15 Free (or Super Cheap) Days Out for Families in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire days out on a budget
Finding ways to keep the kids entertained without spending a fortune can feel impossible — especially during the school holidays. As a local Lincolnshire mum who loves planning days out on a budget, I’ve rounded up 15 of the best FREE (or very cheap) family days out that your little ones — and your wallet — will love.
1. Hartsholme Country Park, Lincoln
A gorgeous park with lakes, woodland walks, and free play areas. Ideal for picnics, scooters, or even a dog-friendly stroll.
💰 Cost: Free (just pay for parking)
🐾 Dog Friendly: Yes
💡 Mum Tip: Pack a scavenger hunt to keep the kids entertained
2. Cleethorpes Beach & Arcades
Classic seaside fun! Cleethorpes is great for paddling, beach games, and low-cost fun in the arcades. There’s even a paddling pool and mini train ride for little ones.
💰 Cost: Free beach access, bring change for arcades
🐾 Dog Friendly: Yes but there are areas during spring / summer with restrictions so make sure you check the signs
💡 Mum Tip: Take a picnic and set up on the quieter area by thorp park
3. Nunny's Farm, Grimsby
A wonderful, welcoming community farm where kids can meet and feed animals like goats, pigs, and alpacas. It’s incredibly affordable and perfect for younger children.
💰 Cost: £2–£5 entry
🏅 Best for: All ages
♥️Why It’s Great: Run by a community team and often has events or toddler mornings
4. Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary & Wildlife Centre
Animal lovers will enjoy seeing rescued seals, birds of prey, meerkats, and more. Smaller and less commercial than other wildlife parks — and much more affordable.
💰 Cost: Around £13 for adults, £9 for children (under 3s free)
💡 Mum Tip: Combine with a walk on Mablethorpe beach just next door!
🥙 Picnics Welcome: There are plenty of outdoor benches if you pack a picnic and a little café too!
5. Wild Pines Park
Wild Pines Park is a fantastic budget-friendly day out for families, offering various activities including rope courses set in beautiful woodland near Market Rasen. With zip-lines, climbing challenges, mini-golf, and even treasure hunts, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. It’s great value too—with all-day access and affordable extras like archery or craft activities—making it a perfect choice for active, outdoorsy families.
💰 Cost: Free to walk around, the various activities are very reasonably priced
♥️ Why It’s Great: We love the bear hunt for the younger ones (ideal for ages 2-8)
🐾 Dog Friendly: Yes
Other Budget-Friendly Days Out in Lincolnshire:
- Spurn Point (Technically Yorkshire!) - Walk along a narrow stretch of land surrounded by sea on both sides. Just be sure to check the tide times to make sure its not high tide
- Lincoln Arboretum – Victorian park with play area and fountains
- Whisby Nature Park – Great for duck spotting and nature trails
- Chambers Farm Woods – Woodland walks and butterfly gardens
- Tattershall Lakes (free events & walks) – Fun to explore even without staying
- Elsham Hall Gardens & Country Park – Play area, gardens, small animals & picnic spots
- Lincolnshire Wolds Railway – Ride a heritage steam train (low-cost, fun for all ages)
- Family-Friendly Wolds Walk – Try the Ludford Circular Walk or Hubbard’s Hills in Louth – gentle, scenic and perfect for picnics
- Woodhall Spa Kinema in the Woods – Retro cinema, check for matinee deals
- Local Libraries – Crafts, rhyme time, and free events
