Days out with the kids: 5 of the best places to go around Nottingham
Days out with the kids: 5 of the best places to go around Nottingham
Fruit farms, festivals, fantasy playgrounds, and more...
The summer holidays have rolled around yet again, and there are plenty of ways to entertain little ones around Notts while school is out.
From adorable farm animals to scrumptious strawberry picking, you can choose from so many different activities. The Morris Girls’ Gemma Morris has chosen her top spots from places she has been to with her young daughters. While they are all suitable for under 10s, many of them will still work for older ones and even for those just looking to enjoy a carefree day out around Nottinghamshire.
If you’re searching for things to do in Nottingham this summer that the whole family can get involved with, these are all brilliant choices.
The best Nottingham days out with the kids
By Gemma Morris from The Morris Girls
1. Sundown Adventureland
Where: Treswell Road, Retford, DN22 0HX
How much: £24pp, child under 90 cms free
Every time we go to Sundown as a family, we manage to discover something new. If you remember it from your childhood (or Pet’s Corner if you’re as old as me!), it still has some familiar areas such as the Noah’s Ark play area, Storybook Village and Market Square. The Storybook Village, where you can visit the homes of your favourite fairy tales is a firm favourite for us.
There are lots of rides perfect for little ones, with most being accessible for all ages. You’ll also find two indoor play areas with cafes, and plenty of seating including in the Crash Landings play area, as well as plenty of picnic benches around the site. The Four Seasons Arena also houses lots of undercover seating, an interactive wall, and opportunities for meet and greets.
Do if: You’re looking for a magical way to entertain younger children.
2. Adventure Playground at Belvoir Castle
Where: Woolsthorpe Road, NG32 1PA
How much: £15 for a family playground ticket
This might be in Grantham, but it has an NG postcode, sits just outside Nottinghamshire, and is easy to drive to from the county. Even though you can visit the gorgeous castle and gardens, you can actually pay to visit the adventure playground by itself.
It’s a huge outdoor play area with climbing areas, zip lines, slides and smaller play areas for the little ones. The giant timber castle, ship and towers offer lots of opportunities for exploration and are any child’s dream.
Once you’re done playing and exploring, the Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle is just across the road with some lovely independent shops and has the Belvoir Bistro which has fantastic breakfast and lunch menus.
Do if: You’re looking for a playground that goes beyond just a slide and a seesaw.
3. School Farm Soft Fruit PYO
Where: Ollerton Road, West Drayton, Retford, DN22 8DB
How much: Free entry, pay for what you pick and maize maze
Situated in West Drayton near Retford, this cute Pick Your Own farm is available to visit throughout the year. During the summer it is open for strawberry and sunflower picking, while in autumn you can grab pumpkins. My girls love to go strawberry picking and it’s a very sweet (pardon the pun) activity to do with them.
While you do have to pay for the maize maze, it is huge and there is usually a themed trail sheet to follow through the maze, making it great fun for little ones. Ring the bell at the end to celebrate your escape!
You can also find animals dotted around that you can feed and a lovely little farm shop/tea room with outdoor seating that will finish your visit off beautifully.
Do if: You want to create a wholesome memory with the kids (and have a cute photo opportunity!).
4. Stonebridge City Farm
Where: Stonebridge Road, Nottingham, NG3 2FR
How much: Free entry, but donations of £3pp adult and £2pp child suggested
Nestled away in the city centre, just a short walk away from Sneinton Market, is this fabulous farm filled with fun. Stonebridge is a registered charity supporting volunteers, many of whom have a mental health challenge or learning disability.
Even though it isn’t big, you can still find plenty of your typical farmyard animals such as pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens. Meanwhile, inside the barn, you can find smaller animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and the resident tortoise Kevin.
In terms of activities specifically for kids, they can follow a trail around the farm and enjoy the play area. Stonebridge also often has themed days or activity sessions running — keep an eye on its Instagram page, as it often posts these on there.
Do if: You’re looking for a budget-friendly way to entertain the little ones while you’re in town.
5. Gloworm Festival
Where: Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, NG12 2LU
How much: Day tickets £55pp adult, £44p child, weekend and camping options available
This is a one-off event that happens every year in August, which is taking place at Holme Pierrepont for the first time from August 16-18. It’s specifically designed for little ones aged 0-13, but there is lots of entertainment for grown-ups and teens, too.
You can party during the day with music on the main stage and the Playmobil disco, then wind down at the CBeebies bedtime story tent. Children will be excited to meet some of their best-loved TV stars such as Andy Day and Maddie Moate, as well as see characters from hit shows such as Bluey, Bing and Paw Patrol.
I can’t sum up how fantastic this festival is and think it’s absolutely perfect for the family. If you want to see more from previous years, then check out our Instagram highlight on The Morris Girls’ Instagram.
Do if: You’re looking for a big treat ‘splurge day out’ to pencil into the calendar over the holidays.
Looking for more family friendly events and things to do in Nottingham? Follow The Morris Girls on Facebook and Instagram.
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