10 children’s activities this summer with a family-friendly pub nearby

Theme parks. Zoos. Safari parks. Adventures in the trees. Keeping the kids entertained in the summer holidays is always important. And it’s also one of the best times to get out and make some memories together.

Here we’re looking at 10 of the best kids’ summer activities to help you get inspired for some quality family time together this year. Plus, each one comes with a nearby Greene King pub where you can grab a bite, let the kids blow off some steam, and enjoy a well-earned breather together. Whether you’re after pubs with play areas, a spacious beer garden or just some good food in a relaxed space, we’ve got you covered.

Alton Towers Resort – Staffordshire 

Alton Towers regularly tops lists for summer day out for kids and adults. Set in 550 acres of Staffordshire countryside, it’s the UK’s biggest theme park and has something for all ages. Thrill-seekers can brave rides like Nemesis Reborn, while younger visitors will love Gangsta Granny The Ride and the CBeebies Land attractions. There’s even an on-site waterpark for lazy river drifting or high-speed splash zones if you’re still chasing adrenaline.

• How to get there: Alton Towers is roughly halfway between the M1 and M6, so it’s easy to reach by car. The nearest train stations are Uttoxeter, Stoke-on-Trent and Derby, but you’ll need to hop in a taxi or grab a bus to the park from there.
  
  
• Nearby pub: After an exhilarating day filled with fun, continue your family fun at the Master Potter Pub. It’s only 15 minutes down the road from Alton Towers and promises a family-friendly atmosphere, with outdoor seating and a great kids’ menu.

Longleat Safari Park – Wiltshire

A summer trip to Longleat Safari Park is like stepping into your own wildlife documentary (with a few thrills thrown in). Head here with the kids during the summer holidays and you’ll see cheetahs, giraffes and African painted dogs from the comfort of your own car in the drive through safari. Just watch out for those cheeky monkeys on the windscreen. 

There’s also a walking safari, where you can get a closer look at giant otters, cuddly koalas and even crocodiles. Don’t miss the boat safari either: it’s a great way to spot sea lions and hippos from the water. It’s a top spot for children’s activities, especially for animal lovers and young adventurers.

If you’ve got time, take a wander around Longleat House itself. It’s a grand stately home with plenty of history to uncover. And if the kids still have energy to burn, there’s a hedge maze, miniature railway, adventure playground and even a Rockin’ Rhino ride.

• How to get there: The park is located in Wilshire, with free parking if you’re driving. You can also reach the estate from Frome train station, Warminster station and Westbury station. All stations are a short taxi ride to the park. 
  
  
• Nearby pub: For a hearty meal after a day of adventure, the Woolpack in Beckington is only a short drive away. It’s both family-friendly and dog-friendly, and has even won awards for its food. Grab a drink, settle in, treat the kids to a meal they’ll love and reminisce about an unforgettable day out. 

Bournemouth Beach – Dorset

When it comes to summer days out for kids, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best — and a day at the beach never goes out of style.

Bournemouth Beach in Dorset is a perfect spot for seaside good times for all ages. Grab yourself an ice cream along the pier, build sandcastles or simply go for a paddle. Fingers crossed the sun will be shining. You’ll find beach huts for hire too, so you can put your feet up and relax while your kids play and take in the beautiful views of the coastline. It’s a brilliant destination if you’re looking for relaxed children’s activities by the sea.

• How to get here: There are plenty of car parks around the beach, and if you’re taking the train the beach is only a mile away from Bournemouth train station. 
  
  
• Nearby pub: If all that sea air has helped you work up an appetite, head over to the Commodore for delicious traditional pub food with stunning views and a great beer garden. 

The Science Museum – London

The Science Museum in London is an incredible place for a family day out, especially if you’re looking for something to do in the capital on a rainy day. 

Step inside this free attraction (you can give a small donation if you want) and explore four floors packed with interactive and educational exhibits. Little science lovers will enjoy travelling through space, learning about rockets and satellites. You’ll have to drag them away from the Wonderlab, an interactive exhibit where children and adults can get hands-on with multi-sensory experiments.

• How to get there: Located in South Kensington, the museum is easy to get to and is walkable from central London. The nearest tube stop is South Kensington, about a five-minute walk away.
  
  
• Nearby pub: For a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, head over to the Hoop & Toy. It’s a historic London pub that’s right opposite South Kensington tube station. So, sit back, tuck into some classic pub food with the kids and start planning your next trip into space.

BeWILDerwood – Cheshire

If you’re on the lookout for children’s activities over the summer, BeWILDerwood in Cheshire is a must-visit. This forest adventure park is packed with slides, zip wires, tree-top mazes and boat rides to keep the whole family entertained. There’s even storytelling when it’s time to take a breather from all the adrenaline.

There are toddler-friendly play zones too, like Toddlewood on the Hill and Tiptoe Valley, so even the littlest explorers can get involved while older kids zip through the trees. 

• How to get there: BeWILDerwood Cheshire is located in Whitchurch along the A49. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of free parking. The nearest train station is Whitchurch, five miles away, so you’ll need a taxi from there.
  
