Enjoy some family fun
Looking for places the whole family will enjoy? Discover family-friendly cycling trails, places to get closer to nature and historic buildings where you can learn about the past.
Kids’ indoor activities for rainy days
Even the best-laid plans can be ruined by a sudden downpour. Keep the whole family entertained on a rainy day at a place in our care with dressing-up stations, indoor crafts, sheltered play areas and more.
Winter house closures
Some of the places in our care close over the winter months so we can carry out vital conservation work. Please check individual place webpages for up-to-date information on opening times before you visit.
- The Argory, County Armagh
- Find shelter from the rain at 'The Light Box', an interactive space for families at The Argory. Kids can create their own neon art masterpieces and play light and sensory games.Explore The Argory
- Belton Estate, Lincolnshire
- Explore the indoor play café at Belton, which offers physical fun for younger children. The adventure play areas are linked by hanging walkways, cargo nets, slides and tunnels. During term time, early years and sensory play equipment is also available.Explore Belton Estate
- The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire
- Experience what life was like for children in the past at The Children's Country House. Explore Betty Cadbury's extensive toy collection, discover an upside-down children’s bedroom and go back to school in the Victorian classroom.Explore The Children's Country House
- Chirk Castle, Wrexham
- Head to the Adam Tower at Chirk Castle to spot signs of the castle's medieval past. Dress up in armour, hunt for murder holes and venture down into the dungeons – two floors of them.Explore Chirk Castle
- Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire
- Follow the children’s house trail at Dyrham Park. With hats and wigs to try on along the way, kids of all ages can interact with the diverse history of this mansion. You'll find sheltered picnic spots around the grounds, as well as a café and well-stocked second-hand bookshop.Explore Dyrham Park
- Ickworth, Suffolk
- Why do you think the Earl Bishop threw spaghetti out of the window? You’ll have to discover Ickworth’s secret stairs to find out. You can also learn what it was like to be a servant in the 1930s in the basement of the classical Rotunda.Explore Ickworth
- Killerton, Devon
- Discover how children used to dress at Killerton's colourful historical exhibition, Playing by the rules: childhood, dress and imagination (now open daily until Sunday 3 November). From formal wear to fancy dress and school uniforms, there's lots to see and plenty of opportunity for little ones to join in the fun.Explore Killerton
- Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk
- Find out about the people who used to live and work at Lavenham. Explore the old prison cell to learn about the prisoners once locked up here, or the evacuees who sought refuge during the Second World War.Explore Lavenham Guildhall
- Ormesby Hall, North Yorkshire
- Explore the history of the Pennyman family who once lived at Ormesby Hall. Dress up and create your own theatrical performances in homage to Ruth Pennyman’s love of the arts, visit the interactive model railway layouts or find a comfy reading nook in the second-hand bookshop.Explore Ormesby Hall
- Quarry Bank, Cheshire
- Head into the mill to watch the giant waterwheel in action or discover the steam engines in the Power Galleries. Join a tour of the Apprentice House to see how the mill’s child workers used to live.Explore Quarry Bank
- Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
- Once home to famous pranksters, Seaton Delaval Hall has plenty to keep children entertained. Play the giant Georgian Game of Life in the Drawing Room, peer into the curious mirrored sphere in the Central Hall or see one of the Delaval family’s best-known pranks in the West Wing.Explore Seaton Delaval Hall
- Stourhead, Wiltshire
- Grab a spotter trail flip book and see if you can find the special items in the showrooms. Children's activity stations can be found throughout the house – plan a grand tour around the world, play the Pesky Pests game, or dress up as a servant.Explore Stourhead
- Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
- Sutton Hoo has plenty of family-friendly activities for rainy days. Follow the family trail and have a go at making archaeological plans as you explore Tranmer House. You can also dress up as an Anglo-Saxon and find out more about their history in the High Hall exhibition.Explore Sutton Hoo
- Tredegar House, Newport
- Delve into the lives of the Morgans of Tredegar House with its year-round family trail, interactive puppet display and dressing-up station. Discover the stories about this unusual mansion before heading to the popular second-hand bookshop. Sensory backpacks are also available.Explore Tredegar House
Listen to the National Trust Kids' Podcast
Tune in to some adventurous podcast episodes, inspired by nature and history, and get ready to experience a wilder side to the National Trust in our kids' podcast.
Article
Places for kids to dress up
Dressing up is a fun way for children to get in touch with the past. We've picked our best places to try on costumes and play make-believe.
Article
Family-friendly castles
If you're looking for an activity-packed family day out, discover a family-friendly castle and enjoy a historic visit for knights and royalty of all ages.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.