The May half-term holiday is a highlight of the school calendar, especially with the (hopefully) warmer weather – but it can be tricky to find fun yet affordable things to do that keep the whole family entertained.
Whether it's a picnic in the park or a day out to the city, we've rounded up 10 of our favourite May half-term activities and ideas across the network in 2025 to help you make the most of the break. And don’t worry, they’re all perfectly wallet-friendly!
May half term is the perfect chance to explore a world of free fun without breaking the bank. From outdoor adventures to fascinating cultural spots, there’s so much to discover. While all these activities won’t cost you a penny, it’s worth remembering that some places depend on donations to keep going, so if you’re able, consider giving a little to help them out.
Looking for fun and educational activities for May half term? The vibrant city of Glasgow offers a wealth of free museums and galleries, making it the perfect destination for a family day out.
A must-visit is the iconic Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). This neoclassical beauty hosts a range of interactive exhibits perfect for kids, including free craft activities like mask-making and wire sculpture building during school holidays. For regular weekend fun, the Saturday Art Club invites hands-on, messy time for children aged three to eleven to get creative with their own art projects.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the stunning collection of works by modern masters such as Andy Warhol and David Hockney. With regular Storytime sessions in the library and ever-changing exhibitions, there’s something for everyone.
Location: 111 Queen Street, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, G1 3AH
Opening times: Daily: 10am-5pm
If Liverpool is your nearest city, grab your bikes and hop on the train for an active day out this May half term. Head to the city’s majestic Mersey riverside for a family bike excursion along the water’s edge. Cruise south past the iconic Wheel of Liverpool and along Kings Parade towards Coburg Dock, where you can pick up the Trans Pennine Trail. This wide pathway is designed specifically for cyclists and pedestrians, making it the perfect route for families.
Otterspool Promenade is ideal for a break, with a children’s play area and a café where you can grab refreshing drinks or snacks. Find a sunny spot for a picnic, then head back through the Festival Gardens, featuring two beautiful Japanese-style pagodas. With so much to see, it’ll be a bike ride to remember!
Location: Keel Wharf, Liverpool, L3 4FN
Craving a picnic in the sunshine? If we’re lucky enough to have a warm May half term this year, it’s the perfect excuse to pack up the family’ favourite treats and head outdoors. York is an ideal destination for a picnic, with its range of public gardens set against grand historic buildings.
Our favourite is the free-to-enter York Museum Gardens, a stunning 10-acre haven in the centre of the city, often blanketed in flowers by late spring. The gardens feature an Edible Wood and an Artists Garden, where you can discover outdoor exhibitions. Or follow the Squirrel’s Trail, which takes you through 10 fascinating fact points across the gardens. You can even take part in an online quiz at the end to test your knowledge!
Just steps from York Minster and the River Ouse, this peaceful retreat is the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a sunny picnic and have some family fun.
Location: Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR
Opening times: Daily: 9am-6pm
For animal lovers, Ouseburn Farm is a must-visit. Located just a short stroll east of Newcastle city centre in the Ouseburn neighbourhood, this city farm offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It's an ideal destination for families, providing a hands-on opportunity for children to get up close with a wide variety of farmyard friends in a safe and welcoming environment.
From playful pigs and goats to curious chickens, guinea pigs and even reptiles, Ouseburn Farm is home to a delightful array of animals. The farm operates as a charity, making it completely free to visit. In addition to its regular hours, the farm often extends its opening times during school holidays, offering families more chances to enjoy the space. Special events are also frequently held, often in partnership with other local businesses, creating a lively community atmosphere and offering unique, memorable experiences for all ages.
Location: Ouseburn Farm, Ouseburn Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PA
Opening times: Tues-Sun: 10am-3pm
Craving a May half-term adventure? The Lake District is a perfect destination, offering over 2,000km of stunning countryside. From majestic mountains and lush woodlands to picturesque towns, quaint villages and 16 serene lakes, it’s a region so vast and diverse that exploring it all in one day (or even a month) is impossible!
But don’t worry – we’ve found a family-friendly walk that’s easily accessible by rail. The Helm, located just south-east of Kendal near Oxenholme, is the perfect spot for a scenic outing. At 185 meters, it’s an easy hike for families while still offering sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. The Helm is home to native Cumbria Fell Ponies and in spring, you can admire the beautiful bluebells carpeting the area.
