can also take a picnic. Plenty of outdoor seating available.
Good to know:
South Yorkshire Air Museum, Dakota Way, Airbourne Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN4 7NW
What can we say. Rachael from North Leeds Mumbler went along to Potteric Carr. Here’s her review, however her amazing photos of their day are literally down the toilet. Anyone with a toddler might feel Rachael’s pain – you take the toddler to the loo and out falls your phone in to the…well you know the rest.
So, here’s Rachel and here’s what she had to say, but sadly no amount of rice meant that her amazing photos could be salvaged.
“Whoooooop!! We loved our visit to Potteric Carr – especially going round on the Spider’s Tale Story Trail! It was a great way to see different parts of this beautiful site, and my daughter loved finding the different homes on the activity sheet. There’s LOADS to see – it’s much bigger than I thought! Our walk was just under 2 miles and we didn’t even cover half of it. We saw lots of wildlife and loved the sculptures dotted about. The cafe has a fab viewing platform if you fancy sitting outdoors, and a great little gift shop”
Price: Adults £4.50 and children £3 (although I didn’t have to pay for my 2 year old). A family ticket is £11 for two adults and up to four under 16’s.
Facilities:
Other Information:
YWT Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Mallard Way, Doncaster, DN4 8DB
The Aqua Park is open for summer on the weekends, and will also be open every day of the summer holidays. There is also a natural swimming pool and Kayak’s, Paddle Boards and Canoes for hire.
We have enjoyed both the aquapark (see our reel on Instagram) and the Katakanu (for 6 people) this summer, which were great fun! Katakanu is great for a family.
Price: Varies depending on which activity. See prices here
Facilities: Toilets and lots of parking. You can also camp there.
Sandall Park is one of Doncaster’s biggest and prettiest parks. Locals remember it as the boating lake and whilst there are no longer boats on it, there’s a lovely lake to walk around, lots and lots of swans and ducks to see too.
There are three play areas for kids including a wooden adventure play and loads of open space to picnic and play. During summer months there are usually bouncy castles too.
Look out for their free summer events and activities on the Friends of Sandall Park facebook page. We will have a free Doncaster Mumbler Trail too, in collaboration with Get Doncaster Moving!
They have a Caribbean Fun day on July 30th and Princess and Superhero fancy dress funday on August 4th.
Sandall Park, Doncaster, DN2 5DY
Doncaster Mumbler discovered Quarry Park recently and loved it!
“It’s a great park to use as a destination for a picnic this summer. Lots and lots of open space, a few different play areas and a woodland walk. My children particularly enjoyed the zip wire and walking through the woods. We spotted a lot of dogs so I think it is a popular place to take the furry members of your family too! The Friends of Quarry Park do an amazing job of looking after the park and keeping it spotlessly clean.”
Other Information:
The Cycling Track at The Dome offers cycling for all abilities.
“We tried it when my son was learning to ride a bike and was not too confident. It’s great as it’s a nice smooth track and it wasn’t too busy when we went. There is a little track for kids to ride balance bikes if you have younger children, but then if you have adventurous, more confident children they can go on some of the ramps and enjoy a bit of off-road terrain!”
Facilities: Cafe on site.
Other Information: There are public sessions – pay and ride and accessible sessions. It can also be hired privately and there are lessons available via Clancy Briggs.
The Doncaster Cycle Track, The Dome, Doncaster.
Something else new that popped up in the Cultural & Civic Quarter in 2021 Doncaster town centre.
“I enjoyed a trip to the new Savoy cinema with my 8 year old son and a couple of friends. It’s right next door to the Cast Theatre and you could combine your visit with a trip to the new Danum Gallery, Cupcakes2Love or Bake Battle & Roll to make a nice little day out. The staff were friendly and welcoming and there’s a good range of food and drink available. We bought ourselves a fizzy cherry drink (Cherry Crush?!) which was lovely! On our way through to the screens I noticed a big pile of booster seats that you could help yourself to – great if you have a little one with you.
The seats we had chosen were little sofas. This was definitely my favourite thing about our visit and I’ve never seen it in a cinema before. It meant I could snuggle up with my son, whilst watching the film, and gave him enough room to move around to get comfy. I wish they had seats like that available when he was younger as it might’ve prevented me trying to watch films with him sitting (not very still) on my lap. People seemed to be spread out in the cinema and from what I could see, most people removed masks whilst watching the film. Overall I’d recommend the Savoy and will definitely be visiting again soon”.
Price: Adult £6.99, Child £5.49, Snr Citizen £5.49, Student, £5.49, Family 2 adult + 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children £22.00
Facilities
Savoy Cinema, Sir Nigel Gresley Square, Waterdale, DN1 3BU
A unique, fun, rustic DIY workshop based at the Yorkshire Hive (Yorkshire Wildlife Park).
