The MK Gallery - Milton Keynes Gallery, 900 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes, MK 9 3QA
The MK Gallery is a contemporary visual arts gallery which hosts touring exhibitions, workshops, and even kids' craft events! Check out their website for the most up-to-date events! https://mkgallery.org/
Their next kid's crafts event is on February 11th, from 12-4 pm, called Cardboard Creations - Family Fun Day!
2. Great Linford Manor Park - Parklands, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5DZ
Great Linford Manor Park is a beautiful place for all the family to enjoy the great outdoors and discover the history of the local area - with a history stretching back to at least the Saxon times. The park also has a play sculpture trail and an infant play area! And if that isn't enough; pack a picnic, binoculars, or even a scavenger hunt for extra entertainment! Another advantage is this park has free parking, available at Marsh Dr, Great Linford, Milton Keynes, MK14 5AS. Find out more information at: https://www.theparkstrust.com/parks/great-linford-manor-park/
3. Milton Keynes Arts Centre - Milton Keynes Arts Centre, Parklands, MK 14 5DZ
"Milton Keynes Arts Centre is situated in the heart of the 18th century Great Linford Manor Park. We present a programme of artists’ projects, events and educational activities inspired by our unique location. We provide access to specialist ceramic, silversmithing and wood shop resources, and the space to explore new ideas and directions in the development of craft, design and the visual arts." - https://miltonkeynesartscentre.org/About
With constant events on, we recommend checking out their events through their website. For example, this February half-term, they are hosting some family-friendly making and creating sessions with artist leaders. For example, they have a Valentine's inspired ink painting with Gaby Radiguet, and a lyric writing session with Rachael Inwood.
4. Visit the Concrete Cows - H3 Monks Way, Milton Keynes MK13 0QP
Milton Keynes has become famous for our infamous concrete cows, which were designed by Liz Leyh & Bill Billings. For this alone, we believe it's worthy of a visit and photo shot by.
5. Visit Willen Lake - Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street, MK15 0DS
Although there are paid-for activities at Willen Lake (Ranging from tree-top to water sports) there is still plenty to see and do while not paying a penny, except for parking. This is thanks to The Parks Trust, a self-financing charity that looks after more than 6,000 acres of parkland in Milton Keynes. Find more information at: https://www.willenlake.org.uk/
If you are looking for a free activity to do here with your children, download their Bird Bingo here https://www.willenlake.org.uk/activities/off-the-water/outdoor-learning/bird-bingo/
6. Visit Caldecotte Lake - Bletcham Way, Caldecotte, Milton Keynes MK7 8HP
Caldecotte Lake is free to visit and is located in Milton Keynes. It's easy to get to. There is a large main free car park which is next to a pub and play area. Additionally, for an extra £1 (or free for under 2s) there is a Caldecotte Miniature Railway! This railway is a great experience for children, as it goes around the track twice and has been running since 2006! Located opposite the windmill pub, make sure you visit - We recommend that you check the Caldecotte Miniature Railway page on Facebook to check the days the train is running.
(Photo source: https://caldecotteminiaturerailway.co.uk/)
7. Visit Dobbies Garden Centre, Bletchley - Belvedere Ln, Watling St, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK17 9JH
We understand your reaction, a garden centre? But hear us out! Dobbies has thousands of plants AND hundreds of different fish in store to view in their tanks, and you can even buy pots of food for £1, to let the children feed their giant carp. With these experiences, it's similar to an aquarium, without the cost! It's definitely a great free way to entertain your children, so give it a go! There is even a play zone, cafe, and events to attend so check out their website by clicking here.
8. Visit Maidenhead Aquatics - Watling St, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK17 9JH
Similarly, Maidenhead Aquatics focuses solely on stocking fish (tropical, coldwater and temperate fish, fancy goldfish, tropical freshwater fish, and more)! Due to this, we highly recommend visiting this place if your child has an interest in animals and nature.
9. Rushmere Country Park - Linslade Rd, Heath and Reach, Leighton Buzzard LU7 0EB
Another incredible place to visit for free, except parking (which is £2), is the Rushmere Country Park! It's home to a wide variety of wildlife,f play areas and an oak wood sculpture trail to spark your child's adventurous side! Plus, if it rains there is a cafe! Rushmere Country Park also has extra holiday activities, including teddy bear picnics, summer fayres, and even dog shows, so make sure to check out their website for updates!
(Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/rushmerepark/photos)
10. Rushden Lakes - Northamptonshire, Rushden NN10 6FH
Last but definitely not least, with 5 hours of free parking, Rushden Lakes is a great day out!
Rushden Lakes offers a wide variety of activities and experiences that will keep your children entertained for the entire day! From picnic tables to sculpture hunts, to playgrounds and more!
"Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre is a unique place to shop, eat, and explore, offering a world of outdoor discovery at the gateway to the Nene Wetlands. It combines a modern shopping centre with the natural world, promoting the environment – something that we are happy to be a part of. As part of the development, they asked us to build several rustic creations that incorporated elements of the local environment. These included giant animal sculptures and carvings based upon the local wildlife, a pond dipping platform, a picnic shelter, and four nature-themed play areas. Collectively, these creations encourage locals to garner a greater interest in nature and local wildlife."
(Photo source: https://www.thewilddeckcompany.co.uk/product-portfolio/picnic-areas-and-seating/rushden-lakes-picnic-shelter/)