The historic parkland surrounding Cusworth Hall is open to the public every day of the year. It’s the perfect location for picnics, walks with the dog, or family days out. There is no charge for entry into the Museum but donations are welcome.
Children’s play areas and a playing field are also located within the park and a variety of walking trails are available from the Hall reception. Admission to the park is free but car parking charges apply. The park also features a gorgeous river, alongside three lakes that have stunning decorative scenery.
Situated in Cusworth Hall’s former stable and coach house, Butlers Tea Room serves meals, snacks and drinks.
The Old Brewhouse (Ten Eighty Six Brewery) is a cosy microbrewery and bar built into the original brewhouse which serves freshly made pizzas.
Cusworth Lane, Doncaster DN6 7TU
01302 782342
Image: Ben Harrison Photography
Built around the frontage of the historic Doncaster High School for Girls, the state of the art venue houses brand new libraries for adults and children, a Rail Heritage Centre, two museums and an art gallery.
Admission is free.
If you would like any more information on this group, please contact Sophie on sophie@wearedarts.org.uk
Have you discovered Geocaching yet? It’s a great FREE thing to do outdoors with the kids, in any weather.
Head over to our Geocaching blog to find out how to get started.
23rd November 2023- 29th January 2024
Can you find all of Doncaster’s Penguins?
This Winter in the City of Doncaster, there’s a new and enchanting family friendly walkable trail featuring incredible Emperor Penguin sculptures, each individually designed by talented artists.
Pick up a parade map from the Tourist Information Centre and discover all 12 of the stunning sculptures including Santa Paws, Mr Easy Freezy, Pullover Penguin, Buddy The Elf and more!
Looking for super-fun leisure activities and great food to enjoy with family and friends?
We have
Duck pin bowling
Augmented Reality Darts
Shuffleboards
Retro Arcade GamesDon’t forget we have our Sunday Funday and Kids’s Quiz too!
Thursday evenings during term time from 4:30- 6pm
These FREE sessions are for children aged 5-11 to attend with their families and siblings are welcome. We also welcome anybody who feels they need a bit of extra support.
These visual arts workshops will allow you to explore your creativity through colour, shape and texture. Come on an art adventure with us!
All materials will be provided and the artist will always ask how to adapt the activity to best suit you or your child. Everyone is welcome to try things out at their own pace and will be supported in giving things a go.
The Point, 16 South Parade, Doncaster, DN1 2DR, 01302 341662
Within easy reach of Doncaster. There’s a huge lake to walk around (2 mile lakeside trail suitable for walkers, joggers and cyclists), a woodland walk and bird hides. There’s also an adventure playground, picnic areas and a cafe.
There is also a Room on the Broom Adventure Trail. Activity packs (optional) can be purchased from the visitor centre for £2. Follow the trail, find sculptures, look for animal footprints, trace rubbings and have fun doing activities along the way. Accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Parking is free for the first two hours and £2 for up to four hours which you pay for via an app.
Anglers Country Park, Haw Park Lane, Wintersett, Wakefield, WF4 2EB (around 45 minutes drive from Doncaster)
A great, free rainy day activity which can be combined with a visit to The Old George Cafe and Barnsley Market. Both the museum and the gallery have interactive and hands on activities for children.
Parking is available close by, many of which are free at the weekend.
Church St, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2TA
If you fancy a quiet walk in gorgeous woodland then Bawtry Forest is a great place to explore. Perfect for dog walking too but make sure you have your wellies on in winter!
Bawtry Forest, Doncaster, DN10 6DA
Steeped in history and full of charm, Bishops’ House is both a museum and Sheffield’s best preserved timber framed building. It is free to enter.
There are trails for children to follow as well as dressing up clothes.
Young families tend to spend between half an hour and an hour in the house before heading towards the playground in the park. Those with an interest in history or historic buildings can easily spend over an hour looking around.
Being located at the top of leafy Meersbrook Park provides one of the finest views over Sheffield just a few metres away from the house. Bishops’ House is also on the route of Sheffield Round Walk and walkers will often pop in for a look around.
Norton Lees Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S8 9BE
Dramatic moorland rock formations. Explore Brimham Rocks, and have a great day out at nature’s playground.
This amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations makes a great day out for families, climbers and those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and magnificent views over Nidderdale.
We visited in August 2020. It’s a wonderful place, the kids loved climbing (my heart was in my mouth a few times as they climbed bigger rocks) but we all loved exploring.
There’s no admission charge at Brimham Rocks. Parking is free for National Trust members.
If you don’t have NT membership the car parking charges are as follows: £6.50 for 4 hours or £10 per day.
Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW
01423 780688
A lovely FREE day out for families, Cannon Hall Museum and Park usually has free activities/ trails in the school holidays and it has children’s areas within the museum. It also has a children’s play area, shop, The Pavilion Cafe and The Pear Tree Pantry plus plenty of space to picnic.
