15 totally free or cheap places to go with your children in Milton Keynes this summer
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, many families are worried how they will stave off the inevitable cries of “I’m bored” from their children during the six week summer holidays.
By Sally Murrer
Published 13th Jul 2022, 14:42 BST
The Citizen has compiled a list of places and activities in MK that provide tried and tested fun but do not cost a fortune.
Some are even completely free and all that is needed is a picnic to make it a day out.
Meanwhile, any child who qualifies for benefit-related free school meals in the city can take part in a wealth of free Summer of Play activities organised by Milton Keynes Council during August.
There are dozens of activities on offer, including music, games, pottery, crafts, swimming, bowling, cooking and crazy golf and meals are provided.
The sessions are held in 50 different locations throughout MK and they are tailored to suit all ages, from toddlers to teens. The brochure can be downloaded here.
The Parks Trust website is also a valuable source of ideas for parents, who can flick through their What’s On page to discover free or cheap things to do.
Some of the Trust’s most popular activities are included in our gallery. Don’t forget to book them to ensure a place.
Meanwhile, any child who qualifies for benefit-related free school meals in the city can take part in a wealth of free Summer of Play activities organised by Milton Keynes Council during August.
9. 15 free or cheap places to go with the children this summer in MK
Caldecotte Miniature Railway. Opposite the windmill pub at Caldecotte Lake, this is a cheap outing for train lovers. It costs £1 a ride but under2s go free. The ride is decent too as it goes round the track twice. It has its own Caldecotte Miniature Railway page on Facebook for people to check what days it’s running. Photo: Caldecotte Miniature Railway
10. 15 free or cheap places to go with the children this summer in MK
Thrift Farm at Whaddon. For a day out, this is not overly expensive and it’s a delightful place with a special charm of its own. Adult entry is £8.50 and child entry is £7.95, but concessions are available. Carers go free for disabled visitors. There are animals to pet and feed and a great play area complete with giant climbing frames as well as jumping pillows and a zip wire. You can book on the Thrift Farm website. Photo: Thrift Farm
11. 15 free or cheap places to go with the children this summer in MK
Gulliver’s Land Dino Fun and Farm Park. The Gulliver’s Land theme park can be a costly day out for a family with prices at £20 for adults and children But did you know you can pay to just get into the adjoining Dino park? This is a great day out in itself with life-size dinosaurs to admire, farm animals to feed and a great play area. Entry here is £9 per person but children under 90cm tall go free. There’s a cafe, but you can take a picnic to cut costs. Book on the Gulliver's website. Photo: Gulliver's Land
12. 15 free or cheap places to go with the children this summer in MK
Newport Pagnell treasure trail. You can buy a map for £4.99. and have fun finding 11 ‘treasures’ dotted around the town. The treasures include statues, sculptures and carvings. Explorers can add in some shopping or stop for refreshment in one of the town’s cafes. The good thing is that the maps can be passed on to other families to enjoy. Maps can be purchased on the Treasure Map Trails website. Photo: Treasure Map Trails