10 Free Things to Do This Summer in and around Leicester and Hinckley
The summer holidays don’t have to cost a fortune!
I’ve picked out some of my favourite free family events happening in and around Leicester and Hinckley this summer. Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon close to home or a full day out with the kids, there’s plenty to enjoy without spending a penny.
1. Explore the Cosby Yarn Bomb
One of Leicestershire’s most unique summer events is back! Wander around the picturesque village of Cosby and discover dozens of incredible knitted and crocheted displays, all created by the local community. This year’s theme, ‘Around the World in 80 Displays’, promises everything from towering giraffes and Chinese dragons to colourful, interactive creations that are sure to delight children and adults alike.
There are also free pop-up performances taking place on selected dates throughout July, making it a fantastic free family day out.
Where: Cosby
When: 8-29 July
Cost: Free
Leave plenty of time to explore the village, there are surprises around almost every corner. Find out more here!
2. Step Back in Time with Roman around Leicester
If you’ve got budding historians or crafty children, don’t miss this fantastic free city-wide family event celebrating Leicester’s fascinating Roman history.
Taking place across venues in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter and city centre, children can enjoy a whole host of hands-on Roman-themed activities. Design colourful mosaics and Roman masks at Curve, print your own Roman pottery at Leicester Print Workshop, make swords and shields at Phoenix, sculpt miniature Roman busts at Two Queens, and even build an aqueduct or chat to a real archaeologist at LCB Depot.
Don’t forget to pop into Leicester Libraries to discover Roman-inspired books as part of the Summer Reading Challenge, and round off your adventure with a visit to the newly reopened Jewry Wall Museum, where families taking part in CQ Earlies can enjoy discounted admission.
Where: Various venues across Leicester city centre, including Curve, Phoenix, LCB Depot, Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester Print Workshop, Two Queens and Leicester Central Library
When: Saturday 11 July
Time: 12pm–4pm
Cost: Free (discounted entry available for Jewry Wall Museum)
There are even free rickshaw rides to take you between different venues! Find out more here!
3. Meet the Emergency Services
Ever wondered what it’s like to sit inside a fire engine or meet the people who help keep our communities safe? Head to The Crescent in Hinckley for this free family event and get up close to emergency service vehicles, chat with police officers, firefighters and other emergency service teams, and learn more about the important work they do.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for curious children to explore, ask questions and even snap a few photos with the vehicles and crews.
Where: The Crescent, Hinckley
When: Wednesday 22 July
Cost: Free
This is always a popular event with younger children, so it’s worth arriving early to make the most of the activities and vehicle displays. Find out more here!
4. Go Dinosaur Hunting at Leicester Dino Fest
Calling all dinosaur fans! Leicester Dino Fest is taking over the city centre for a roaring weekend of prehistoric fun. Expect giant roaming dinosaurs, thrilling live shows, face painting, clay fossil making, hands-on fossil experiences and a free dinosaur egg trail around the city. On Saturday evening, families can even enjoy a cosy screening of Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur inside the beautiful Leicester Cathedral.
Whether your little ones dream of meeting a T. rex or uncovering ancient fossils, this is one free event they won’t want to miss!
Where: Cathedral Gardens & Jubilee Square, Leicester
When: 25–26 July
Cost: Free
Download the My Leicester App before you go so you can take part in the free Dino Egg Trail around the city. Find out more here!
5. Enjoy an afternoon at Blaby Summer Fun Day
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and head to Blaby Summer Fun Day for an afternoon of free family entertainment.
With live music throughout the day, fairground rides, inflatables, street food, craft stalls and a community hub showcasing local clubs and charities, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. Better still, entry and parking are completely free, so it’s an easy and affordable way to spend a summer’s day together.
Where: Oakfield Park, Blaby, LE8 4FE
When: Saturday 25 July
Time: 2pm-8pm
Cost: Free entry & free parking
Bring your own picnic and drinks, or treat yourselves to something tasty from the street food stalls while you enjoy the live entertainment. Find out more here!
6. Enjoy the She Inspires Global Kids Fun Fest & Pop-Up Market
Head to the Kids Fun Fest & Pop-Up Market for a day packed with family fun in Leicester city centre.