Parking charges apply (£1 for 2 hours, £5 all day)
Cannon Hall Museum Park and Gardens, Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT
Explore the beautiful gardens of Cannon Hall as you never have before with our free multisensory trail.
Make an echo in the deer shelter, enjoy a picnic and see if you can spot any fish in the pond.
Download your map here of collect one from the museum when you arrive.
Cannon Hall Museum & Park is a FREE day out for families.
Park and Gardens Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT
The main car park is accessed from the Kingsway on the A18. There is also a secondary car par park accessible from Ashby Road, the A159. Car parking here is free of charge. It is about a 30 minute drive from Doncaster. Central Park is a great place for a picnic, a walk or a bike ride.
At the centre of the park there is an excellent play facility with lots to offer for children of all ages. Featuring the Nutshell Café, this central hub is a vibrant area easily accessed from the car parks via the adjoining footpaths and the boulevard. Picnic tables are available for use in this area.
There is also a fully accessible Splashpad, suitable for accompanied children from three to 12 years old, which operates throughout the summer season. No dogs are allowed in this area.
There is a secure, fully accessible play area split into three zones for children of all ages with seating and grassed picnic areas.
No dogs are allowed in these areas.
Central Park, Kingsway, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN17 1BJ
This is a fabulous park, free to get in aside from parking. There are then optional extras (such as the splash pool in summer or the fairground rides).
We have been lots of times and not had to spend a penny – there is loads to keep the children entertained without spending a fortune. There are play areas for big and little children, a sand pit and lots of space to run around and picnic.
At Clifton Park Museum you can step back in time and explore the story of Rotherham as told through fascinating collections and exhibitions.
Clifton Park, Doncaster Road, Rotherham, S65 2BH
Walk in the footsteps of the Ice Age hunter and enter a world of fire and flint.
Discover a legacy etched in stone with cave art 10,000 years older than the pyramids.
Explore life on the edge of the Ice Age world.
There is no charge to visit the Creswell Crags site or to walk around the lake and gorge. It is also free to visit the shop and coffee shop.
There is a £4 charge to park for up to 3 hours and full day parking is £6.
Crags Road, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3LH
Doncaster Minster welcomes all vistors to come and view the Minster and follow a safe route around the building to view the beautiful architecture, stained glass and the impressive High Altar and its guilded reredos. Find out about the history of the building and its predecessor- there has been a church onsite for at least 800 years! Discover what’s special about the organ, the clock bells and why it was designated a Minster in 2004.
Opening hours for visitors are Monday- Friday 10:30am- 3:30pm and Saturday from 10:30am- 1:30pm.
9 Church Street, Doncaster, DN1 1RD
Whether it’s seeing Doncaster’s only public bird aviary, or strolling through the historic Dell gardens, there is a lot to do at Hexthorpe Park.
The park has places to play including toddler and junior play areas (we have enjoyed these in the past and there seemed to be something to suit various ages).
There are also natural play areas, a playing field and multi-games area, skate park, BMX track, tennis courts and a basketball post.
The Dell Cafe provides somewhere to sit and have something to eat and there are also picnic areas and teen sheltered seating.
Hexthorpe Park, Bramworth Road, DN4 0HY
A well maintained, award winning park for everyone to enjoy with many facilities including open green spaces, a skate park, a great children’s play area, seating, a rose garden, a formal garden and wildlife gardens. There is a great variety of trees and a bridge takes you over the River Idle.
We enjoyed a day out a Kings Park on a lovely sunny day. My mini mumblers enjoyed paddling in the river, playing on the playground and ice creams from the kiosk. There is also a splash park here which looked great but wasn’t in operation at the time due to Covid-19. We’ll definitely visit again.
Chancery Lane, Retford, DN22 6DF
Did you know that there is a FREE trail to do at Doncaster Lakeside with the kids?
A great place to visit for a free day out in the summer months as it has a splash park but there are many other things to enjoy in the park at other times of the year too. There’s a fishing lake, junior and toddler play equipment, a skate park, an under 12s football pitch, woodlands, wildlife and butterfly meadows and a cafe.
Church Street, Langold, Worksop (around 25 minutes drive from Doncaster)
There is plenty of free parking here and easy disabled access.
Relax and enjoy a walk around the gardens where you will find well-stocked and competitively priced trees and plants.
Food is available from the Boilerhouse Restaurant from breakfast to homemade lunches (carvery on Sunday) or just tea & scones.
Also on-site, there are other outlets including a Pet Centre, Ladies Fashion Boutique, Large Men’s Clothing Outlet & Steam Museum which is free to visit.
