Rainy-day saviours in Nottingham

Creswell Crags

Worksop

A gorge, caves and museum where under-18s get in free and the 1.5-mile loop walk is buggy-doable but caves are steps-only.

Baby changeCaféDog friendlyFirst aid+5 more

D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum

The Eastwood terraced house where D.H. Lawrence was born, run by Broxtowe Council, a small heritage stop rather than a big day out.

Framework Knitters Museum

Ruddington

Real Victorian knitting frames still in action, a hands-on knitting machine for kids, and a free-to-enter café/shop even on museum closed days.

CaféGift shopPicnic areaToilets+1 more

Lakeside Arts

Nottingham

University of Nottingham's public arts centre with theatre, galleries and museum, set beside Highfields Park lake.

CaféFree parkingGift shopParking+2 more

Manor Farm Park & Woodlands

East Leake

25 acres of farm, woodland dino trail and Nottinghamshire's biggest indoor playbarn, free parking, buggy-friendly paths and cheaper tickets if you book online.

CaféFree parkingGift shopIndoor play+7 more

Mr Straw's House

Worksop

A time-capsule 1920s house seen only on small, pre-booked tours of four, fascinating for older kids, but steep stairs mean no buggies indoors.

Free parkingGift shopParkingPicnic area+2 more

National Civil War Centre, Newark

Newark

Civil War history museum in Newark with a much-loved dressing-up area for kids and a multilingual object trail to keep them hunting through the galleries.

CaféGift shopParkingToilets+1 more

Newark Air Museum

Newark · ages 5+

A huge, mostly outdoor aircraft collection kids can wander and climb around near, with free parking and dog-friendly grounds, allow at least 3 hours.

Baby changeCaféDog friendlyFirst aid+6 more

Nottingham Industrial Museum

Nottingham

Volunteer-run heritage museum in Wollaton Hall's stables, free entry for accompanied kids, five hands-on galleries, and monthly Steaming Days when the engines actually run.

CaféGift shopParking

The Harley Gallery

Worksop

Free contemporary art gallery on the Welbeck estate with free parking, a kids' creative activity space and monthly Discover Art! sessions for children.

Baby changeFree parkingGift shopParking+1 more

Thoresby Park

Newark

A 400-year Nottinghamshire estate with 150 acres of parkland, woodland and gardens, a new play park, courtyard shops, cafe and a free military museum, good for a picnic and a wander with buggies.

CaféGift shopOutdoor playParking+1 more

Wollaton Hall & Deer Park

Nottingham

Elizabethan mansion in 500 acres of deer park, kids go free, there's a dinosaur gallery, play parks and wild deer roaming right by the paths.

Baby changeCaféDog friendlyGift shop+7 more