10 UK attractions to enjoy with the kids before they grow up

Kids grow up so fast! It's cliched but true. Ask any parent and they'll tell you how quickly their children seem to have shot up. Young children crave time with their parents but before you know it, they'll be moody teenagers and perhaps less reluctant to join in with family events. So now is the time to make memories you can treasure.

However, when it comes to planning a family day out it can be difficult to know where to begin and it can be easy to forget just how many great attractions there are across the UK. Many are free entry and may well be right on your door step.

Here we've compiled a list of our favourite attractions across the UK to help you enjoy some quality time together.

1 – The Science Museum & Natural History Museum

First up are the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum in London. If you're looking for an educational trip that will spark new interests, then these are the places to go. We've lumped these two together because they are next-door neighbors. This means that in theory you could make your way around both museums in a single day – provided you get their early enough (there is lots to see!).

Want to introduce your children to the wonders of the universe? With a 3D IMAX cinema, a flight simulator, theatre and interactive displays there's plenty to keep young, hungry minds engaged at the free-to-enter Science Museum. From the real Apollo 10 command module which travelled around the world to the first ever jet engine, there are plenty of interesting items to take a look at across the building's seven floors.

The Natural History museum is also free to visit and contains plenty of wondrous attractions for youngsters detailing the story of evolution on Planet Earth. Not only can they see specimens and skeletons of thousands of different creatures including blue whales and dinosaurs, but they can also learn about earthquakes, floods and other powerful aspects of nature.

Entry cost: Free with some additional paid exhibits available to visit

More information: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/ and http://www.nhm.ac.uk/

2 – Warner Bros Studios

Are your family Harry Potter fans? The Warner Bros Studio in Watford, London was the permanent home to the franchise of movies for over 10 years. Today the studio is open to the public and gives visitors a unique insight into the making of the movies – Hogwarts 'n' all. You can visit the Great Hall and view the Sorting Hat, take a trip to Privet Drive where Harry lived in the cupboard under the stairs, and walk down Diagon Alley. The tours are quite popular, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Entry cost: £140 for a family ticket including 2 adults & 2 children OR 1 adult and 3 children. Children 0-4 years go free.

More information: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/

3 – Legoland

Whilst Legoland is geared mostly at children under the age of 12, it offers a great day out for the whole family. Situated in Windsor, Berkshire, Legoland lets children explore a world of Lego-inspired rides and attractions. Little ones can learn the history of Lego, view replica landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Taj Mahal as well as enjoying interactive exhibits like submarines, race cars, trains and even live theatre acts.

Entry cost: £60pp with one free child entrance per full paying adult. Children under three years of age go free.

More information: https://www.legoland.co.uk/

4 – Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The Portsmouth dockyard is full of exciting historical exhibits based around the cities' naval past. You can step aboard Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory, best known for its role in the Battle of Trafalgar, witness the only surviving boat from the First World War's Gallipoli Campaign and enjoy submarine experiences, insights into life as a dockyard apprentice and more.

Entry cost: From £32 per adult and £23 per child with concessions available.

More information: https://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/

5 – National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum is found in York and is partnered with the British Science Museum Group. This award-winning free-entry museum tells the story of rail transport in Britain and houses a huge collection of historically important railway vehicles, records and other artefacts. You can even climb on board the iconic Flying Scotsman.

Entry cost: Free, however donations are appreciated

More information: https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/

6 – Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Whether you're local to Edinburgh or visiting for the first time there is plenty to do and see in one of the UK's most unique culture spots. Edinburgh is steeped in history and Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions is no exception. Opened in 1835, the building boasts numerous illusions, tricks, puzzles and interactive experiences to enjoy including an Alice In Wonderland Ames room and a spinning Vortex tunnel.

Entry cost: £15.50 for adults with concessions for seniors, students, carers and children. Under 5's go free.

More information: https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/

7 – Llangollen Railway

Another train experience not to be missed is that of Llangollen Railway in North Wales. This heritage railway is located next to the historical Dee Bridge and journeys through the Dee Valley into the town of Corwen through a picturesque area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The railway runs both diesel and steam hauled trains plus heritage railcars on certain days of the year. They also run a number of Thomas the Tank Engine Days and Christmas themed trips too.

Entry cost: Standard adult tickets from £16 and child tickets from £8.50. Concessions available.

More information: http://llangollen-railway.co.uk/

8 – Forbidden Corner

Dubbed "the strangest place in the world" the Forbidden Corner can be found in Coverham in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. It is comprised of a mammoth estate of pathways, tunnels, chambers and galleries dotted through picturesque woods. This unique location includes puzzles and challenges throughout that make for a fantastic and engaging day-out for the family.

Entry cost: Adult tickets available from £12.50. Child tickets are priced at £10.50 with concessions available.

More information: https://www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk/

9 – National Space Centre

If your kids have dreams of being astronauts, then the National Space Centre in Leicester should be high on your list of places to visit this year. Interactive activities like creating your own planets and rocket as well as exhibits like a real-life rocket tower, gallery of spacesuits and the largest planetarium in the UK mean that even those with a passing interest in the galaxy are bound to enjoy themselves.

Entry cost: Adult tickets from £15. Child tickets from £12. Under 5's go free and concessions are available.

More information: https://spacecentre.co.uk/

10 – Marble Arch Caves

When the weather begins to turn it can be hard to think of things to do but one attraction that should be on your radar all year long is the Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. These natural limestone caves are part of a registered UNESCO Global Geopark and are open to visitors to explore with guides. Guests can tour by foot and on powered boats through stalactites, steamways, mineral veils and shimmering terraces and learn how they were formed.

Entry cost: Family tickets available from £26.80 (2 adults and 3 children) with concessions available for senior citizens and students. Under 5's go free but must still have a ticket.

More information: https://www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com/

Where are your favourite family adventure spots? Let us know by connecting on social media at @TimeForYouGroup.