The museum has an impressive collection of restored stationary steam engines. In total around 18 steam engines & pumps are on display, the majority of which can be run on steaming days.
Please note that the museum closes from November to March each year.
Longlands Lane, Brodsworth, Doncaster, DN5 7XD
With nine floors of galleries to explore, three cinemas including Yorkshire’s biggest IMAX screen, and a packed programme of events, you’re sure to find something to inspire you.
Current opening hours are 10am -5pm.
Entry to the museum is free but donations are welcome and tickets can be pre-booked online.
National Media Museum, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1NQ
The National Railway Museum is another great option for a free, indoor day out. With a little play station for under 5s and over 300 years of railway history to explore, everyone is sure to have fun at the National Railway Museum.
Within an hour of Doncaster and very easy to reach by train as it is very close to York station.
Entrance tot he museum is free but donations are welcome. Tickets should be pre-booked online.
Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
Newmillerdam Country Park has a central lake, surrounded by a surfaced path. It is around a 50 minute drive from Doncaster.
Help Gnome Tony find his gnome friends and the bear that has scared them all away! Enjoy a scenic walk, find the sculptures and complete activities and challenges as you go. Pick up a leaflet from the dispensers in the car park. Suitable for all ages and accessible for pushchairs and most wheelchairs (there are some slopes on the route). The Boathouse Newmillerdam is a dog friendly cafe perched on the waters edge with lovely views.
This is a free activity but car park charges apply if parking in the car park for more than two hours.
Barnsley Road, WF2 6QQ (USe Post code WF2 6QP)
The North York Moors National Park is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, spectacular coast, ancient woodland and historic sites.
Find out what there is to see and do and discover how the National Park Authority works with the people who live here to care for this beautiful place.
A great place to visit in the summer months if you want to enjoy some paddling!
Padley Gorge is located in the Peak District, near NT Longshaw Estate (we parked there and walked through it to get to Padley Gorge). It was full of families paddling, with plenty of space to put a blanket down and have a picnic there too.
The kids loved climbing over the rocks in the water – we were there for ages and there was an ice cream van too. Longshaw was a nice place to have a family walk and there was a cafe and toilets aswell.
Longshaw, near Sheffield, Derbyshire, S11 7TZ (around a 50 minute drive from Doncaster)
Peasholm Park Scarborough, North Yorkshire is open for everyone to enjoy all year round, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Entrance to the Park, which is never closed, is FREE.
A former quarrying site is now an award-winning park and local nature reserve, with a wide range of things to see and do.
There is a toddler play area, with slide, swings, a rope net pyramid and sand pit, plus a junior play area with climbing frame, tightrope walk, a hammock and zipwire. There is also a playing field and sports facilities including a multi-use games area and outdoor gym equipment.
Enjoy one of the walking routes and nature walks, along with an orienteering course if you want to do some exploring.
As a nature reserve, you will be able to see a variety or wildlife, so it’s a great place for a nature trail.
Quarry Park is just over 5 miles outside Doncaster town centre on the A18 to Dunsville. Car parking is provided at the bottom of St Mary’s Road off the A18 (1st traffic lights as you enter Dunsville from Doncaster)
The Park has fantastic facilities for families to enjoy a brilliant day out in the fresh air. The Stables Café is located at the Park Courtyard Area, Ice Cream Vans are usually in the park daily and you can take your own picnic.
The park has plenty of open spaces to play your own outdoor games, walk, cycle visit the play areas, ride on the miniature train, feed the birds and animals at station farm.
The activity centre is located on the main lake and has a variety of water sports (including water zorbing) and boats for hire.
For families who want to learn something together the Activity Centre offers lessons and courses in canoeing and sailing.
Mansfield Road, Wales Bar, Sheffield, S26 5PQ (around a 30 minute drive from Doncaster)
Free to enter and lots to see including the impressive Hall of Steel and Henry VIII’s armour.
We visited June 2022 and there were also interactive shows throughout the day.
My children loved the huge elephant! They were learning about Saxons at school so enjoyed seeing more from this period.
There are lots of places to eat nearby and you can walk there from the train station.
Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT
A great place to enjoy the outdoors in woodland, enjoying a picnic, walking and playing.
There is a play area, sensory area and car parking.
Covill’s Trail is a 2km circular path through the wood, suitable for pushchairs.
The postcode for Sandall Beat Road is DN2 6JP and there is free parking.
One of the largest parks in Doncaster, Sandall Park is home to beautiful scenery and a variety of facilities.
There is lots of open space and lots to keep children entertained, including toddler and junior play areas, with zipwire and climbing frame, plus a brilliant woodland adventure play area. They also have a sensory trail, which is an inclusive outdoor experience suitable for families whose children have special educational needs and disabilities.
A range of sports facilities are available including outdoor gym equipment, basketball post and 3 football pitches.