Browse local market stalls while the children enjoy face painting, games, a treasure hunt, music and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. There’ll also be food and drinks available, making it a great place to spend a few hours during the summer holidays.
Where: 10A Bishop Street, Leicester, LE1 6AF
When: Tuesday 28 July
Time: 11am-3pm
Cost: Free
A great opportunity to support local independent female-owned businesses while enjoying a fun morning or afternoon with the family. Find out more here!
7. Meet the Police at Leicester Guildhall
Step inside Leicester Guildhall for a free family fun day where children can meet local PCSOs and discover the fascinating history of Leicester’s first police headquarters. Explore the old Victorian prison cells, put Mum or Dad in the stocks, dress up and have a go at solving the museum’s mystery trail as you explore one of the city’s oldest buildings.
Where: Leicester Guildhall
When: Tuesday 11 August
Time: 11am-3pm
Cost: Free
While you’re in the city, why not make a day of it? Leicester Guildhall is just a short walk from the Cathedral, King Richard III Visitor Centre and plenty of family-friendly cafés. Find out more here!
8. Be Wowed at the Bike Spectacular
If your children love bikes, stunts and high-flying action, don’t miss Hinckley BID’s Bike Spectacular this summer!
Watch incredible BMX stunt riders perform jaw-dropping tricks, pick up cycling tips and enjoy a fun-filled day celebrating everything on two wheels. It’s a fantastic free event for children of all ages and a great excuse to spend the day exploring Hinckley town centre.
Where: Argents Mead, Hinckley
When: Wednesday 12 August
Time: 10am–2pm
Cost: Free
Bring the bikes or scooters along afterwards and make a day of it, there are plenty of cafés and green spaces nearby to enjoy too. Find out more here!
9. Get Creative at Sunday Sessions
Looking for a relaxed, creative activity this summer? Head to Attenborough Arts Centre for their free Sunday Sessions, where families can enjoy a different hands-on activity each week.
From arts and crafts to board games and creative workshops led by local artists, there’s always something new to discover. With a welcoming atmosphere and no need to book, it’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday together and get those creative juices flowing.
Where: Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester
When: Every Sunday throughout July & August, 12pm-3.30pm
Cost: Free
Why not pop into the café afterwards or take a stroll around the beautiful University of Leicester Botanic Garden, just a few minutes away? Find out more here!
10. Get Active at the Charnwood Family Activity Roadshows
Looking for a fun (and free!) way to keep the kids active this summer? The Active Charnwood Family Activity Roadshows are returning with afternoons packed full of games, sports and family-friendly activities.
Hosted in parks across Charnwood, each roadshow features a variety of activities run by local organisations, giving children the chance to try something new, get moving and meet local clubs. There’ll also be information stands, wellbeing support and refreshments available to enjoy.
Where: Elizabeth Park (Thurmaston), Glenmore Park (Shepshed), Memorial Park (Sileby), Mountsorrel Playing Fields and Southfields Park (Loughborough)
When: Various dates throughout the summer holidays
Time: 12pm-3pm
Cost: Free
Check the Active Charnwood social media pages before you go to find the dates and see which activities and local organisations will be at your nearest roadshow. Find out more here!
Bonus Idea! Get Moving with Feet to the Beat
Looking for a fun way to get active together? The Bodie Hodges Foundation is hosting Feet to the Beat, a free, family-friendly community run around Everards Meadows, complete with a live on-course DJ to keep everyone moving from start to finish!
The relaxed route is suitable for all abilities, whether you’re a seasoned runner, just starting out or simply fancy an evening stroll with the family. Children are welcome too, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult and happy to cover around 2–5km. Afterwards, families can unwind at the Everards Beer Hall for a well-earned drink or snack.
Where: Everards Meadows, Leicester
When: 7 August & 4 September
Meet: 6.30pm for a 7pm start
Cost: Free
A brilliant way to introduce children to running in a fun, relaxed environment. The route is also wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive event for everyone. Find out more here!
We hope this guide has given you a few ideas for the summer holidays! If you visit any of these events, we’d love to hear what you thought.
Know of another fantastic free family event happening in Leicester or the surrounding area? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to add it to the guide.
Organising a free family event?
You can add it to the Raring2go! Leicester What’s On guide completely free of charge!
