If you're looking for things to do with the kids in Leicester and Leicestershire, don't miss these family-friendly activities for a great day out!
Twycross Zoo
No trip to Leicestershire would be complete without a visit to Twycross Zoo. Home to the largest collection of monkeys and apes in the Western World – and currently housing all four great apes – Twycross is a world-renowned primate centre. Wide-eyed visitors can explore the curious world of Chimpanzees in their award-winning habitat, get up close to the Bornean Orangutans, see the only group of Bonobos in the UK and observe the family of critically endangered western lowland silverback gorilla.
Set in more than 80 acres, visitors can see over 500 animals of almost 100 species. Walk beneath the tiger tunnel, watch Humboldt penguins take their daily walk, see Meerkats on the lookout and more. Or head to the ground-breaking Gruffalo Discovery Land where you can meet the much-loved characters from the famous book. This immersive experience aims to inspire more children than ever before about the importance of conservation and the natural world.
National Space Centre
Go to infinity and beyond at the National Space Centre. With six interactive galleries, unique 3D simulator experience, the UK’s largest planetarium, and the iconic 42m high Rocket Tower, channel your inner astronaut and get lost in an out of this world experience!
Learn all about our neighbouring planets, journeying from Earth through the Solar System and stopping off at Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and out into the known, and unknown, Universe. Explore our explosive origins, see the Blue Streak and Thor Able rockets, and discover world-famous spacesuits, including the Sokol Suit worn by UK-born ESA astronaut Tim Peake, an EVA spacesuit worn by Matt Damon in the hit movie The Martian and Buzz Aldrin's space underpants worn during training for the historic Apollo 11 mission.
Conkers
Explore the great outdoors at Conkers, an exciting adventure park that offers over 30 different terrestrial, aerial, digital, and aquatic activities in the heart of the National Forest. Explore 120 acres including the Barefoot Walk, Viewing Tower, Adventure Play and the Fairy Labyrinth before burning off energy with the whole family across the Activity Course! Take a ride on the CONKERCHOO Train between the Discovery and Waterside Centre’s and try out your performing skills by walking the boards on the amphitheatre stage! Then head indoors and delve into the lifecycle of a British Woodland with over 100 interactive exhibits.
Bosworth Battlefield
Discover the history of King Richard III at Bosworth Battlefield, the notable, award-winning site where one king was slain, another crowned, and the end of a bloody battle would herald the beginning of the Tudor dynasty, reshaping the landscape of English history. Brave the battle site on a 2km guided walk, try out an archer’s bow for a real-life taste of medieval warfare and learn about the fascinating history, and the Battlefield's place in the Wars of Roses in the heritage centre.
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre
Discover a world of adventure at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, with a choice of 28 outdoor activities for all ages – from abseiling and aerial treks to kayaking and paddleboarding. Try your hand at field sports with shooting and archery, learn some bushcraft survival skills or reach for the sky with crate stacking! If you fancy something different on the water book a trip in a KataKanu or bell boat. There are lots of new experiences waiting to be enjoyed.
Ninja Warrior
Channel your inner ninja at Leicester’s Ninja Warrior adventure park. Take on a range of climbing, balancing, jumping, and swinging obstacles, to become the ultimate warrior! The course is geared to a wide range of ages and abilities, with a dedicated inflatable area for under-fives and a cafe serving a wide selection of drinks, snacks, and meals.
Tropical Birdland
Get up close to over 250 free-flying exotic birds for a unique experience at Tropical Birdland, a 6.5-acre sanctuary that is home to a variety of stunning birds from all around the world. Spot and identify the many different species in the walk-through aviaries, visit the chick room, venture off road with the Woodland Walk, which takes you through the beautiful natural woodland where you will see all kinds of wildlife. The Parrot Path is a great place to get up close to some cheeky Cockatoos and Macaws or have some fun in the play area.
Leicester Museum & Gallery
Leicester Museum is home to a wide range of collections and displays spanning the natural and cultural world. Be transported to ancient Egypt and meet the mummies or take a walk 165 million years in the making through the dino gallery, where you’ll come face-to-face with the impressive Rutland dinosaur that towers over visitors! Discover curiosities, artwork, antiquities, fossils, animal, bird, and insect specimens and more at this free, family attraction.
