Summer in Lincoln offers six full weeks of events, activities and family-friendly days out. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, rainy-day escapes, free options or big attractions, there’s plenty to fill the calendar. Here’s your complete guide to the best things to do with the kids this summer.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature Trails

Lincoln and the surrounding area offer plenty of free and low-cost open-air activities.

• Hartsholme Country Park
  Ranger-led events run throughout August, including pond dipping, bug hunts, den building, and bottle rocket launches. The Bottle Rockets Workshop on Wednesday 27 August is popular, booking required. There’s also an on-site campsite open until 31 October, making it an ideal option for budget-friendly family camping.

• Whisby Nature Park & Little Darters Play Area
  Explore wetland trails, watch wildlife from hides, and finish up at Little Darters, a free outdoor adventure zone with climbing frames and water play features, open daily from dawn to dusk.

• Bransby Horses
  Perfect for a relaxed day, Bransby Horses offers free entry (donations welcome) and miles of accessible paths where kids can meet rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. There’s a family-friendly café, shaded picnic spots and small interactive trails throughout the summer.

Family Attractions and Days Out

For hands-on fun and guaranteed entertainment, these destinations deliver every time.

• Rand Farm Park
  The Summer Pass (£24.95 per person) gives unlimited visits throughout the holidays and includes indoor and outdoor play areas, foam parties, animal feeding and the Land Rover Adventure Ride, launched this July. Day tickets are also available and are cheaper online.

• Lincoln Water Park
  Based in Thorpe on the Hill, this inflatable aqua park features obstacle courses, climbing walls and slides, suitable for mixed ages. Sessions are bookable in advance, and wetsuits are available on site.

• Lincoln Zoo (formerly Woodside Wildlife Park)
  A smaller, family-focused zoo with up-close animal talks, feeding sessions and a manageable route, ideal for younger children or half-day trips.

• Sundown Adventureland
  Built specifically for under-10s, Sundown combines themed rides, adventure zones and live entertainment. Visit by 31 August to access their summer offer: discounted return tickets (£10) for selected autumn dates.

Cultural Experiences and Educational Fun

When you want to mix fun with learning, Lincoln’s museums and historic landmarks offer plenty of interactive options.

• Lincoln Cathedral
  Throughout August, the Cathedral runs its Summer Family Fun programme, included with admission. Children go free with a paying adult, and adding Gift Aid gives you unlimited free return visits for 12 months. Activities include craft workshops, scavenger hunts and guided exploration of the historic building.

• The Collection Museum & Usher Gallery
  Running family art workshops and creative play sessions during the holidays, these venues are perfect for combining education with hands-on fun.

• International Bomber Command Centre
  Known for its interactive exhibitions, outdoor trails and immersive galleries, the centre also offers dedicated family activity sessions. A good choice for combining history with memorable experiences.

On the Water

Cool off and explore Lincoln’s waterways with boat trips and outdoor activity centres.

• Brayford Belle Cruises
  Daily narrated cruises along the Fossdyke Navigation run Tuesday to Sunday at 12:15 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:45 pm (weather permitting). The trips are perfect for younger families and offer unique views of the city.

• Waterside Activity Centre
  Offers paddleboarding, kayaking and canoe hire for families seeking something more adventurous. Sessions are supervised and suitable for beginners.

Indoor Activities and Rainy-Day Options

If the weather turns, there’s no shortage of places to burn energy indoors.

• Jump Inc Lincoln
  A huge indoor park combining trampolines, inflatables, ninja obstacle courses and dodgeball courts, perfect for tiring out kids of all ages.

• Lincoln Bowl
  Located just off Tritton Road, this family-friendly bowling alley offers midweek deals during the school holidays, plus an on-site arcade and food options.

• Showcase Cinema de Lux
  Offers discounted Mini Mornings for families, showing classic favourites and new releases at reduced rates during the summer holidays.

Day Trips Outside Lincoln

Venture slightly further afield for a change of scenery and bigger adventures.

• Tattershall Castle
  The Summer of Play runs until early September, with outdoor games and challenges around the historic castle grounds. National Trust members go free, and trails are designed for younger children to get involved.

• Belton House Adventure Playground
  Set within National Trust grounds, Belton’s huge outdoor play area features treehouses, rope bridges and sand pits, making it a hit with families.

• Twinlakes Park
  Around 45 minutes from Lincoln, Twinlakes combines rollercoasters, animal zones, splash parks and soft play, providing a full-day experience for mixed ages.

Top Picks for 2025

If you want three solid family days without overplanning:

1. Rand Farm Park on a cooler midweek date for hands-on animal fun and foam parties.

2. Hartsholme Country Park for a ranger-led activity combined with a picnic and the Brayford Belle boat trip.

3. Lincoln Cathedral and The Collection Museum for a cultural day with indoor backup if the weather turns.

City of Lincoln Council – Summer Events & Hartsholme Info

• Whisby Nature Park – Little Darters Details

• Rand Farm Park – Summer Pass & Tickets

• Lincoln Water Park – Booking Info

• Lincoln Zoo – Wildlife & Talks

• Lincoln Cathedral – Family Programme

• The Collection Museum – Family Workshops

• International Bomber Command Centre

• Brayford Belle Cruises

• Jump Inc Lincoln

• Tattershall Castle – Summer of Play