  
• Nearby pub: Head to the Woodside pub in Crewe for a proper pub meal after a day of family fun. With plenty of options for the kids and a well-earned drink for you, it’s the ideal spot to refuel.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – Hertfordshire

Whether the children are just getting into Harry Potter, you have teenagers that are die-hard Potter heads or you’ve been a fan since ‘Philosopher’s Stone’, everyone will love a day out exploring the world of wizarding and magic at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. 

Step into The Great Hall and walk through The Forbidden Forest. Marvel at the props and costumes used in the films. Enjoy a pint of butterbeer and take in all the magic of the wizarding world. Don’t miss the gift shops either to pick up that essential Potter merchandise. 

• How to get there: The nearest train station is Watford Junction, with direct services from London Euston and Birmingham New Street. There are also free shuttle buses from Watford Junction to the studio. If you’re driving, there’s a large on-site car park that’s free of charge. 
  
  
• Nearby pub: When you’re ready to swap spellbooks for something to eat, take a trip to the Swan. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, a kids’ menu packed with their favourites, and plenty of hearty pub food for the grown-ups too. Butterbeer might be off the menu, but everything else hits the spot.

The Deep – Hull

Make your way to Hull and dive deep below the surface of the ocean with a trip to the Deep. This huge aquarium is full of tropical fish, coral, sharks, turtles and so much more. 

Take a walk through the viewing tunnel and experience sharks and turtles swimming right over your head. Explore over four billion years of ocean history at the Awakening Seas exhibit. Spot colourful tropical fish in the Lagoon of Light. Discover some of the most fascinating animals in the sea at Endless Oceans. And meet the colony of Gentoo penguins at the Kingdom of Ice. It truly is a special place to visit for little ones, older kids and adults too. 

• How to get there: The aquarium is easy to reach via car, train, bus and taxi. It’s just off the A63 and around 15 minutes from the Humber Bridge, with on-site parking available. Hull Paragon Interchange is a 15-minute walk away, and there’s also a park and ride from Priory Park in Hessle.
  
  
• Nearby pub: If you’re feeling peckish after your trip into the ocean, then head to The Sailmakers pub. You’ll find a delightful beer garden to enjoy on a summer’s day, and there’s a Wacky Warehouse indoor play centre – ideal if the kids still have energy to burn while you sit back and relax.

Legoland Windsor Resort – Berkshire

Legoland Windsor Resort truly is one of the top summer attractions in the UK. And while there may be others elsewhere in the country, like the smaller version at the Trafford Centre in Manchester, this is the original and best venue. 

Designed around the iconic Lego brand, it’s a dream day out for brick-loving kids. Expect interactive rides based on their favourite Lego characters, a magical forest to explore, and a mini driving school set in Lego City. They can also get hands-on at the model making studio, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day.

• How to get there: You can reach the park via car, train or bus, and it’s just two miles from the centre of Windsor. If you’re getting the train, there is a chargeable shuttle bus direct to the resort from both Windsor and Eton Central train stations. 

• Nearby pub: Once the rides are done and the bricks packed away, refuel at the Earl of Cornwall. Just a 15-minute drive from the park, it’s a cosy, family-friendly pub serving up comforting classics like burgers, steaks and sides. And if the kids haven’t had enough Lego for one day, we wouldn’t blame them for building a few more towers at the table.

Cheddar Gorge & Caves – Somerset

Tucked away in the Mendip Hills, you’ll find Cheddar Gorge – England’s largest gorge set in the most beautiful of landscapes. 

Explore Gough’s Cave, which dates back over 500,000 years, and wander through eerie chambers filled with towering stalagmites and stalactites. History buffs will love the Museum of Prehistory, where you can learn about Cheddar Man — the oldest complete human skeleton ever found in Britain, discovered in the cave back in 1903.

There’s also a lookout tower and a beautiful three-mile walk, promising stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For those who are a little more adventurous and for the bigger kids in your party, there’s rock climbing, caving and the Black Cat Freefall jump. The latter sees you climb up a 30ft ladder and jump down the black cat chamber. But don’t worry, of course you’re attached to safety lines. 

• How to get there: Parking is available on-site for a charge. You can also cycle to the gorge or hop on a local bus.
  
  
• Nearby pub: If you’re looking for a family-friendly pub nearby then the Star ticks all your boxes. Found in Congresbury, this traditional pub serves a delicious three-meat carvery, tasty pub classics and of course, a fantastic kids’ menu. It’s a lovely spot for a bit of relaxation after a day of adventure, and you’ll be close to the sea in Weston Super Mare too. 

Drusillas Park – East Sussex

If you’re on the hunt for summer days out with children in East Sussex, then put Drusillas Park at the top of your must-visit list. 

This small family-friendly zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including red pandas, armadillos, meerkats, monkeys, beavers, bats, capybaras, and more. As well as a range of walkthrough exhibits that the children will love, there’s also a huge adventure playground, splash zone, maze and rides. It’s packed with fun and interactive children’s activities, perfect for younger kids and toddlers.

• How to get there: The park is just off the A27 near Alfriston and parking is free. You can also reach the park by bus and train – the nearest train station is Berwick Station, and the park is just a three-minute taxi ride away. 
  
  
• Nearby pub: When everyone’s had their fill of fun, round off the day with a trip to the Rodmill in Eastbourne. The promenade and beach are a short walk away, there’s a great beer garden, and most importantly, the beers are cold and the food is delicious.