Top Things to Do with Children in Lincoln
- Chrissy Pratt
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Lincoln is a brilliant place for a family day out. Whether your little ones are history buffs in the making, budding adventurers, or just love ice cream and open spaces, this charming cathedral city has something for everyone. Here's a round-up of the best things to do with children in Lincoln — perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you fancy a local explore.
1. Explore Lincoln Castle
Step inside the stone walls of this 11th-century Norman castle and step back in time. At Lincoln Castle kids can:
Scale the impressive Medieval walls for panoramic views over the city.
Peek inside the Victorian prison and learn about life as a prisoner.
Watch the film and see one of the original 1215 Magna Carta documents on display.
There are often family-friendly trails, craft sessions, and interactive events running during school holidays.
📍 Location: Castle Hill, LN1 3AA
🕒 Tip: Keep an eye out for costumed guides and storytelling events — they’re brilliant with kids!
2. Hunt the Lincoln Imp at Lincoln Cathedral
One of the most iconic landmarks in the UK, Lincoln Cathedral is as awe-inspiring inside as it is outside. Children love spotting the mischievous Lincoln Imp, said to have been turned to stone by an angel. You can also:
Take part in activity trails and scavenger hunts.
Join family tours with fun, age-appropriate facts.
Visit the café inside for hot chocolate and cake afterwards.
📍 Location: Minster Yard, LN2 1PX
3. Enjoy Lincoln’s Green Spaces
Lincoln is surrounded by beautiful open spaces, perfect for burning off energy and connecting with nature. Our favourites:
South Common: Wide open grassland ideal for kite flying, dog walking, and sunset picnics. Sometimes you’ll spot horses grazing here too!
Boultham Park: Popular spot close to the city centre for families. Lakeside and woodland walks, children's play area, café and toilet facilities on site. Limited free parking available.
Hartsholme Country Park: Perfect for little adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts. Children's play areas, café and toilet facilities on site. Free parking available on site and across the road. Camping site also available.
Lincoln Arboretum: This Victorian gem has winding paths, a bandstand, statues, children's play area and is perfect for a calm afternoon without leaving the city centre.
Whisby Nature Park: Reclaimed old pits, nature trails and woodland provide beautiful habitats for a wide range of species. On-site toilets, indoor and outdoor children's play areas and café are great for families – remember £3 for parking.
🕒 Bonus: Pack a ball, a frisbee, or a few snacks and let the kids roam free.
4. Treat Yourselves at Daisy Made Ice Cream
This is a guaranteed hit with children (and adults). Daisy Made is a working farm turned into an ice cream haven — and the flavours are out of this world. They also have:
Farm animals to meet.
A mini crazy golf course.
Bouncy castle and children's play area.
Drive-thru ice cream!
📍 Location: Skellingthorpe Road, LN6 5SA
🕒 Best for a sunny afternoon treat or reward after a long walk!
5. Lincoln Imporium
This hidden gem near the top of Steep Hill is a small treasure trove of quirky imp statues known as Lincoln Imporium – think something straight out of Harry Potter. Kids love exploring the vibe and can pick out their own mini statue to take home.
📍 Location: The Strait, LN2 1JD
🕒 Warning: You might leave with an armful of curiosities.
6. Sample Local Bites at Cornhill Market Food Stalls
Lincoln’s newly revamped Cornhill Quarter is home to a vibrant food scene, and the market is packed with tasty treats for all ages. From loaded fries and handmade dumplings to fresh bakes and burgers, even picky eaters will find something they love. There’s plenty of space to sit and soak in the atmosphere too.
📍 Location: Cornhill, LN5 7HE
🕒 Perfect lunch stop before or after your sightseeing.
7. Climb Steep Hill (Yes, Really!)
It might be steep, but climbing Lincoln’s famously cobbled hill is a rite of passage — and the reward at the top is worth it! Along the way, stop at:
Sweet shops and cake boutiques.
Little bookshops and toy stores.
Ice cream parlours and tearooms.
By the time you reach the cathedral quarter at the top, your kids will feel like adventurers who’ve conquered a mountain.
📍 Tip: Take it slow and enjoy the climb — there are benches halfway up!
8. Create and Explore at the Lincoln Museum & Usher Gallery
Lincoln Museum is Lincoln’s archaeology and history museum. It has:
A fun and free play area for younger kids.
Hands-on exhibitions and craft workshops.
Interactive displays and digital games.
For families with older children, the Usher Gallery next door showcases classic and contemporary art and often runs family-friendly events.
📍 Location: Danes Terrace, LN2 1LP
🎟️ Admission: Free (some events may charge a small fee)
9. Lincoln Central Library
Right in the heart of the city, the Central Library isn’t just about borrowing books. They regularly host:
Lego building sessions.
Craft days and story times.
Sensory play for toddlers.
It's a quiet, calming space to wind down and spark some imagination and is a free space for children in the city centre.
📍 Location: Free School Lane, LN2 1EZ
10. Cinemas
For a rainy-day activity in central Lincoln head to the cinema and catch the latest blockbusters. In Lincoln we are certainly spoilt for choice in this area:
For those willing to travel a bit further, Kinema in the Woods in Woodhall Spa offers a unique and traditional cinema experience. Seek out a matinee performance to see their historic Compton organ played during the interval!
Animal Adventures Near Lincoln
If your kids love animals, there are some brilliant places just outside Lincoln where they can meet furry, feathery, and four-legged friends — perfect for a fun and educational family day out.
Bransby Horses (Bransby, LN1 2PH)
A peaceful rescue sanctuary where children can meet horses, ponies, and donkeys. There are walking trails, a playground, and a lovely café. Entry is free (donations welcome), and it’s ideal for a calm, gentle day outdoors.
Lincoln Zoo (Newball, LN3 5DQ)
Home to tigers, lemurs, meerkats, sloths, bears and wolves to name a few. It’s full of exciting encounters and walk-through habitats — perfect for animal-mad kids with lots of energy. Allow at least half a day.
Rand Farm Park (Rand, LN8 5NJ)
A hands-on working farm packed with family fun — from bottle-feeding lambs to riding mini tractors. There’s also soft play, outdoor playgrounds, and tractor rides. Great for toddlers to tweens.
Places to Visit Further Afield
There’s plenty to see and do right on our doorstep:
The National Trust's Belton House, a historic house and gardens with fantastic play park is just 45 minutes from Lincoln towards Grantham.
Sundown Adventureland is a theme park dedicated to the under 10's. Filled with tons of rides, attractions and play areas, perfect to entertain and wear out the children. 30 minutes west of Lincoln.
The Lincolnshire Wolds - in just 30 minutes you can be in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty away from cite life and not as busy as the likes of the Peak District. Pack a picnic and explore beautiful villages and trails.
Skegness - drive through the Lincolnshire Wolds and in an hour, you'll hit Skegness. Enjoy fairground rides, fish and chips and a day at the beach. Look out for Skegness Aquarium, perfect for babies and toddlers.
Whether you're climbing Steep Hill with an ice cream in hand, wandering in the Arboretum, or time-travelling through Lincoln Castle, there are endless ways to make memories in this beautiful city. Lincoln’s mix of history, green space, and creative local gems makes it the perfect destination for a fun and varied day out with the kids — rain or shine.
Comments