Free Things To Do This Summer 2025!
Summer is always one of the most difficult times for parents - trying to entertain kids whilst not breaking the bank seems like an impossible task sometimes. That's why we've compiled a list of FREE activities to get stuck in with this Summer!
Stanwick Lakes:
Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750-acre nature reserve and is widely considered to be one of the region’s most imaginative outdoor activity destinations. It offers extensive play areas for families and includes acres of wide-open spaces and paths for nature lovers, walkers and cyclists.
The cafe in the visitor centre has wonderful views over the lake from the huge glass windows. It serves a range of delicious handmade hot and cold food – a perfect treat after a walk!
*Parking charges apply.
Wicksteed Park:
Have you visited one of the oldest amusement parks in the UK yet? Step into a world of magic at Wicksteed Park!
Nestled in the heart of Kettering, it's not just a park; it's an experience, memory-maker, and place where history meets adventure. Spanning a vast 147 acres of lush, rolling parkland, Wicksteed Park is the perfect day out. From the thrill of over 25 exhilarating rides and attractions to the serenity of open spaces where you can lose yourself in a book or challenge your loved ones to a spirited football match, there's something for everyone.
Wicksteed Park is a great place to run around, meet animals, and have a go on their rides (extra charges may apply). Stroll around their gorgeous gardens, devour some fantastic food, and explore the historic site!
*Parking charges apply.
The Chester House Estate:
Located just off the A45, The Chester House Estate offers a huge range of activities - from wandering around the museum to playing on their outside play area, there's something to satiate both children and adults!
With free entry and free parking, it's a fantastic day out that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
The estate is also home to multiple events throughout the year - why not go to their emergency services day happening on the 30th August? Whilst you'll need to book a ticket, the event itself is free!
Archaeological Resource Centre Tours:
On certain days throughout the summer, the Archaeological Resource Centre are doing free guided tours! Walk around the archive, which stores the archaeological archives from excavations carried out in Northamptonshire and listen to the experienced volunteers explain how they curate and preserve the objects. They will also show some highlights they have within their collections.
Tours tend to last between 45 minutes and 1 hour, though they can be longer as the volunteers are very enthusiastic and try and answer any of your questions about archaeology. Due to space in the building, there is a need to limit spaces on each tour to 15 people. Whilst the tour is free, you need to book your ticket in advance to ensure you have a space.
Please be aware there is a chance you may see human remains during this tour if they are being accessed by researchers.
Kettering By The Sea:
Kettering By The Sea brings a taste of the traditional British seaside with a host of free activities for kids to get stuck in with.
Kettering Town Council is running the event which is free for families to attend. As well as the 18 tonnes of sand, there is a range of activities planned across the 22 days.
Alongside the sand will be Punch and Judy shows, magic shows, giant bubble fun, skateboard workshops, Brightwayz cycle skills, Kettering Library and Cornerstone activity sessions, hula hoop sessions, theatre shows, face painting and the splash fountains.
This event is on every single day from the 22nd July to the 12 August 2025. Just pop down and see what's on!
The Canal Museum - Stoke Bruerne:
Perfect for all the family! Learn all about the importance of the Grand Union Canal, and see the history come to life.
Why not take a walk around the picturesque locks of Stoke Bruerne and treat yourself to a coffee and cake overlooking the water?
Immerse yourselves in the treasure trove that is the Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum, which is full of interactive displays and collections to bring to life what it was like to live and work on Britain's canals.
Take a stroll along the towpath near Blisworth Tunnel, and the Woodland Walk, with its wire sculptures, and enjoy the view!
Northamptonshire Country Parks:
Explore Northamptonshire's rural beauty with your family this summer holiday by visiting one of the many country parks situated throughout the county!
From Brixworth to Barnwell, there's a range of different parks for you to explore.
Fancy enhancing your day out? Why not check out their Summer event calendar? They host activities for both children and adults to get stuck in with!
Bands In The Park at Abington Park:
Enjoy some free local music in the gorgeous setting of Abington Park! Bands in the Park season kicks off heralding a very special 125th anniversary year!
Head down to the bandstand between 2 - 5pm every Sunday and Bank Holiday to hear a different local band performance free of charge.
Why not bring some snacks with you and have a picnic in the park at the same time?
Delapré Abbey:
Delapré Abbey is a historic house and park in Northampton, built on the site of a medieval nunnery. As a visitor, you’ll experience tales of the Abbey told across five storytelling zones, investigate unexpected views, strange doorways and eccentric architecture and make your own memories in a building brimming with history. The Abbey is set within the remains of the formal and semi-formal gardens which were once the pride and joy of the Tate and Bouverie families.
There’s a large walled garden, superb specimen trees in the understated arboretum, the hidden remains of a splendid water garden and the south lawn which stretches out to the ha-ha which separates the lawn from the 500 acres of the wider parkland and the golf course beyond. Onsite there is a cafe, fine dining restaurant and a shop as well as regular events.
Active Family Fundays:
Get ready for a summer of unforgettable fun! Each Wednesday in August, join in with Active Families Fundays – a vibrant, action-packed free afternoon designed to bring families together for laughter, play, and adventure. Small rides, Sport and play activities, arts and crafts and much more.
Locations:
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Corby: Wednesday 6 August, West Glebe Park, NN17 1SZ
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Wellingborough: Wednesday 13 August, Castlefield's Park, Wellingborough, NN8 1LW
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Rushden: Wednesday 20 August, Spencer Park, Rushden, NN10 6UL
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Kettering: Wednesday 27 August, North Park, Kettering, NN16 9JT
Find your perfect day out yet? There's tons of different destinations throughout Northamptonshire. Why not check out our Days Out page of the website to find places to visit? Or you could check up on our What's On page - we have hundreds of events listed happening throughout the county!
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Have a favourite spot in Northamptonshire not on our website? Email us at info@discover-northamptonshire.co.uk and let us know, or pop into the Discover Northamptonshire Hub at Rushden Lakes and talk to a member of staff. We'll do our best to contact the site and put it on our website!