Easily accessible via public transport, The Helm is just a short walk from Oxenholme Train Station (with bus routes from Kendal), making it a convenient stop for your May half-term activities.
Location: 7 Oxenholme Road, Kendal, LA8 0LR
Add a sprinkle of magic to your May half term with a walking tour of Edinburgh, created especially for Harry Potter fans! Led by a robed guide, The Potter Trail tour takes you to the real-life locations that inspired key characters and scenes in the books. Discover the café where J.K. Rowling wrote the first novel, visit the grave where Lord Voldemort’s father is buried, and stroll through the city’s very own Diagon Alley.
Even if you're not a Potterhead, the tour offers a fascinating look at Edinburgh’s rich and mysterious history, with plenty of quirky stories to keep everyone entertained. Perfect for families, and Muggles are more than welcome!
Location: 4 Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ
Opening times: Daily: 11-4pm
Some of our favourite things to do this May half term do have an entry fee, but we think they’re worth it for the memories alone! Ticket prices can vary, but plan ahead and keep an eye out for discounts, family passes or online offers. Some places even throw in free events over the half term, so it’s always worth checking their websites or social media.
Ready for some roaring fun? Take on a round of thrilling golf at Dino Falls Adventure Golf in Manchester! Choose between two fun-filled 18-hole courses – The Rapids Course and The Volcano Course – each offering exciting challenges and plenty of chances for memorable photos along the way. Plus, kids will have the opportunity to see and learn about dinosaurs and the prehistoric period in a fun way. Dino Falls is designed for players of all ages and skill levels, so you don’t need any golfing experience to join in.
Location: Trafford Golf Centre, Old Park Lane, TraffordCity, Manchester, M17 8PG
Opening times: Daily: 7am-10.30pm
Cost: Adults: £10, kids: £8, family ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £32
Why not trying something new and swing over to Dunbar for the day? The East Links Family Park is a unique destination offering a wide variety of activities for both children and adults to enjoy together. The site is packed with fun attractions, including Go-Karts, pedal tractors, crazy bikes and a four-level fortress complete with slides.
Younger visitors can explore the sandpit, play park, and enjoy the thrills of the sledging slope and trampolines. There’s also a musical maze, an 18-hole crazy golf course, and a safari train ride that takes you through the fields to meet lovable animals.
There’s something fun for everyone in the family to enjoy this May half term – not just the kids!
Location: Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1XF
Opening times: Daily: 10am-5pm
Cost: Book tickets online to save on prices. £19 per person, free for under 2s, £72 for a family of 4
Ready to take ‘hanging out’ to a whole new level this May half-term? The Climbing Lab in Leeds is a prime location to try climbing for the first time or to stretch the skills you already have! With a selection of state-of-the-art walls, from the Olympic-level ‘Titan Boulder’ to the 14m bouldering slab, there’s something for all levels.
The dedicated kids’ area is designed for family days out, so all ages can get involved in a safe environment. Complete with gym, café, workspace and social area, you’ll have everything you need to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays. Don’t worry if you don’t have any gear either, you can hire climbing shoes for free when you choose the family pass.
Location: Units 11, 12, 14 & 15, Kirkstall Industrial Park, Leeds, LS4 2AZ
Opening times: Mon-Fri: 6am-10pm, Weekends: 10am-9pm
Cost: Adults: £11, family pass (1 adult, 1 child): £15, under 5s: free!
Ahoy, me hearties! Set sail for an action-packed day at Hillsborough Leisure Centre in Sheffield, where adventure awaits at every turn. Dive into fun at the swimming pool, which features a pirate ship, wave machine and water slides. For those seeking drier activities, the centre boasts a spacious six-court sports hall, a fully equipped gym, and cosy cafés to refuel after a day of play. There's something for everyone to enjoy, making it the perfect spot for a fun day out!
Location: Beulah Road, Sheffield, S6 2AN
Opening times: Mon-Fri: 5.30am-10pm, Weekends: 8am-6pm
Cost: Adults: £9, children: £5.50, under 3s: free!
With so many things to do in May half-term across our network, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding on activities! Book your train now to any of our destinations to avoid disappointment.
For more inspiration on things to do and activities along our network, check out The best things to do in Edinburgh with kids and Unmissable things to do in Manchester.
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