Free and budget-friendly Basingstoke and Deane fun

Because having fun and making memories this summer shouldn’t cost the earth.

At Love Basingstoke we understand that the six-week holidays can feel long and in the current climate everyone is feeling the pinch. Therefore, we’ve put together of list of free and low-cost activities, trips and ideas for you and your children to experience the fun Basingstoke and Deane has to offer, while keeping costs low. We've also shared some great places where kids can eat for free, because every saving counts.

Limitless

Limitless is coming to War Memorial Park on Saturday 26 July, Get ready for a full day of adrenaline, energy, and entertainment brought to you by Love Basingstoke. Whether you're into extreme sports, music, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Limitless has something for everyone.

August Adventures

Free fun family activities are back with Love Basingstoke Presents August Adventures. Taking place across Basingstoke and Deane, families can enjoy an exciting mix of interactive activities, performances, creative workshops and more, all completely free. Events run from 11am to 3pm, so drop in and enjoy the fun.   

This truly is a brilliant opportunity to keep children busy and creating new experiences with no cost involved! Check our blog for more information.

Make a splash!

If we are lucky enough to get some warm weather, then head down to Eastrop Park for a fun free day out. There is a boating lake with great amenities, such as a counter for food and drinks and a large children’s park complete with a huge rope climbing frame and a splash pool! Parking is free and it is only a short walk to Festival Place via a footpath.

Set under tall leafy trees, the Overton streams of the river Test are like something straight out of a fairy tale. It is a lovely walk with many spots to sit relax and even bring a bite to eat and picnic next to the stream by the Old Overton Mill.

Chineham Park Splash Pad is free to access and situated inside Chineham Park, in Popley, so there is lots to do to keep children entertained. It is open every day from 10am to 7pm, until September.  

Cycle paths and walks

In Basingstoke and Deane, there are so many fantastic walks to explore and discover, that we couldn’t possibly mention them all! However, for a list of walking inspiration check out the Love Basingstoke website.

Oakley has some lovely walks such as the 6.6km circular trail over Oakley Park joining Wayfarers Walk. There are beautiful views to be had across the miles of open farmland and through the woodland trees of Bulls bushes.

The Watership Down Trail is where author Richard Adams was inspired to write his famous novel and it is clear why, with its stunning views and wildlife to been seen. The new trail created celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the novel North Wessex Downs National Landscape (AONB) and the setting for the story.

For a scenic and interesting Whitchurch walk, print out the family fun walk and quiz and explore this pretty historic town while keeping the children engaged in the fun quiz. Starting at the entrance to the Gill Nethercott Centre, you’ll pass the Whitchurch Silk Mill, the town square and All Hallows Church.

Another great walk is the Story of Binfield Giant, walk in Chineham! Starting at the library and through the Great Binfield Wood, towards the bridge, through the play area and finding the giant sculpture. It is a walk, perfect for keeping the children entertained and making memories.

Days out at the Leisure Park and local museums

Basingstoke museums have lots on over the summer!

This summer, step back in time and get active at Milestones Museum vintage sports green! From classic games, family sports days each Saturday, Victorian PE drills to family-friendly competitions, there’s something for all ages to enjoy in a historic setting that celebrates the spirit of sport through the ages. Paying the entrance fee once covers your visit for a whole year!

Let imaginations run wild this summer with fun family games and challenges hidden across The Vyne’s beautiful gardens. From hoop throwing and giant chess to skipping, music-making, and storytelling in the summerhouse—there’s something for every young adventurer with The Vyne's Summer of Play. The event is free but admissions apply.

Take your little ones for a fun and friendly Rhyme Time session at Basing House , every Wednesday 11am to 12pm! Enjoy nursery rhymes, action songs, and storytelling—perfect for under 5s and their grown-ups. Afterwards, explore the historic ruins, stroll through the Knot Garden, grab a treat from the café, or browse the gift shop. For the creatives, there is a weekly crafting hour every Thursday, 11am to 12pm. Experience a new fun activity every session. It is best suited for ages four to 12. Normal admission applies.

The Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery, in Basingstoke town centre has free entry and there are exhibitions to explore and enjoy. This summer visitors can explore Michael Rosen: The Illustrators, a new exhibition curated by the Heath Robinson Museum. Celebrating Rosen’s 50-year career, the exhibition showcases his stories and the work of renowned illustrators like Quentin Blake, Helen Oxenbury and Chris Riddell.

A special treat for the children, Hollywood Bowl Hollywood Bowl Basingstoke has a brilliant 25% off on standard bowling games this summer when you book to play before 12pm! Just use code SCHOOLSOUT25 at checkout. Enjoy something tasty to eat at the restaurant and get competitive on the arcards afterwards.

The Aquadrome want people to access their brilliant facilities with less of the financial worry. Through their memberships they offer heavily discounted children and family swim sessions, discounted gym memberships, access to free WIFI and up to 50% off other activities and services. Check out their website to see if you are eligible for their concessionary membership.

