The Very Best Free (or Cheap) Things to Do for Families in Nottingham this Summer 2023

If you’re planning a family trip to Nottingham this summer, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of budget-friendly activities to enjoy. From historic landmarks and cultural attractions to green spaces and community-run farms, Nottingham has something for everyone without having to spend a fortune. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the very best free (or cheap) things to do for families in Nottingham, so you can make the most of your visit while sticking to your budget.

Table of Contents

• Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
• Green’s Windmill and Science Centre
• Nottingham Contemporary
• Nottingham Castle
• Highfields Park
• The Robin Hood Trail
• Nottingham Arboretum
• Stonebridge City Farm
• The Museum of Nottingham Life

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

This beautiful Elizabethan mansion and its surrounding park offer free entry to visitors. Children will love spotting the resident deer and exploring the park’s numerous trails and playgrounds.

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park is a great thing to do for families because it offers a beautiful and historic setting to explore. The hall itself is a stunning Elizabethan mansion, while the surrounding deer park offers plenty of space for picnics, games, and walks. Kids will love seeing the deer up close, and the park also features a playground and a lake with boat rentals. Admission to the park is free, but there is a small fee to enter the hall.

Green’s Windmill and Science Centre

This working windmill, once owned by famous mathematician George Green, offers free entry to its science centre. Children can enjoy interactive exhibits and experiments, as well as see the windmill in action.

Green’s Windmill and Science Centre is a great thing to do for families because it offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the world of science and engineering. The mill itself is a fully restored 19th-century windmill, while the science center offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays about electricity, magnetism, and more. Kids can learn about science in a fun and engaging way, and there are often workshops and demonstrations to watch. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to help support the center.

Nottingham Contemporary

This contemporary art gallery offers free entry to its exhibitions and events, and often has activities and workshops designed specifically for families and children.

Nottingham Contemporary is a great thing to do for families as it offers a modern and contemporary art space with free admission. The museum showcases local and international artists, and there are often special events and workshops for families to participate in. The museum also features a cafe and gift shop, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Nottingham Castle

While there is an admission fee to enter the castle’s museum and art gallery, the castle grounds and gardens are free to explore. The grounds offer stunning views of the city and plenty of space for children to run around.

Nottingham Castle is a great thing to do for families as it offers a unique blend of history, art, and interactive exhibits. The castle has been recently renovated, and visitors can explore the medieval caves, galleries, and gardens. The castle also features interactive exhibits and a dedicated children’s area, making it an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. Admission fees are low and affordable, and there are often special events and activities for families.

Highfields Park

Located near the University of Nottingham, this picturesque park offers a lake, playgrounds, and plenty of space for picnics and games.

Highfields Park is a great thing to do for families because it offers a large and scenic park with plenty of activities and amenities. The park features a boating lake, a playground, tennis courts, and a cafe. There are also plenty of walking paths and open spaces to enjoy a picnic or a game of frisbee. The park is free to enter and offers a peaceful and relaxing escape from the city.

The Robin Hood Trail

Nottingham is famous for its association with the legendary outlaw, and families can explore the city’s Robin Hood history with this self-guided walking tour. The trail takes you past key locations associated with the Robin Hood legend, including Nottingham Castle and the City of Caves, and is completely free.

The Robin Hood Trail is a great thing to do for families as it offers a fun and interactive way to explore the city’s history and legends. The trail takes visitors on a self-guided tour of the city’s most famous sites, including Nottingham Castle and the Lace Market. Along the way, kids can learn about the legendary outlaw and his band of Merry Men, and there are often costumed characters and live performances to bring the story to life. The trail is free to follow, and it’s a great way to explore the city on foot.

Nottingham Arboretum

This Victorian park features a lake, gardens, and an impressive collection of trees and plants from around the world. Entry is free.

Nottingham Contemporary is a great thing to do for families as it offers a modern and contemporary art space with free admission. The museum showcases local and international artists, and there are often special events and workshops for families to participate in. The museum also features a cafe and gift shop, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Stonebridge City Farm

This community-run farm offers free entry and is home to a variety of animals, including pigs, goats, and chickens. Children can feed and pet the animals, and there’s also a small playground on site.

Stonebridge City Farm is a great thing to do for families because it offers a charming and educational farm experience in the heart of the city. The farm is home to a variety of animals, including sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens, and visitors can learn about farming and agriculture in a hands-on way. There are also often workshops and events for families, such as craft fairs and pumpkin festivals. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to help support the farm.

The Museum of Nottingham Life

The Museum of Nottingham Life is an excellent destination for families who are interested in discovering the history of Nottingham. It provides an interactive and immersive experience for visitors of all ages, showcasing the daily life and living conditions of Nottingham locals throughout history.

The museum has a range of exhibits, including a replica Victorian street with shops and houses, as well as displays showcasing traditional industries and local crafts. Visitors can experience what it was like to live and work in Nottingham during different time periods. There are also hands-on activities and workshops that allow children to engage with history in a fun and educational way.