We all like to take our kids somewhere free and fun don’t we? So wait for it… there are 4 days of fun free trips out in Milton Keynes between 8th and 11th September 2016. It’s part of a big event across the country called Heritage Open Days. There are 5,000 events to celebrate our history, architecture and culture. We’re fortunate that there’s loads going on in MK although some may be more suitable than others for children. I’ve picked out the ones that I think look like the most interesting for the whole family to enjoy.
Out of everything on offer, the place that we would definitely recommend is Milton Keynes Museum. There is a brilliant telephone gallery and my 3 year old loves trying out all of the old phones. There’s a Tardis to climb in to, switchboard, smoke signals, mobile phones, character phones, video phones… you name a form of communication and it’s probably there. There’s a wonderful transport museum which includes a tram. There are rooms with an old classroom, toys, farming tools and a kitchen where children can cook toast on the stove. We love the high street which includes a pub, sweet shop and butchers among other stores – think Diagon Alley in Harry Potter but without the wands and wizards. There’s also an air raid shelter and Victorian garden. The museum changed its pricing structure earlier this year so it costs £9 for an adult, £6 for a child and under 5s are free, BUT that is for the whole year and includes all of their special events, I think it’s great value for money. However during the Heritage Open Days it is free so it’s a great opportunity to visit. I’d imagine the Thursday and Friday will be quieter. You can just turn up. It’s open 11am – 4.30pm on all of the days. The volunteers there are brilliant and an absolute delight to speak to. Watch my video below to see our favourite bits of the museum.
What else looks good for kids? Well unfortunately the free tickets for Bletchley Park got booked up ages ago. But there’s lots more. On the Saturday there’s a rare opportunity to visit inside the magical doors of Festive Road; Milton Keynes’ very own makers of fantastical pedal powered creatures. You can try your hand at making mythical creatures from recycled materials or batik a bag to take home. There’s also a Willis Pipe Organ Festival Family Concert: Teddy Bears Picnic on the same day and a family jam for babies and pre-schoolers. On the Sunday there’s a medieval fun day at the City Discovery Centre in Bradwell Abbey which includes archery, falconry displays, storytelling and performance, site tours, arts & heritage crafts to make and try and face painting.
If you’re not looking for something specifically for kids then there are some other cool things on offer including visits to the National Badminton Museum, tours of the Stables and MK theatre, a sculpture walk, visit Bradwell windmill as well as plenty of churches to see. If you’re interested in taking part in any of those I’ve mentioned or want to see what else is on then you must check whether you need to pre-book. Either look on the national Heritage Open Days website and type in Milton Keynes (or any other place you want to visit) or there’s a specific site for Milton Keynes. If you go to any of the places do drop me an email with some of your pics laura@miltonkeyneskids.com
I'm Laura, mum of two boys - aged six and four. I started this website at the end of Sept 2015 whilst on maternity leave. I now work four days a week and do this blog late at night once the little boys are sleeping. It's won several awards over the last four years and I continue to run it for free and mostly focus on free, cheap, and good value days out. Do drop me an email laura@miltonkeyneskids.com if you want to contact me. Don't forget to follow all of our latest adventures on facebook, instagram and twitter and have a look at all of the videos of the places we visit on the Milton Keynes Kids YouTube Channel - subscribe to it for notifications every time I add a new place. And remember... you may been reading this post months after we visited, do check with the destination you're visiting for up to date opening times and prices. If you find this blog useful then please do comment on my posts and leave me a Facebook review - it makes doing this all the more worthwhile.
