Celebrate Summer at the UK’s Best Free Outdoor Festivals

As we approach the start of festival season, many towns and cities prepare to host fantastic free family-friendly events packed with entertainment, creativity and outdoor fun.

Whirligig Festival of Outdoor Arts in Somerset

One of the highlights of the early summer calendar, the Whirligig Festival transforms Weston-super-Mare’s seafront into a giant outdoor performance space. Between Saturday, June 6th, and Sunday, June 7th, 2026, families can enjoy circus acts, acrobatics, comedy performers, live music and interactive street theatre – all completely free.

Children love the lively atmosphere, colourful costumes and spontaneous performances that pop up throughout the weekend. It’s an ideal choice for a classic British seaside family day out with extra entertainment thrown in.

Festival of Nature in Somerset

Nature-loving families should not miss the Festival of Nature (6^th-14^th June), one of the UK’s largest celebrations of wildlife and the natural world. Held across Bath and Bristol, the festival includes free outdoor workshops, wildlife walks, bug hunts, storytelling sessions and hands-on environmental activities designed especially for children.

The event encourages young explorers to connect with nature through fun, educational experiences and often includes appearances from wildlife experts and children’s presenters.

Perfect for:

• Primary school-aged children
• Budding nature lovers
• Families looking for educational outdoor fun

Great Exhibition Road Festival in London

For families with curious minds, London’s Great Exhibition Road Festival combines science, creativity and outdoor entertainment in an exciting free event around Kensington and South Kensington, between 6-7^th June.

Interactive installations, experiments, performances and family activity zones spill into the streets and green spaces, creating a giant outdoor learning playground for children and adults alike.

Expect:

• Hands-on science activities
• Outdoor performances
• Art workshops
• Family-friendly talks and demonstrations

Explore Incredible Free Outdoor Attractions Across the UK

Alongside June’s seasonal events, the UK is home to hundreds of brilliant outdoor attractions that families can enjoy year-round for free.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park in West Yorkshire

Combining art and adventure, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is one of the UK’s best free outdoor attractions for families. Children can run freely through open parkland while discovering enormous sculptures hidden among trees, fields and lakes.

The space regularly hosts family trails and outdoor activities during summer, making June a particularly good time to visit.

The Kelpies in Scotland

Towering above the landscape at 30 metres high, The Kelpies are among Scotland’s most impressive outdoor landmarks. Families can walk, cycle and picnic around the sculptures while enjoying canal-side trails and open green spaces nearby.

The area frequently hosts free summer activities and community events, adding extra appeal during June weekends.

Woodland Walks, Wildlife & Nature Adventures

Some of the UK’s best free family days out involve simply heading into nature.

Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire

Cannock Chase offers family bike trails, woodland walks and nature-inspired play opportunities. During summer, Forestry England often runs free themed trails and outdoor discovery activities for children.

Families particularly enjoy:

• Gruffalo-themed walks
• Fairy trails
• Picnic areas
• Nature scavenger hunts

Dartmoor National Park in Devon

Wild ponies, rivers, tors and open landscapes make Dartmoor a dream destination for adventurous families. Children can scramble across rocks, paddle in streams and enjoy endless opportunities for imaginative outdoor play.

Summer months are ideal for:

• Family hiking
• Wildlife spotting
• River picnics
• Treasure hunt walks

Cairngorms National Park in Scotland

The UK’s largest national park offers incredible opportunities for free outdoor exploration. Families may spot red deer, ospreys and Highland cows while enjoying scenic trails and picnic spots surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Nature Events & Outdoor Learning

Throughout June, country parks, wildlife reserves and forests often host additional free activities designed especially for children.

Families should keep an eye out for:

• Bug hunts
• Guided wildlife walks
• Pond dipping sessions
• Outdoor storytelling
• Forest schools
• Nature crafts

Organisations such as Forestry England, local Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB regularly organise seasonal family-friendly events during early summer weekends.

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