Looking for free days out this May half term? From museum activities and library events to outdoor play sessions and city festivals, here’s a guide to free things to do
Half term can arrive quickly and bring with it the usual challenge for parents: how to keep children entertained for a full week without spending a fortune.
With the cost of days out, travel and food adding up, many families look for free or low-cost activities to help stretch the budget.
The good news is there are a range of reliable, returning free events and attractions across the UK during May half term 2026, including museum workshops, library activities, council-run play sessions and public festivals.
Here’s a guide to free things to do across the UK during the 25–29 May 2026 school break, plus where children can eat free to help keep costs down.
Free play sessions and council-run activities across the UK
Many local authorities across the UK run holiday play schemes during May half term in parks, leisure centres and community venues.
These often include outdoor games, sports sessions, crafts and drop-in family activities designed for children of different ages.
Availability varies by area, but these programmes are widely delivered during school holidays and are typically free to attend.
Free museum activities in Hull
Museums and galleries in Hull, including Ferens Art Gallery, offer free entry throughout the year and regularly host additional family activities during school holidays.
During May half term, visitors can expect themed workshops, storytelling sessions and hands-on creative events designed for children and families.
Free library activities across the UK
Public libraries remain one of the most accessible free options for families during school holidays.
Across the UK, many branches offer a programme of half-term activities including story sessions, craft workshops, Lego clubs and reading challenges.
Most events are drop-in and free of charge, with local libraries tailoring their programmes to the needs of their communities.
Free entry museums across the UK
A number of national museums continue to offer free general admission in 2026, making them popular choices for family days out.
These include the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and British Museum in London, as well as the National Railway Museum in York, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and National Museum Cardiff.
While some special exhibitions may require tickets, general entry remains free, and many venues offer additional activities during school holidays.
Free cultural events at Southbank Centre, London
The Southbank Centre regularly hosts free cultural programming throughout the year, including during school holidays.
During May half term, families can expect outdoor performances, creative workshops and drop-in arts activities along the South Bank.
The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing visitors to join events without booking paid tickets.
Free seaside and bank holiday events in Scarborough
At the end of the half-term week, Scarborough typically hosts free public entertainment over the late May bank holiday weekend.
This often includes street performances, live entertainment and family-friendly activities in the town centre, providing a low-cost seaside day out option for families in the region.
For even more free events across the UK check full guide here.
Where children can eat free this half term
Even when days out are free, food costs can quickly add up during the school holidays.
Many restaurants, supermarkets and pub chains across the UK run kids-eat-free or discounted meal offers during half term periods.
A full guide to the latest Kid’s Eat Free deals is available here.
These offers often include kids eating free with a paying adult or discounted children’s meals in supermarket cafés and family restaurants.
The takeaway
May half term does not need to be expensive. Across the UK there are a wide range of free activities available, from museum visits and library sessions to outdoor play schemes and cultural events.
Combined with kids eat free offers, families can plan a full week of activities without significant cost.
