Things to Do with Kids: A Complete Guide to Family Days Out at Funstation & Beyond

Apr 30
6 min read

Updated: May 1

When the school holidays roll around or a long weekend is on the horizon, one question always comes up: how do we keep the kids entertained?

Whether you’re planning ahead for a Bank Holiday, looking for ways to fill a rainy afternoon, or organising a full family day out, finding activities that everyone enjoys (and that don’t break the bank) can be a challenge.

The good news? Funstation and our venues are packed with fun, flexible and family-friendly options because we know that the best days combine fun, variety, value and fun for everyone.

With a mix of arcade games, prizes and multi-activity experiences, plus proximity to brands and activities like Laser Station, Breakout Escape Rooms, Titanic Desserts, Volcano Falls Adventure Golf and Carnival Golf and Games, you’re not only planning a day out, you’re unlocking a full experience.

And with locations across the UK, including Edinburgh, Hull, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Castleford, it’s easy to find things to do with kids near you.

Here’s your go-to guide for things to do with kids, from quick wins to full-on adventure days.

So, You're Looking for Things to do With Kids? Start with a Venue That Does it All

The biggest mistake when planning a family day out? Choosing somewhere with only one thing to do. Kids' attentions spans are short, especially in today's fast-pace digital world of TikTok and Instagram, so what feels exciting at first can quickly wear off.

That’s why multi-activity venues make such a difference. At Funstation locations, especially those alongside Laser Station, Carnival Golf and Games or Volcano Falls Adventure Golf, you can move between experiences without ever leaving the building.

Plus, at venues like Milton Keynes, Merry Hill and Edinburgh, you’ll find multiple activities all in one place, making it easy to plan a full day without travelling from A to Z.

You might start in the Funstation arcade, head into an exciting laser tag battle and then finish with a round of golf or a bite to eat. It turns a quick visit into a full day out!

Make Funstation Your Starting Point

When it comes to planning a day out, it’s not only about keeping the kids busy but also about finding activites that work for everyone. That’s why families keep coming back to Funstation.

Funstation vs. Traditional Arcades: What's the Difference?

Let’s be honest, when people say the word arcade, it doesn’t always have the best reputation. Outdated games, cash-only change machines and the feeling that you’re putting money in without really getting much back… it’s an impression many people have.

But that’s exactly what Funstation has set out to change.

A Modern, Family-Focused Experience

At Funstation, the arcade has been completely reimagined to be:

Bright, welcoming and family-friendly
Easy to navigate for all ages
Modern, up to date and fun for all
Built around shared experiences and spending time together

We’re not about rows of the same game with a different name. Instead, Funstation is a space where families can genuinely enjoy time together. We pride ourselves on making fun happen across all our venues and experiences.

With a wide variety of games and activities, each venue offers something a little different — from VR and bowling to dodgems and interactive experiences like Pixel — all focused on making sure you have the best time possible. Plus, we regularly keep up to date with the latest in gaming technology and prizes!

Cashless, Simple and Stress Free

One of the biggest differences between Funstation and 'traditional arcades' is how you play.

Instead of pockets full of coins and rusty old change machines, Funstation uses a simple cashless system, making everything quicker, easier and better value.

Load tokens onto a Funcard or Powerband at the kiosk
Use your Funcard to Tap, Play & Win on your favourite games
Collect points as you go
Save and reuse your card for future visits

You can also sign up your Funcard to unlock exclusive offers, rewards and monthly discounts.

And when it comes to value, it pays to plan ahead. Choosing a Best Value package means:

More tokens for your money
Longer play time from the start
Fewer top-ups throughout your visit

Larger packages unlock better value. More games, more points and more fun!

Get Active with Laser Tag

If your kids have energy to burn (and they almost always do), laser tag is a guaranteed hit.

At Laser Station, located in Braehead, Edinburgh, Dudley and Hull, players step into immersive, multi-level arenas where teamwork, quick thinking and a bit of friendly competition take centre stage. Whether you’re capturing bases or racking up points, every game feels different and keeps players coming back for more.

Laser tag is also a great way to break up the day. After a fun time in the arcade, it gives everyone a chance to get moving without it ever feeling like exercise.

One of the most popular options is 3 games for £14.99 (Monday–Friday), giving you back-to-back gameplay that turns a quick session into a proper experience. Many locations also offer combo deals, combining laser tag with arcade tokens or additional activities.

Affordable Family Fun that Goes Further

Keeping the kids entertained doesn’t have to mean overspending, it’s about choosing activities that give you more value for your money.

At Funstation and across our venues, everything is designed to help families get the most out of their visit.

Instead of paying for short, one-off activites, you can:

Spend longer in one place
Mix multiple activites and experience together
Choose options that stretch your budget even further

We're all about value, not compromise. Making a full day out feel fun and worthwile.

Try Something Different with Adventure Golf

Not every part of a day out needs to be high-energy, sometimes it’s about slowing things down without losing the fun. Indoor adventure golf at Volcano Falls Adventure Golf and Carnival Golf and Games offers exactly that.

With locations in Milton Keynes, High Wycombe, Dudley (Merry Hill), Edinburgh and Castleford (Xscape), it’s an easy add-on to your day out. With themed courses, interactive elements and just the right level of challenge, it’s something everyone can get involved in with no experience needed. Younger kids can enjoy the experience, while older kids (and adults) lean into the competitive side.

Many locations also offer family tickets, making it easier (and more affordable) to play together in one booking.

Take on an Escape Room Challenge

Looking for something a bit more immersive? Add a completely different dynamic to your day out with Breakout Escape Rooms in Dudley (Merry Hill) and Belfast.

Each location features four immersive rooms to choose from, each with its own theme, challenges and storyline, so every visit can feel completely different.

It’s not about quick wins, it’s about stepping into a story and figuring your way through it together. Everyone has a role to play, which makes it especially rewarding for families with older kids and teens.

Don't Forget the Treats

No day out is complete without something sweet.

At venues like Titanic Desserts in Belfast, or in our various cafes and bars inside our UK venues, it’s not just about grabbing something quick, it’s part of the experience. Think loaded waffles, indulgent sundaes and over-the-top milkshakes.

Enjoy a well-earned treat after a friendly game of golf or during a post-escape room debrief.

Have a Plan for Rainy Days (and Everything in Between)

Let's face it, the UK weather is unpredictable. The forecast says sunshine, outside your window it's raining. That's why indoor activites, like Funstation, are a go-to for so many families.

Whether it’s raining, cold, or too hot to be outside, you’ve got everything you need under one roof. It’s the kind of day out that families come back to again and again.

Plan Your Next Family Day Out

If you’re looking for things to do with kids, indoor activities, or family days out that offer real value, Funstation and our venues makes it easy. It’s why so many families choose to come back again and again.