Free village fun

Dummer will play host to Valhalla, a fun and exciting three-day Viking Festival full of amazing entertainment and activities running from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July 2025. Children can learn how the Vikings lived in the Living History Village, watch reenactment battles, see weapons demonstrations, workshops, witness a 26ft Viking boat burning and lots more. Whilst adults do pay, under 12s go free to this festival across the weekend.

Wotton St Lawrence is hosting an exciting fete and dog show on Saturday 2 August, between 12noon and 4pm at Church Medow. It is free entry with lots of fun to be had such as stalls, delicious food, childrens games and a dog show - a great day out without the cost!

For a jam-packed afternoon of fun head to Oakley Infant School for the Oakley Village Fayre at 1.30pm on Saturday 9 August. Visitors will experience lots to see and do, including crafts, competitions and demonstrations! It is £2 for adult and under 18s go free. 

Green spaces and park events

The Walled Garden, located in Down Grange, is a hidden gem, bursting with wildlife and floral scenery. Take a picnic, relax and enjoy a bite to eat whilst enjoying the surroundings.

For free live music on select Sundays throughout the summer, pack a picnic, blanket or even a deckchair and pop down to Eastrop Park Bandstand from 3pm to 5pm for the Summer Band Concerts. The children can play in the park while the adults can relax, a great free day out!

Popham Airfield is somewhat of a hidden gem. Head down and watch the planes take off and land whilst children can enjoy the play park. There is a lovely café with outdoor seating where you can grab something to eat and drink or why not take a picnic along. The airport hosts many events over July and August so check out their website for more information. 

Basingstoke has a multitude of great parks and open spaces to take the children and enjoy, such as War Memorial Park, Lime Pits, Beggarwood Park and Black Dam Ponds to name a few. Take a look at this list of parks to find a new one to explore this summer.

Town centre

Vue Cinema Mini Mornings are a great way to take your children to the cinema for a fraction of the cost! Mini Mornings take place every Saturday and Sunday morning from 10am, plus every day in the school holidays showing kids movies and new kid’s films.

In Festival Place, at Basingstoke Discovery Centre,  there are a multitude of groups running throughout the year and over summer there are weekly craft sessions for only £1 each. These includes activities such as Bug Paper Craft, Pebble Power and Floral Wreaths.  Furthermore, join the library if you have not already, and take part in the free Summer Reading Challenge: Ready, Set, Read! For ages four to 11, it requires children to read six library books to collect rewards. When they have completed the challenge, children will receive a certificate and a medal!

Festival Place Basingstoke have lots going on to keep the kids entertained. Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with a fun-filled, modern twist in the town where it all began! Strike a pose in the Regency garden, meet playful characters, and enjoy interactive family workshops every Wednesday and Saturday—from dancing and dressing up to crafting and more.The fun kicks off with a Terrific Tea Dance on Saturday 2 August!

Head along to The Malls on Wednesday 30 July, for a free Plant a Sunflower Workshop and let your little ones get their hands dirty and their creativity blooming! Children can choose a sunflower or any seed of their choice and plant it in a pot to take home. No booking required, please drop in anytime between 11am to 4pm. 

Celebrate diversity and inclusion at Basingstoke Pride 2025, Saturday 16 August, with a vibrant parade starting at Festival Place and a day full of live music, performances, arts, crafts, and stalls. Headliner Victoria Scone, the first cisgender female on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, leads the festivities, reflecting the event’s spirit of unity and acceptance. Join the parade from 11am, followed by the main event from noon to 4pm and everyone’s welcome! This is a free event. 

Check out your local community centre over the summer!

Local community centres often run activities over the summer for kids.

The Viables Centre has lots of activities including a Big Build Lego project, art classes, soft play sessions, pizza making workshop, Dino play, bath bomb making, clay moulding and loads more. Please prebook here. Furthermore, head down and explore The Indoor Viables Boot sale (Saturday 9 August) with entry only 20p! For a great experience Miniature Train Rides are running on Sunday 3 August for £1.50 for two laps.

The Roger Morris Centre has many events on over the summer such as Ceramic Pinting (28 July, 15 August, £4 per child), scavenger hunt and a Baking Workshop (18 August, £4 per child). For more events, please see their website. 

Free meals

It can be expensive eating out over the summer break, so we have found a selection of places that are offering free or low-cost meals during this time.

PostBox Basingstoke, located at The Top of Town will be running a fantastic 50% off all children's meals and all games during the summer holidays, from Monday to Friday, 12pm to 5pm.

Supermarket Morrisons is offering a free children’s meal at their café with the purchase of an adult meal from 'The Breakfasts' or 'The Classics' menu. Kids meals can be claimed from 12pm until the restaurant closes.

In Festival Place, Las Iguanas Basingstoke are offering free meals to children, for every adult main course ordered from the à la carte menu, on the My Iguanas app. The offer is available to kids 12-years-old and under and includes a main meal, two sides and a dessert.

At Dunelm’s Pausa Café, for every £4 spent by an adult, children can get one free mini main, two snacks and a drink!

At the Basingstoke Premier Inn, children will receive a free all-you-can-eat breakfast, available for two children under the age of 16 for every paying adult.

Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. While the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. 

July 2025