Leicester and its surrounding areas offer a fantastic mix of family-friendly activities, blending rich history, vibrant culture, and plenty of green spaces. Whether you live locally or are planning a visit, the city and nearby countryside provide a wealth of opportunities to explore, learn, and have fun together. From interactive museums to sprawling parks and immersive wildlife experiences, Leicester has something to spark the imagination and keep children of all ages entertained.
We’ve gathered some of our favourite days out in and around Leicester—places we’ve explored ourselves as well as others we know to be well-loved by families across the region. Each destination offers a unique experience, whether you’re seeking educational adventures, outdoor fun, or a little bit of both.
National Space Centre
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.6/5
A firm family favourite and one of the UK’s leading science attractions, the National Space Centre is packed with hands-on exhibits, a full-size rocket tower, and the largest planetarium in the UK. It’s perfect for children who are fascinated by space and science, with plenty to keep adults engaged too.
Read our review: National Space Centre, Leicester by Kids Days Out Reviews
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.5/5
This free city centre museum is a brilliant option for families, especially on a rainy day. With exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to Ancient Egypt, plus art and natural history collections, there’s something for all interests. It’s a calm and enriching environment for children to explore and learn.
Abbey Park
TripAdvisor rating: 4.6/5
Google rating: 4.5/5
Abbey Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of Leicester, with formal gardens, a boating lake, a miniature railway, and a pet’s corner. It’s ideal for a relaxed picnic, a bit of outdoor play, or just a gentle stroll. It’s well-maintained and has enough variety to keep little ones happy for a good few hours.
Twycross Zoo
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.3/5
Located just outside Leicester, Twycross Zoo is home to more than 500 animals, including all four great ape species. There’s also a soft play area, outdoor adventure zones, and daily keeper talks. It’s a great choice for a full day out that’s both fun and educational.
Read our review: Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire by Kids Days Out Reviews
Conkers
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.3/5
Situated in the heart of the National Forest, Conkers offers a brilliant mix of indoor and outdoor activities. There are woodland walks, high and low rope courses, interactive exhibits, a 4D cinema, and a large adventure playground. It’s a great option for active families who like to get stuck in and explore.
Read our review: Conkers, Leicestershire by Kids Days Out Reviews
Twinlakes Park
TripAdvisor rating: 3.9/5
Google rating: 4.2/5
This family theme park in Melton Mowbray is a full-on day out with rides, play barns, a small zoo, falconry displays, and even a splash zone in summer. It’s designed with younger children in mind, and there’s plenty to do indoors if the weather isn’t great. In 2025, the park added a new pirate-themed indoor play area which has gone down well with families.
Read our review: Twinlakes Park review by Kids Days Out Reviews
Stonehurst Family Farm & Motor Museum
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.6/5
A lovely combination of farm park and vintage motor museum, this attraction offers pony rides, animal feeding, tractor tours, and a play area for children, alongside an impressive collection of classic cars and motorbikes. It’s especially well suited to younger children and has a gentle, relaxed pace.
Days out in Leicester
There’s a lot to love about Leicester when it comes to family adventures. Whether you’re into animals, museums, hands-on science, or the great outdoors, there’s always something new to discover. Many of these attractions offer year-round appeal, and several are brilliant in all weathers, making them ideal for weekend trips or school holidays. We’d love to hear about your favourite days out in Leicester and the surrounding area.
Have you visited any of the places on our list? Let us know in the comments – and if there’s somewhere amazing you think we’ve missed, we’re always keen to explore new spots!
