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Free Things to Do with Kids in Hull: The Ultimate Family Day Out Guide — illustration
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Free Things to Do with Kids in Hull: The Ultimate Family Day Out Guide

Looking for budget-friendly family days out? From the free Streetlife Museum and Ferens Art Gallery to East Park's splash boat and animal walk, here are Hull's best free activities for kids.

By HU NOW Family Team·3 September 2026·5 min read
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Great Family Days Out That Won't Cost a Penny

Entertaining kids during school holidays or rainy weekends doesn't need to break the bank. Hull is one of the most generous cities in the UK for free culture and open-air family attractions, with world-class museums that charge zero admission fee.

1. Streetlife Museum of Transport (Hull Museums Quarter)

Step through 200 years of transport history in the heart of Old Town. Kids can climb aboard a genuine 1940s Hull electric tram, sit inside historic horse-drawn carriages, and wander through a full-scale reconstruction of a Victorian high street complete with traditional sweet shops and vintage bicycles.

  • Admission: 100% Free
  • Location: High Street, Hull Old Town (HU1 1PS)
  • Highlights: Carriage simulator ride, interactive horse stable, and pram-friendly lifts throughout.

2. East Park & Animal Education Centre (Holderness Road)

Covering 130 acres, East Park is Hull's flagship green space. The park features an extensive free Animal Education Centre where children can see deer, wallabies, exotic birds, and farm animals up close. In warmer months, the modern water splash park is a summer favourite for toddlers and children.

  • Cost: Free entry to park and animal centre
  • Facilities: Children's play areas, large boating lake, cafe, and free parking.

3. Ferens Art Gallery & Explore Art Zone

Located in Queen Victoria Square, the award-winning Ferens Art Gallery houses a dedicated Children's Gallery designed specifically for young visitors. Children can touch interactive tactile displays, try dressing-up boxes, and participate in regular weekend craft workshops.

  • Admission: Free
  • Bonus: Baby-changing facilities and child-friendly cafe on site.

4. Hull and East Riding Museum (Woolly Mammoth & Roman Mosaics)

Walk beneath a life-sized replica of a prehistoric woolly mammoth, step inside an authentic Iron Age roundhouse, and discover stunning Roman mosaics excavated from local East Yorkshire villa sites.

  • Admission: Free
  • Location: Museums Quarter (next door to Streetlife)

5. Humber Bridge Country Park (The Little Swiss)

Set in a former chalk quarry beneath the majestic towers of the Humber Bridge, this 48-acre nature reserve offers gentle walking trails through woodland, meadows, and pond habitats. Kids love spotting wildlife along the cliff nature walks and picnicking on the open lawns.

  • Cost: Free entry & free parking
  • Location: Ferriby Road, Hessle (HU13 0HB)
Quick Answers & FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best free museums to visit in Hull?+

Hull's Museums Quarter in Old Town is completely free to enter, including Streetlife Museum of Transport, Wilberforce House, and the Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology. Ferens Art Gallery in Queen Victoria Square is also free year-round.

Is Ferens Art Gallery in Hull free?+

Yes, Ferens Art Gallery offers free admission to its permanent collections, featuring works by Frans Hals, Antonio Canaletto, and contemporary British artists, as well as regular temporary touring exhibitions.

What free outdoor activities are available in Hull for children?+

Popular free outdoor spots include East Park's free Animal Education Centre and splash park, walking the Seven Seas Fish Trail through Old Town, and exploring the nature reserve at Humber Bridge Country Park.

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