Family-friendly things to do at Nunnington Hall

Wooden tortoise and hare activity set up on Nunnington Hall's main lawn — There is always plenty to do with all the family at Nunnington Hall | © Andrew Davies

There's plenty for all of the family to do on a visit to Nunnington Hall. From art exhibitions to games, crafts and more, including our Lion's Den play area. Visit during half term for extra activities for the kids to enjoy.

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance, to help plan your next day out to Nunnington Hall:

Baby-changing facilities are available on the first floor
Pushchairs can't enter the house, so you will need to leave them outside the hall or return them to the car
Picnics are welcome in the garden.

Fun at the Fete for May half-term

Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June

It's fun and games for all the family during half-term at Nunnington. Be transported to the fun of a village fete with themed games throughout the gardens. Have a go at hook-a-duck, test your aim at the coconut shy and pick up a hot dog from the tea gardens in this week-long extravaganza.

Fun at the Fete is on at Nunnington daily between Saturday 24 May – Sunday 1 June 2025 from 10.30am – 5pm with last entry at 4.15pm.

Nature at Nunnington

Saturday 31 May

Spring is a great time for families to get closer to nature at Nunnington Hall.

Join us for a day of nature inspired activities and crafts, including insect exploration, butterfly spotting and bird feeder making. There'll also be garden and river tours run by our experienced gardeners.

We'll be joined by local organisations involved in nature, as well as some amazing creatures, including snakes, spiders and giant land snails will accompany!

No booking required. Normal admission applies with free entry for National Trust members and under fives.

Follow the link to find out more about our events and activities at Nunnington Hall throughout the year: What's on at Nunnington Hall

Children enjoying Lion's Den play area at Nunnington Hall — Children can enjoy the Lion's Den play area at Nunnington Hall during your visit | © National Trust Images/James Beck

Family-friendly things to do

Things to do when it rains

For the inevitable rainy days, there is plenty to see and do indoors at Nunnington Hall. Next to the exhibition space on the top floor there are colouring in activities for children, as well as a childrens second-hand bookshop.

Elsewhere in the hall, there's the impressive Oak Hall, the Carlisle Collection of miniature rooms and, of course, the quintessential tea-room in the old dining room offering table service.

The Lion's Den play area

Enter the Lion's Den play area where little explorers can climb up, over, and wobble along a natural obstacle course. There are tree stump steps to jump across, a rope bridge to climb across as well as a wooden climbing frame to conquer. There's also a picnic bench for mums, dads, or grandparents to sit and have a rest whilst your little ones burn off some energy.

Bird watching and observation area

Come and see how we garden organically at Nunnington. We've got our compost beds up here so you can see how we break down our waste to reuse around the garden. Help us by feeding your food waste to the RolyPig. Wander along the path to our bird watching area - see if you can spot some of our resident feathered friends. Use the chalk board to write down and tell us what you've seen.

Children enjoying drawing activities at Nunnington Hall — Children can get creative in the exhibition space at Nunnington | © James Beck

50 things to do before you’re 11¾ at Nunnington Hall

Let the adventure continue and tick off some items from the ‘50 things’ activity list. Here's a few suggestions to get you started:

No. 1 Get to know a tree: Head to the orchards and admire our blossoming trees. Which will be your favourite?
No. 33 Go cloud watching: Lie back on the lawn and watch the clouds go by. What shapes can you spot?
No. 36 Make a home for wildlife: Be inspired by the bug hotel and hedgehog house in the garden - could you help animals in your garden or local area?
No. 44 Watch a bird: Head to the cutting garden and take a peep through the bamboo bird hide to see what you might find. Birds can be easily scared, so be as quiet as a mouse and watch them fly in to feed. You might also spot a frog or newt swimming in the pond.