Weekends, long summer days and school holidays are all about spending time with the family and entertaining the little ones on adventures of discovery and play. At a time when many of us need to tighten the purse strings, you can still plan a great day out while not breaking the bank. So here are our Top 5 ideas of things to see and do in Harrogate and beyond that are free or can be done on a budget. Look forward to great days out with us.

Explore green open spaces and gardens

Harrogate is surrounded by the magnificent Stray, a large expanse of green open space, which is the perfect place to play ball games, walk your four-legged friend or picnic on warmer days.

The Valley Gardens, located in the centre of Harrogate are perfect for families too, with a great play area and skate-park to enjoy. In the summer months, have fun splashing about in the paddling pool! Discover the different areas of the garden before finding more to explore in the Pinewoods. Follow the footpath all the way to RHS Garden Harlow Carr for more garden adventure.

Be active

Enjoy great days out on two feet, two wheels and even one boat.

Try your hand at crazy golf, pitch and putt, tennis, disc golf and table tennis in the Valley Gardens and pitch and putt and bowls in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle.

Walk along the riverside in Knaresborough underneath the magnificent viaduct before hiring a rowing boat and having an hour of fun floating along the River Nidd. Tickets are £8 for adults and £6 for children.

Learn something new

The Royal Pump Room Museum tells the story of the spa history of Harrogate. Find out what visitors did in Harrogate when they came to ‘take the waters’ and smell the pong from the sulphur well. A family ticket for two adults and three children is £10.

The Mercer Art Gallery always has exciting exhibitions on and from 1 April to 2 July, works by Turner Prize winner Martin Creed, are on show. Free admission.

Try something different

Studfold Adventure Trail in Nidderdale offers lots of fun and adventure. Discover the hidden codes to unlock the gateways and reveal the magical wood and hidden treasure boxes. Between May and August see if you can spot the little fairy houses too. There are lots of other activities for children including go-karts, ride-on tractors and den-building. A family ticket is £25 for two adults and two children.

With so many exciting places to discover you are sure to find the perfect day out to enjoy with all the family. Go to our explore pages and start planning your visit.

We love seeing your adventures so don’t forget to tag your photos with #MyHarrogate