We’ve got your perfect family day out sorted with this list of free and very low cost things to do in Yorkshire!

I’ve rounded up our favourites and free summer events as well as suggestions from our Yorkshire Tots to Teens Facebook page and fellow Yorkshire bloggers.

Please note, that while entry to all events is free or very low cost (less than a pound a person), there may be parking charges at some venues.  As event schedules do occasionally change, please do check that the event is running before you set off.

Low Cost & Free Yorkshire Summer Events

Check out these fabulous free events happening this summer near you.

Free & Low-Cost Activities On Throughout The Summer

Low Cost & Free Summer Activities July 19 – July 25

Low Cost & Free Summer Activities July 26 – August 1

Low Cost & Free Summer Activities August 2 – August 8

Low Cost & Free Summer Activities August 9 – August 15

Low Cost & Free Summer Activities August 16 – August 22

Low Cost & Free Summer Activities August 23 – August 31

Free Indoor Summer Days Out

Leeds City Museum gives kids the chance to explore Leeds’ past with interesting, interactive bits throughout for the kids to explore as well as a small soft play area and even a resident mummy!  

National Coal Mining Museum of England in Wakefield has an interesting free museum as well as an amazing adventure playground.

The Tolson Museum in Huddersfield has exhibits of local archaeology, weaving machinery and textiles.  You can also see their natural history collection which includes a large selection of stuffed birds.  Kids will enjoy the Victorian schoolroom and can have a play at Ravensknowle Park after as well.

Bradford’s Industrial Museum has permanent displays of textile machinery, steam power, engineering, printing machinery and motor vehicles, along with an exciting exhibitions programme. You can see Moorside House where the Mill Manager lived, or visit the Mill-workers’ terraced houses dressed to reflect three different time periods.

“Cliffe Castle Museum has loads of minerals on display and smaller kids can “build” with large soft blocks dress up with hard hats and hi viz jackets. There are lots of things on display from times past and rooms set out as they would have been back in the day and a small gallery of paintings.  There is an ancient Egypt section with a mummy and other artefacts and lots of other curios. Lots of old farm equipment and some interactive activities to keep the kids busy. It’s wonderful and it’s free,” says Lindsay Dowling.

The National Railway Museum is another great option for a free, indoor day out.  With a Little Play Station for under 5’s, and over 300 years of railway history to explore, everyone is sure to have fun at the National Railway Museum.

Weston Park Museum in Sheffield is an award-winning, family-friendly museum with lots of interactive exhibits for children as well as a cafe on site.

Sheffield Winter Gardens is among the largest temperate glasshouses to be built in the UK where you can see more than 2,500 plants from around the world on a day out!

There are six free museums to visit in Hull including the Street Life Museum, Maritime Museum and The Treasure House.

Experience Barnsley Discovery Centre has vintage cars, hands on games, activities and a dress up box.

Free Outdoor Summer Days Out

“(We check out) Child Friendly places to Cycle in Yorkshire Facebook page to find off road places to ride our bikes,” says Jan Lilleyman.

“Temple Newsam in Leeds (has a) big play park, very cheap kids farm,” says Alice Cooper.

Download an owl trail map and explore the city by following the Owl Trail, Leeds

The Leeds Urban Bike Park offers a chance for cyclists of all abilities to get out on their bikes.  There are cross country mountain bike trails, a jump zone, a BMX track as well as a mini pump track.

“National Coal Mining Museum of England at Wakefield has a fantastic outdoor play area for kids with plenty of picnic tables,” says Kim Thomas.

“Saltaire is always our go-to for a lovely and free day out…the park is great for bike riding practise and there is the dragon boat festival, the food festival, the Saltaire festival etc etc,” says Heather Jay.

St Ives Park in Bingley has an amazing adventure playground is great for a range of ages, interesting walks, geocaching to be done, ducks to feed and a nice little cafe for coffee and a treat.

The Cow and Calf Rocks on the outskirts of Ilkely are a large rock formations near Ilkely consisting of an outcrop and boulder which make up the ‘cow’ and ‘calf’.  Kids love a chance to climb the rocks and spot the rock carvings.

“Oakwell Hall, Birstall (is a) great playground for kids, loads of open space, woodland walks, cafe & ice cream van in the summer,” says Becky Jevons .

“Cliffe Castle in Keighley is a nice one and they often have events running during the summer,” says Claudia Wren.

Splash about in the outdoor water play area at Manor Heath Park, Halifax

Wharfemeadows Park in Otley boarders the river River Wharfe and offers visitors a chance to walk through beautiful gardens, take a boat ride in the river or have a play at the large playground.

“We love going to the surprise view at Otley, it lives up to its name and there are woods you can explore. Some den building opportunities and a few rope swings in the trees for the kids to have fun on,” says Lindsey Dixon.

“Beck Hole – Goathland (is a) free & amazing day out!” says Leiah-Marie Herring. 

“Elsecar Heritage Centre and Park – loads to see and do around Elsecar Heritage Centre including the trains when they’re running. Great park opposite side to car park with ducks to feed, reservoir to walk around, park equipment, small cafe, and crazy golf for small fee,” says Ally Allyc.

The Rivelin Valley Nature and Heritage Trail is a collaboration between the Rivelin Valley Conservation Group and Ruskin in Sheffield.  This trail introduces walkers to the history, heritage, and nature of Rivelin Valley.  There is also a cafe and children’s play area.

“Clifton Park in Rotherham (there is a) play area, splash park, museum and picnic,” says Michaella Hulley.

Choose from many Yorkshire family walks.

Free Pools and Splash Parks

Find places to cool down without a cost!

More Free Days Out

There are so many free places to go in Yorkshire! You’ll never run out of FREE days out ideas with this list.

A day out at one of these amazing Yorkshire parks is a nice way to spend a summer day!

Spend the day in Leeds without spending a penny with these top 10 FREE days out.

More Yorkshire Summer Fun

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