Milton Keynes is a vibrant, family-friendly destination with a variety of exciting activities for children of all ages. Whether you're a local or visiting, the town offers a great mix of outdoor adventures, interactive attractions, and hands-on experiences to enjoy with your little ones. From parks and lakes to museums and interactive play centres, Milton Keynes has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best family-friendly activities available right now in Milton Keynes!
1. Willen Lake
One of the top outdoor attractions in Milton Keynes is Willen Lake, a picturesque park that offers a variety of activities for families. Right now, it's the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. Families can rent pedal boats, explore the park’s trails by bike or on foot, and enjoy picnics by the water. The lake is also home to water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, making it an ideal spot for energetic kids and parents alike. With wide open spaces, playgrounds, and beautiful views, Willen Lake is an all-round great family destination.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free to access the park; activities such as boat rental range from £5-£15 per person
- What’s on Right Now: Pedal boating, stand-up paddleboarding, walking and biking trails, and nature walks.
2. Milton Keynes Museum
For families interested in history, the Milton Keynes Museum offers an excellent mix of fun and learning. This interactive museum showcases the history of the area, with fascinating exhibits that bring local history to life. Children can enjoy hands-on displays, such as an old-fashioned toy train set, vintage cars, and interactive technology exhibits. The museum is a great way for kids to learn about the local area and history, all while having fun.
- Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £9, Children £5 (under 5s free)
- What’s on Right Now: Interactive exhibits, vintage displays, and special children’s activities.
3. Xscape Milton Keynes
For a thrilling day out, head to Xscape Milton Keynes, an entertainment hub filled with exciting indoor activities for families. Right now, you can enjoy everything from indoor skiing and snowboarding at Snozone to climbing walls and bowling. There’s also an arcade and cinema for some extra fun, along with a selection of family-friendly restaurants. Whether you’re skiing, bowling, or simply enjoying a snack, Xscape is a perfect indoor destination for an action-packed day with kids.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (varies by activity)
- Ticket Price: Prices vary by activity (e.g., skiing from £15 per person, bowling from £8 per game)
- What’s on Right Now: Indoor skiing, snowboarding, bowling, and family-friendly eateries.
4. Go Ape!
For families with older children looking for an adventure, Go Ape! at Woburn offers a thrilling outdoor experience. The treetop adventure course includes zip lines, rope bridges, and challenging obstacles that will keep the whole family entertained. It’s a great way to get the kids moving and exploring the great outdoors while enjoying a bit of adventure in the trees. For younger children, there are mini adventure courses with fun challenges, making it accessible for all ages.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round (check website for booking)
- Ticket Price: From £20 per person
- What’s on Right Now: Treetop adventure courses, zip-lining, and outdoor challenges.
5. Bletchley Park
A short drive from Milton Keynes, Bletchley Park is an excellent day trip for families with older children who enjoy history and technology. The site is home to the famous WWII codebreakers who helped crack the Enigma code. Today, families can explore the historical buildings, see the iconic Enigma machines, and take part in interactive exhibits. There are also plenty of child-friendly activities, including special family trails and puzzles to solve. It’s an educational experience that’s both fun and enriching.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £19.50, Children (under 16) £9.75 (Family tickets available)
- What’s on Right Now: Interactive exhibits, codebreaking activities, and historical tours.
6. Milton Keynes Theatre
For families who love the arts, the Milton Keynes Theatre is a great venue for family-friendly shows and performances. Right now, they’re showcasing a range of children’s productions, from classic stories to modern adventures. Whether it’s a pantomime, a musical, or a children’s play, there’s sure to be something exciting for kids. It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to the magic of live theatre while providing entertainment for the whole family.
- Opening Hours: Varies depending on showtimes
- Ticket Price: Prices vary by show (typically starting at £10 per child)
- What’s on Right Now: Family-friendly performances and children’s theatre productions.
7. Campbell Park
For those looking for outdoor fun, Campbell Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of Milton Keynes, offering plenty of room for children to run, play, and explore. The park is home to multiple playgrounds, including a fantastic one for younger children. The park is also known for its vibrant art sculptures and natural beauty, making it a great spot for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll. With plenty of space for games, Campbell Park is perfect for active families.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, family walks, and outdoor games.
8. The Adventure Play Area at Willen Lake
If you’re visiting Willen Lake, be sure to check out the Adventure Play Area, which is a fun spot for children of all ages. This large, outdoor playground has slides, swings, climbing frames, and a sandpit, offering plenty of opportunities for children to get active and burn off some energy. The playground is set in a beautiful natural environment, making it the perfect place for a family outing after a stroll along the lake.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, nature exploration, and outdoor games.
9. Woburn Safari Park
If you’re willing to travel a little further from Milton Keynes, Woburn Safari Park is a fantastic family day trip. The park offers an exciting wildlife experience where families can drive through safari zones and see animals like lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitats. There are also walk-through areas where children can get closer to farm animals and meerkats. It's a fantastic way to combine fun and learning about wildlife and conservation.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £24, Children (3-15 years) £18
- What’s on Right Now: Safari tours, animal exhibits, and family-friendly attractions.
10. Ultimate Activity Camps at Thornton College
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in Milton Keynes? Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding, inspiring, and Ofsted-regulated activity day camps with the primary function of delivering a very high level of care and welfare for 4-14-year-olds during the Easter and Summer school holidays. We deliver this childcare through a fantastic range of exciting activities, whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields, or in the woods. We use our many years of experience and enthusiastic staff to create a programme that changes each day and delivers the outstanding levels of care you would expect whilst ensuring that the children of all ages are thoroughly engaged and inspired to try new activities and make new friends.
- Opening Hours: Easter and Summer School Holidays 8am to 6pm
- Ticket Price: Prices vary and early bird discounts available
- Suitable for: Children aged 4-14 years
- Book here: https://www.ultimateactivity.co.uk/locations/thornton-college
Overall, Milton Keynes is a fantastic place for families with children, offering an abundance of fun activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you're looking to enjoy outdoor adventures at Willen Lake or explore history at Bletchley Park, there’s something to suit every family. With so many fun and educational options available, you're sure to find the perfect way to spend quality time together.