Free Things to Do with Kids in Northamptonshire

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained in Northamptonshire without spending a fortune? Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or just need to burn off some after-school energy, here are some brilliant free activities for families across the county.

1. Explore Local Parks and Nature Reserves

Abington Park: Perfect for a picnic, feeding the ducks, or letting off steam in the playground.
Irchester Country Park: Woodland walks, dinosaur sculptures, and a huge play area.
Barnwell Country Park: Flat paths for scooters, plenty of wildlife, and scenic lakes.
Sywell Country Park: Multiple play areas including sand play
Fermyn Woods: Interactive dinosaur safari walk
Daventry Country Park: Sensory area, feed the ducks and a large play area
Brixworth Country Park: Bike hire available, picnic area and nature trails
East Carlton Country Park: On site gift shop and interactive dinosaur trail.

Find out more about local country parks here.

2. Go on a Town Trail or Scavenger Hunt

Print out a nature scavenger hunt and see what you can spot in your local area.
Try a self-guided walk in one of our town centres—hunt for historic buildings, public art, or blue plaques. Or grab one of these digital trails.

3. Visit Local Museums (Check for Free Entry Days)

Northampton Museum & Art Gallery: Free entry, with interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities.
Sywell Aviation Museum: Open seasonally, with free entry and fascinating displays for little plane enthusiasts.

Also check out this post: 21 Museums In Northamptonshire

Want more ideas of things to do? Check out this article…

Things To Do In Northamptonshire For Families

If you’ve hit Thursday and panic that you’ve got nothing planned for the weekend, then fear not!. Here is a one-stop guide to things to do in Northamptonshire with kids — packed with family days out in Northamptonshire that actually work in real life. You’ll find free things to do, indoor rainy-day backups, and easy outdoor wins like country parks and woods, plus a link to what’s on this week when you just need a ready-made plan.

READ HERE

4. Discover Local Woodlands

Salcey Forest: Famous for its treetop walk (currently closed, but the trails are free!), fairy doors, and den building.
Harlestone Firs: Great for dog walks, bug hunts, and collecting pine cones.
Badby Woods: A smaller woodland
Delapre Abbey: Found behind the Abbey and it’s gardens
Rockingham Forest: A combination of 3 different nature reserves.
Evenley Wood: A 60 acre, privately owned woodland

For more info, check out this post: Woods & Forests In Northants

5. Enjoy Community Events & Festivals

Keep an eye on your local library or community centre noticeboard for free craft sessions, storytimes, or seasonal fairs.
Summer brings free festivals and outdoor performances to parks across the county.
ParkPlay at Delapre Abbey is on every Saturday.

6. Feed the Ducks or Spot Wildlife

Take a bag of oats or peas (never bread!) to your nearest pond or river.
Look out for kingfishers, ducks, and even the odd heron at places like Abington Park or Rushden Lakes.

7. Visit Local Libraries

Join the Summer Reading Challenge or pop in for a free storytime session.
Many libraries also offer free Lego clubs, board games, and craft activities.

8. Explore Historic Sites

Walk around the grounds of Delapré Abbey (the parkland is always open and free).
Discover the Queen Eleanor Cross at Hardingstone or Kirby Hall for a bit of local history.

9. Go Geocaching

Download the free Geocaching app and hunt for hidden treasures in parks and woodlands all over Northamptonshire.

10. Play at Local Playgrounds

From in town play areas at Beckets Park to hidden gems in villages like Earls Barton or Bugbrooke, there’s always a new playground to discover.

Tip: Most of these activities can be enjoyed year-round, but always check ahead for opening times or seasonal events. For more ideas, check out our events calendar or join our newsletter for weekly inspiration!

What’s your favourite free thing to do with your family in Northamptonshire? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram @northantsfamilies!