Some days out don’t need a ticket — and some are worth every penny. This list is about the second kind.
As a mum who’s tried and tested plenty of local days out, I know that when you’re going to pay for entry, you want it to be worth it. These are the five Northamptonshire attractions our family keeps going back to — the ones with enough to fill a whole day, whatever the weather.
If you’re after no-cost options instead, we’ve got you covered there too — our free things to do with kids in Northamptonshire guide is linked at the bottom of this post.
What you’ll find in this post
- 5 ticketed, big-day-out attractions across Northamptonshire
- Real parenting tips for each one, from someone who’s actually been
- A mix of indoor and outdoor options, so weather isn’t a dealbreaker
- Practical notes on booking, age suitability, and what to bring
Before you go: a few things that save the day
Ticketed attractions are a bigger investment of time and money than a free park visit, so a little planning goes a long way. A few habits make these days smoother for everyone.
Book online in advance where you can — it’s often cheaper and guarantees entry
Check height and age restrictions before you promise anything to excited children
Pack a change of clothes — water, mud, and soft play are rarely as tidy as planned
Go midweek or off-peak if you can — smaller queues, calmer kids
The 5 places
Where to go for a bigger family day out
All five are easy day trips, wherever you’re based in the county.
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Place one · Kettering
Wicksteed Park
Wicksteed Park in Kettering is perfect for all-day visits. With over 30 rides, a giant playground, and beautiful parkland, there’s something for every age. Kids love the train ride around the lake and the giant slides, and at Christmas, festive lights and Santa visits make it extra special.
- Pack swimwear and towels in summer — the splash zone catches first-time visitors out
- Buy a ride wristband if you know the children will want to go on more than a couple
- The lakeside walk is lovely even if you’re not doing rides that day
2
Place two · Northampton
Royal & Derngate Theatre
This Northampton theatre is a family favourite, especially during Christmas pantomimes. The theatre runs family shows throughout the year, including interactive and children’s performances, and it’s welcoming, well-organised, and surrounded by plenty of places to eat.
- Look out for relaxed performances if your child is sensitive to noise or needs a flexible environment
- Book early for pantomime season — it sells out fast
- Check the running time and age guidance before booking younger children
3
Place three · Great Billing, Northampton
Billing Aquadrome
Set across 235 acres in the Nene Valley, Billing Aquadrome combines an outdoor swimming pool, a splash zone, a miniature train, an arcade, and plenty of green space to explore. It’s easily a full day out, with enough variety to keep different ages happy at once.
- Bring swimwear if you’re visiting the pool or splash zone — it’s seasonal, so check opening dates first
- There’s an on-site café and restaurant, so you don’t need to pack a full picnic
- Wear comfortable shoes — it’s a lot of walking if you explore the whole site
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Place four · Hartwell, near Northampton
Go Ape Salcey Forest
For families after something a bit more adventurous, Go Ape’s treetop courses at Salcey Forest are brilliant fun. The Treetop Adventure course is designed with younger family members in mind, with wobbly bridges, crossings, and a zip wire finish, all set in ancient woodland.
- Check the minimum height requirement (1m for Treetop Adventure) before booking
- Book online in advance — time slots are limited and popular weekends sell out
- Wear closed, sturdy shoes and tie back long hair — flip-flops and slip-ons aren’t allowed on the course
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Place five · Rushden
Rushden Lakes
Rushden Lakes has grown into a proper day-out destination in its own right, with a cinema, crazy golf, an indoor climbing centre, and soft play alongside the shops, restaurants, and the Nene Wetlands nature reserve. There’s a free discovery play area and a lakeside sculpture trail too, so it works just as well for a lazy afternoon as it does for a full day out.
- Parking is free for up to 5 hours, which is plenty for most visits
- The Nene Wetlands play area and walking trail are free even if you’re not shopping
- Combine the climbing centre, crazy golf, or soft play with a film for a full day that needs almost no planning
You don’t need to tick off all five in one summer.
Each of these makes a brilliant day out on its own. Pick the one that suits your family’s mood, budget, and the weather forecast — and save the rest for another weekend.
Common questions about days out with kids in Northamptonshire
Written by a mum
I’ve spent plenty of weekends testing out Northamptonshire’s family attractions with kids of different ages — this list is the ones we genuinely go back to, not just the ones that photograph well.