Stonehurst Farm
Stonehurst Farm is a working farm that offers a fun day out for all the family. Visitors can meet and feed the animals, collect freshly laid eggs, swing in the straw barn, enjoy tractor rides, pony rides, explore the nature trail and adventure play, and see what you can catch pond dipping.
There are two super play areas, a busy tearoom serving home produced meals and a selection of cakes, plus a farm shop and a fantastic collection of veteran, vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia, at the onsite Motor Museum.
Twinlakes Theme Park
Twinlakes provides endless adventures for all the family! The 70-acre park has a whole host of attractions including a zoo, falconry centre, rollercoasters, log flume, assault courses, toboggan slides, go karts, an open-air cinema, and a boating lake! It even has a wild-west style miniature railway that transports visitors all over the park.
Moira Furnace
Discover the secrets of the industrial revolution at Moira Furnace, an authentic Victorian foundry. See how minerals were turned into iron and learn about the people who called the furnace home until the 1970s. Outside, hop aboard heritage boat, The Joseph Wilkes, and take a leisurely trip along the restored section of the Ashby Canal, or stroll the length of the towpath and discover the lime kilns and surrounding country park.
Charnwood Forest Alpacas
Take a walk on the wild side at Charnwood Forest Alpacas, as you come face to face with the farm’s resident animals. Get up close and personal with baby alpacas, learn about donkey care as you help take care of rescued donkeys or trek around 110 acres on one of the beautiful horses.
Treetop Adventure Golf
Have a go at tackling the Tropical Trail or Ancient Explorer at Leicester’s indoor mini golf course, Treetop Adventure Golf. Chat with cheeky Toucans as you take on the 18-hole course, making sure to listen out for singing barbershop frogs along the way! Feeling peckish? Take a seat in the buzzing Market and see what’s cooking in the Amazonian village or grab a pick-me-up from the Rainforest Roast Café.
Boost Trampoline Park
Jump, bounce, skip or hop along to Boost Trampoline Park, where you’ll find over 50 interconnected trampolines including tumble lanes, massive foam pit with three jump points and a high diving board, trapeze, interactive climbing wall, a Gladiator style battling beam plus plenty more other exciting activities!
Midlands Roller Arena
Grab your skates and head to Midlands Roller Arena for a weekday or weekend skate session. Or boogie on down to one of their evening roller discos with the coolest sounds from a live DJ. Their café serves up fresh bakes daily too, so after you've worked up an appetite on the rink, enjoy a slice of cake or quick snack.
Roamdome
For the ultimate virtual adventure, visit the brand new Roamdome, a fully immersive experience that takes VR to the next level. Become the action as you ‘get ported’ to worlds so realistic, it feels like you’re actually there!
Fosse Foxes Trail
Take on the Fosse Foxes Trail and find all 20 foxes – each individually designed to represent its location and sporting a QR code revealing the story behind the fox and more information on the surrounding sights. A further 25 Fosse Foxes are waiting to be discovered at Fosse Park, all uniquely showcasing the designs of local artists, designers, and community groups.
Bring the Paint
Bring the Paint is Leicester’s award-winning street art festival, bringing together incredible artists from across the globe to showcase live artworks, music, skateboarding, breakdancing, BMX, exhibitions, and workshops. The biannual festival is one of the largest in the world and May 2022's edition saw 48 large scale murals painted across the city, forming part of our iconic visual landscape.
As you plan your family outings and adventures, it’s important to manage your finances responsibly. If you're using credit cards to cover these exciting experiences, be mindful of your spending to avoid falling into debt. Consider budgeting carefully and using loan apps like here https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-ways-get-200-now-cash-crunch-solutions-oleh-yakuba-nxune if you need additional funds, but always choose options with fair terms and interest rates. Keeping track of your expenses and paying off your balance promptly can help you enjoy these fantastic activities without financial stress.