Top Family-Friendly Experiences for All Ages
23 May 2025
Finding something that keeps everyone, from hyper 8-year-olds to fun-loving teens and adventure-hungry parents, engaged and smiling is no easy feat. But fear not! Across the UK, there are exciting, educational, and downright unforgettable experiences designed with the whole family in mind.
Whether planning a summer day out, looking for a unique birthday gift, or simply craving a new memory together, these family experiences deliver fun, connection, and plenty of stories to tell.
1. Family Circuit Karting Practice Session (Ages 8+) – Staffordshire
Rev up for a fun family day out with this outdoor karting session in Lichfield, Staffordshire! Suitable for ages 8+, kids can enjoy 45 minutes on a junior-friendly circuit with wide lanes, slower corners, and plenty of space for overtaking. Designed for adults and kids to race together, it's perfect for first-time karters. Younger drivers will take the wheel of 160cc BIZ karts, making it a thrilling and safe intro to motorsport.
Why families love it: It's thrilling without being intimidating — and kids LOVE going head-to-head with mum or dad.
Location highlight: Staffordshire's central location makes this a great option for Midlands families looking for a day trip.
Top tip: Wear comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes — and bring a GoPro to capture the action (if allowed - we would advise to check with the venue beforehand!)
2. Family Quad Bike Session for Four (Ages 10+) – Exeter
What to expect:
Location highlight: Just outside Exeter, making it a fantastic add-on for Devon holidays or half-term escapes.
Top tip: Bring a change of clothes — it's going to get messy (in the best way).
3. White Water Family Tubing Session for Four (Ages 7+) – Northamptonshire
This isn't your average lazy river ride! Get ready for a splashy, adrenaline-pumping adventure with white water tubing in Northampton. Perfect for families with kids aged 7+, this 1.5-hour session at the Nene Whitewater Centre lets you ride the rapids in a specially designed inflatable tube.
Set on the UK's first manmade whitewater course, the 300-meter run offers thrills for all skill levels, with adjustable water flow for a gentler intro if needed. Expect bumpy rides, big splashes, and plenty of laughs as you make multiple descents during your time slot. Facilities include hot showers, changing rooms, viewing areas, and an on-site café — all just off the A45 with free parking
Why families love it: It's fun, fast, and unforgettable — a perfect mix of adventure and family bonding.
Location highlight: Easily accessible from London and the Midlands, making it ideal for a weekend day trip.
Top tip: Water shoes or old trainers are a must, and dry clothes for the drive home!
4. Lamb Bottle Feeding and Lambing Live Experience – No minimum age | Rutland
Experience the magic of lambing season in Rutland! This hands-on family adventure at Greetham House Farm lets you bottle-feed orphaned lambs, enjoy plenty of cuddles, and learn about life on a working farm. Set in beautiful countryside near Greetham, it's perfect for all ages, with under 3s going free. Meet over 450 sheep, chat with the farmers, and soak up the rural charm of England's smallest county.
Why families love it: Cute lambs, hands-on fun, and a real glimpse into farm life — all in a stunning countryside setting.
Location highlight: Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Rutland, England's smallest county, this experience offers a peaceful rural escape and a chance to connect with nature just a short drive from Oakham.
Top tip: Wear old clothes and boots — it's a working farm, so expect a bit of mud and a lot of fun! And don't forget your camera for those aww-worthy moments.
5. Great British Car Journey – Family Entry (Ages 5+) – Derbyshire
Take a nostalgic drive through 100 years of British motoring at The Great British Car Journey, a unique, interactive museum nestled in the scenic Derbyshire Dales. With over 130 lovingly preserved vehicles, from the iconic Austin 7 and Morris Minor to luxury models like the Jaguar XJ and Aston Martin, this immersive experience celebrates the full spectrum of British car design and engineering.
Your journey begins with a personal audio-visual tablet guide that shares stories behind each car and the visionaries who built them, like Herbert Austin and William Morris, the men who revolutionised UK motoring. As you move through themed zones, you'll learn how cars evolved from simple runarounds to stylish saloons and sports models, complete with cultural and historical context.
Set on the banks of the River Derwent, the museum is easily accessible and surrounded by the beauty of the Derbyshire countryside. There's also an on-site café and gift shop, making it a great full-day outing.
Why families love it: It's interactive, educational, and fun for all ages, with exhibits that entertain kids, spark nostalgia in adults, and inspire future car lovers.
Location highlight: Nestled in Ambergate, this is a perfect stop on a Peak District road trip.
Top tip: Don't miss the interactive driving simulator zone — it's a hit with all ages.
6. Family Miniature Donkey Experience for Four (Ages 6+) – West Midlands
This Miniature Donkey Experience for 4 in Solihull is ideal! Spend 30 minutes meeting Florence, Bertram, James II, Storm, Thomas, and Gracie, getting to know their unique personalities. With trainers' help, learn to harness your donkey, then enjoy a guided walk around the farm and orchard, meeting rescue ponies, sheep, and other friendly residents. Join a small group of fellow donkey lovers for a calm, memorable adventure filled with cheeky donkey charm!
Why families love it: It's calm, wholesome, and surprisingly moving, especially for animal lovers.
Location highlight: A peaceful break from city life, this rural experience is great for Birmingham-area families.
Top tip: Bring snacks and stay for a picnic — the venue often allows families to enjoy the grounds post-experience.
7. VIP Family Birds of Prey Session (Ages 6+) – Dorset
Experience a VIP Family Birds of Prey session at a Falconry Sanctuary in Dorchester. Meet rare owls, falcons, and hawks, and even get the chance to fly some of these magnificent birds. This family voucher covers 2 adults and 2 children, making it a perfect way to create lasting memories together. Lasting around 90 minutes, the relaxed session offers plenty of time to connect with the stunning birds in a beautiful setting.
Why families love it: It's educational, interactive, and has serious wow-factor.
Location highlight: Ideal for families exploring the Jurassic Coast or staying near Bournemouth.
Top tip: Bring your camera — the birds perched on little arms make for unforgettable photos.
8. Family Rover Steam Experience (No Age Limit) – Somerset
Enjoy a nostalgic family day out with a Family Rover ticket on the East Somerset Railway in Cranmore, Somerset. This restored steam railway, run by passionate volunteers, lets you hop on and off trains all day to explore stops like Merryfield and Mendip Vale. At Cranmore, discover a miniature railway, museum, shops, restaurant, art gallery, and picnic spot—perfect for a relaxing day watching steam trains in action.
Why families love it: It's relaxing, stroller-friendly, and magical for little train lovers.
Location highlight: Ideal for a gentle day out in the West Country — perfect for multi-generational groups.
Top tip: Ask if there are themed rides — seasonal events like Santa Steam Trains are a huge hit.
Final Thoughts: Experience Over Stuff
Family time is precious, and experiences like these create lasting memories that outshine any toy or gadget. Whether it's the thrill of driving a quad bike, the warmth of cuddling donkeys, or the charm of a steam train ride, these moments are all about connection, laughter, and shared adventure.
No matter your family's ages, there's something to excite everyone. So why not unplug this weekend and dive into a family day out you'll cherish—and explore our range of Family Experiences to get started?