We have enjoyed a picnic many times at Sandall Park, but there is also a cafe.
If you’re looking to get fit, there are Fit and Fun Walks, plus the Doncaster Parkrun here. See our adult fitness pages for more information.
Sandall Park, Thorne Road (opposite KFC). DN2 5DW
Sheffield Botanical Gardens has over 18 different areas of planting and a number of listed buildings for you to explore. Find the unique bear pit next to the Himalayan Garden, take inspiration from the Marnock Garden, stroll through the Victorian carpet bedding and find bananas in the Pavilions. There is something to enjoy at any time of year.
Entry to the gardens is free and can be combined with a visit to The Curator’s House which is an independent café bistro set within the grounds of the gardens.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens are one mile southwest of the city centre. The main entrance is on Clarkehouse Road (S10 2LN), just along from the Hallamshire Hospital. There are also entrances at Botanical Road and Thompson Road (S11 8RB) which is off Ecclesall Road.
With activity trails, play areas, bike hire, wild running and mountain biking trails, Sherwood Pines will set the scene for a great day out for all.
We have visited this place a lot and love it every time. They often have different trails available such as the Gruffalo orienteering challenge and the newer Superworm trail, which is really interactive.
It’s a great place to cycle, there are lots of bike trails to suit all abilities. There are some purpose built World War I trenches too that you can climb down into – it’s a little walk to find them.
There is lots of space to picnic and a great cafe. There is also a Go Ape for adults, a high ropes adventure for children over 1 metre tall and a Go Ape Nets Adventure suitable for anyone aged 1+.
There is a charge for parking but other than that you could spend a whole day here with a picnic and not spend a penny.
Edwinstowe, Mansfield NG21 9JL
Thursday 26th October 2023 from 11am- 3pm
FREE family activities including crafts, treats and pumpkin carving (donations welcome)
In the walled garden of St. Catherine’s House, Woodfield Park, Tickhill Road, DN4 8QP
Picturesque Sprotbrough Flash is one of the richest wildlife sites in South Yorkshire. A mosaic of open water, wetland, woodland and limestone grassland, the site offers a year-round treat for wildlife enthusiasts.
Sprotbrough Flash is half a mile south of Sprotbrough village. You can park just off the road on Nursery Lane next to the river – please note that this can get very busy. From here it is a two minute walk along the towpath to the nature reserve. A footpath follows the Don, taking you past a screen and two bird hides, and you can walk back through the woods.
The woodland is not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs. The towpath along the river Don is level and accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs, although it is a fair distance to the bird hides. Both hides are wheelchair-accessible. Dogs can be walked here on leads.
DN5 7NB
The Point is a purpose- built arts centre in the middle of Doncaster to make and share art. It is open to all and hosts a beautiful, double height gallery space, a cafe, workshop spaces, meeting spaces and office space.
The gallery is always free to enter and has around six high quality exhibitions every year. They also run free classes, activities and workshops for both children and adults so it’s worth checking their website before visiting to see if there’s any activities you’d like to book.
www.thepoint.org
16 South parade, Doncaster, DN1 2DR
Thoresby Park is a lovely place to visit all year round with a range of attractions for the whole family.
Opening times are from 9am until 5.00pm and admission is FREE. The cost of parking is £3 for the full day.
Beautiful surroundings, arts and crafts gallery, outside play area and seasonal trails. There’s lots of space to run around and picnic.
There is a licensed cafe and some shops in the courtyard.
Thoresby Courtyard, Newark, NG22 9EP (around 40 minutes drive from Doncaster)
Walkers is an award winning garden centre which is well worth a visit if you’re looking for house plants, bedding plants, fruit trees garden furniture or you just fancy a browse. There’s a lovely cafe, a gift shop and a deli counter too.
They have some lovely show gardens which are free to explore and provide the backdrop to some beautiful photographs. In February 2023 they opened a new children’s play area which is a great addition to the place, meaning you can now take a trip to Walkers and make a day of it!
Mosham Road, Blaxton, Doncaster, DN9 3BA
Wentworth Garden Centre is a lovely place to visit with free car parking.
There is a family friendly cafe, a lovely garden centre and pet shop to look around and a free children’s play area.
For an additional fee you can enter the family farm where you can feed the animals and also enjoy more play areas! There is also a walled garden which you can take a stroll around for a small fee.
Hague Lane, Wentworth, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S62 7TF
Weston Park is an award winning, family friendly museum with lots of interactive exhibits for children as well as a cafe on site.
The museum is free to enter (donations are welcome) but it doesn’t have a car park of its own. The nearest public car park is the Q-Park on Durham Road. Visitors using this car park are able to claim 25% off the price of their parking – just ask a member of staff for a discount voucher.
Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP
