Yorkshire Sculpture Park at West Bretton, Wakefield
An outdoor day for families happy to walk: 500 acres of landscaped Yorkshire parkland with world-class sculpture in it, plus free kids' activities in summer and cafés to break the day up.
Days out, written up
Longer pieces on individual places we list — what a visit is actually like, who it suits, and what to expect when you get there.
Young V&A in Bethnal Green
A free, entirely indoor museum in Bethnal Green built for children rather than adapted for them — it works for babies through to teenagers, and it is one of the safest bets in London on a wet Saturday.
York Maze in Elvington, York
A summer-only outdoor attraction near York built around the UK's biggest maize maze, with rides, sand and water play and shows — it works for babies through to teenagers, and it wants most of a day.
ZAPT Laser Tag Cambridge in Milton Country Park
Outdoor woodland laser tag for children from 7 upwards, set inside Milton Country Park — best suited to primary-age players and teenagers who want a proper run-around rather than a screen.
Zip World London at the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Stratford
A short, high-adrenaline stop in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park built around one attraction — the world's longest tunnel slide — best suited to children old enough to want the ride rather than the view.
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry: A Teenager's Day Out in a North Wales Slate Quarry
An outdoor adventure site in a working-era slate quarry near Bangor, built around the Penrhyn Quarry zip wire — best suited to teenagers, with a cafe and viewing terrace for whoever stays on the ground.