A brilliant creative studio where you can create a piece of wall art yourself. No skills required!
Doncaster Mumbler visited during the last school holidays and we made some signs for our home and garden.
“It was a great way to spend a few hours with my daughter. The studio is lovely and you are guided through the process. We were able to create something really bespoke.”
Prices: It was £36 for the tow of us to do a piece of wall art each. We were there about 3 hours.
Good to know: Little ones are welcome! Drop in during the week. You will also find the Uproar Play Barn at The Yorkshire Hive, so combine a trip to the Twisted Knot for some creative time, with a trip there to let of steam afterwards.
The Twisted Knot, The Yorkshire Hive, Hurst Lane, DN93HQ
The NEW leisure facilities have opened at The Wook Market in 2022 and now the whole family can enjoy some amazing food and:
Prices:
Facilities:
Toilets available and huge choice of food options – Piza, burgers, Mac & Cheese, Indian, Peruvian. Street food atmosphere, great social venue where everyone can have what they fancy. Lots of seating. They also have Quiz night on a Thursday.
Book Leisure activites here.
Doncaster Wool Market, Market Place, DN1
Brodsworth Hall has reopened and Mumbler Lyndsay visited recently (June 2022). An English Heritage site, Brodsworth Hall allows you to catch a glimpse of Victorian life in the ‘conserved as found’ country estate. The grounds and gardens are open and are stunning in all seasons.
“We had a lovely day exploring the gardens and this time we went in the house which is now open again. It was nice to have a look inside. We visited with a 3, 4 & 5 year old this time and had the whole playground to ourselves for some of the time”.
Price: Current entry costs are £12.60 per adult and £7.60 per child (under 5’s are free) and family/concession tickets are available. Pre-book tickets here
Facililities:
Good to know:
Brodsworth Hall & Gardens, Doncaster, DN5 7XJ
Enjoy a walk in the woods and visit the sensory garden with their pirate ship!
The brand new play area has re-opened in 2022 too.
“Last time I visited Sandall Beat Woods, I was amazed by how peaceful it was. It’s tucked away, behind Doncaster Racecourse off Leger Way and there is a car park, plus various routes to take. You’re surrounded by nature and there are usually activities happening during school holidays, like their recent half term activity to make a bird snapper. It is an excellent location for a picnic. It’s free to visit too, so a great option for a summer day out with the kids exploring nature”.
Facilities:
Sandall Beat Community Environment Centre, Sandall Beat Woods, Off Leger Way, Doncaster, DN2 5QB
Opened in 2021, this is an indoor skatepark. Take to the ramps on your skateboard, BMX, in-lines or scooter and test your skills. They have various challenges to take on and if you’re just starting out, there are mini ramps to start on. Get your adrenaline pumping!
Price: Between £10 for a 2 hour session
Twisted Skateparks, Unit 3, Marsh Gate, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN5 8AF
What else would Y be for! Doncaster is home to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which just keeps getting bigger and better! Vicki from Wakefield Mumbler popped over with her family for a visit in half term.
“There’s been a huge redevelopment recently and the new area is big and provides some great viewing areas of the new animal zones – we loved Point Lobos with the chattering sea lions! Head to Caramba for lunch or a sit down and ice cream. It’s a lovely shaded seating area that is normally a lot quieter than the main eating areas. Don’t miss the fab playgrounds”.
Price: Adults £22, Child (3-15 years) £20 – online prices
Facilities:
Good to know:
A NEW reserve has just opened at The Yorkshire Wildlife Park – Pangea: Discovery of Dinosaurs! (Included in your day ticket)
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster, DN9 3HQ (This is a new postcode as there is a brand new entrance)
Formerly the Earth Centre, one of the millenium commission projects, Kingswood was transformed in to an activity centre in 2012 and is used by schools for residential trips. On a recent visit there, Caroline from Doncaster Mumbler found out a bit more.
“I found out that it’s possible to book to do the activities as a family group too! There are options available (minimum numbers apply) but there is so much to do there, Zip Wires, climbing, abseiling (here I am coming down!) and team building. It would be great for a family group to get together or a group of friends. There are also some Holiday Clubs and Camps there ”
Kingswood Activity Centre, Dearne Valley, Denaby Main, DN121 4EA
You might also like:
The Rugby League World Cup in Doncaster this year: Here’s how families can get involved.
Places to PYO Strawberries near Doncaster
5 places to play crazy/adventure golf
Head over to our summer holidays area for more ideas
Doncaster becomes ones of UK’s newest Cities!
If you’re not local to Doncaster and are planning a visit, a warm welcome awaits you. It’s a perfect destination for a family day out and there are great options for making the most of your stay. Head over to Visit Doncaster for hotels, ideas for a mini break in Doncaster and more.
