Affordable Things to Do in Coventry This Summer (All Under £30!)
Are you looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during the school summer holidays without breaking the bank? You aren’t alone. With the ongoing cost of living challenges, keeping tight control of the family budget is top of mind for many parents right now.
Fortunately, Coventry is packed with budget-friendly activities, free events, and cheap days out. Visit Coventry has compiled the ultimate guide to the best local attractions, outdoor activities, and events happening this summer - all for under £30 (and many completely free!).
Free Summer Activities in Coventry (Under £5)
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make lifelong memories. These incredible Coventry attractions offer massive value for absolutely nothing, or just a few pounds.
1. Coventry Pride 2026
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Price: FREE entry
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When: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th June 2026
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What to expect: Hosted at the vibrant FarGo Village, Coventry Pride returns for a two-day celebration of LGBTQIA+ identities, equality, and creativity. It’s a fantastic, family-friendly weekend featuring a dynamic programme of live performances, art installations, community activities, and talks. Come along to enjoy the music, art, and joy without spending a penny on admission.
2. Warwick Arts Centre Family Events
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Price: FREE entry (Donations gratefully accepted)
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When: Weekends throughout June 2026
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What to expect: Located at the University of Warwick, the arts centre is hosting a brilliant lineup of free weekend activities perfect for creative families. You catch Family Singing sessions on Sunday 24th May and Sunday 7th June (11.30am–12.30pm) to get moving and singing together. Plus, Family Sundays run every Sunday from 3rd May to 21st June (1.30pm–4pm), where local artists lead hands-on sessions exploring drama, movement, and material creation.
3. The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
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Price: Day passes from £1.20 to £5.40 (Under 4s and Go CV+ holders are FREE)
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What to expect: Home to the world-famous Dippy the Dinosaur, The Herbert is the perfect anchor for a dinosaur-themed day out.
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Price: Children under 15 are FREE (when accompanied by a paying adult)
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What to expect: Open Thursday to Sunday, this is a fantastic, low-cost way to introduce older kids to Coventry’s legendary musical heritage.
• Price: FREE entry
• When: Saturday 18th July 2026 (From 10am)
• What to expect: Soak up the sunshine vibes at FarGo Village’s dedicated events venue, The Box. This celebration of independent creativity is a full summer day out for the family. Alongside the market stalls featuring handmade crafts, jewellery, and local treats, there will be extra family-friendly activities and creative workshops running across the village to enjoy.
6. Free Open Day Plus Woodcarving & Textile Display
• Price: FREE entry
• When: Saturday 11th July 2026 (From 9am)
• What to expect: Take a historic step back in time at The Weaver's House. This special open day gives families a glimpse into Coventry’s rich heritage with guest appearances from the Coventry Woodcarvers, alongside a beautiful live textile display. It's a wonderful, educational, and cost-free way to explore local history.
Budget-Friendly Days Out in Coventry (Under £15)
If you have a little bit of budget to spend, these activities offer high-energy fun and rich history for less than £15 per ticket.
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Price: Kids £8 | Adults £14 | Under 3s FREE
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When: Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th August 2026 (10am - 4pm)
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What to expect: The biggest event of the year returns to bring the Lunt Roman Fort to life! Witness spectacular combat displays from the warriors of Britannia, cheer on gladiators in the arena, and explore a vibrant Living History Village and Roman Marketplace. Kids can test their aim at the Archery Stand and join in the hugely popular Family Battle. There is also a dedicated "Palace of Sanctuary" sensory play space for younger audiences. Food vendors are on-site, or you can bring a picnic!
2. Home Educators Workshop: Wonderful Windows at St Mary’s Guildhall
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Price: Under £15 (A maximum of two adults per booking)
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When: Thursday 25th June 2026 at 11am (2-hour session)
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What to expect: Step into the colourful world of glassmaking! Perfect for home-educating families and creative minds, this hands-on workshop invites children to explore the history behind stunning stained glass and painted windows. After uncovering the stories these windows tell, kids can get creative and design their own window-inspired artwork using card and coloured cellophane to take home.
Top Family Experiences (Under £30 & £50)
For a special summer treat that still keeps you well under a £50 budget, check out these top-tier entertainment options.
1. NerdCon at Coventry Building Society Arena
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Price: Entry under £30 (Children aged 3 and under are FREE!)
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When: Saturday 18th July, 10am - 5pm
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What to expect: Calling all fans of film, TV, gaming, comics, and anime! NerdCon is the UK’s ultimate celebration of pop culture, bringing passionate communities together under one roof. It features an immersive, family-friendly environment packed with celebrity guest appearances, interactive panels, incredible props, cosplayers, and exclusive merchandise. It's the perfect day out for fans of all ages to celebrate the fandoms they love.
2. The Tiger Who Came to Tea Live on Stage – Belgrade Theatre
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Price: Tickets under £30 per person
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When: Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st July
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What to expect: The purrfect treat for all the family! The Olivier Award-nominated stage adaptation of Judith Kerr’s classic book is touring the UK, bringing teatime mayhem straight to the stage. Directed by David Wood OBE, the UK's leading writer and director of children's theatre, this delightful family show is packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs, and clumsy chaos. When a big, stripy tiger rings the doorbell, expect to be completely surprised!
3. Summer Fun at Hatton Country World (just outside Coventry)
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Price: Tickets from £16.50 per person
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When: 18th July – 31st August 2026
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What to expect: Just outside the city, Hatton Country World is dropping an amazing summer lineup. Alongside their massive, brand-new Pirate Maize Maze and an even bigger Foam Party, you can enjoy all the classic farmyard favourites. Spend the day exploring Guinea Pig Village, watching the sheep racing, jumping around the indoor and outdoor play spaces, trying out a Tractor Safari, or getting hands-on with all-day animal handling and the reptile-focused Scales & Tails exhibit!
Cheap Eats: Budget-Friendly Family Dining
Fuelling your summer days out doesn't have to cost a fortune either. Restaurants and park cafes across Coventry are offering fantastic options, great menus, and plenty of space to relax.
For a classic pub meal, The Old Crown Coventry serves food daily (12pm–8pm Monday to Saturday, 12pm–7pm Sundays) with an affordable kids' menu featuring staples like chicken nuggets, burgers, and spaghetti Bolognese, while adults can choose from pub classics, pizzas, and tandoori chicken skewers.
If you're combining lunch with a trip to the city centre or The Wave water park, you can head upstairs at West Orchards to the vibrant new Street Kitchen COV food hall for quick, budget-friendly global independent eats like Burrito Masala fusion, handmade Nepalese dumplings from MoMo Nest, or authentic Italian flatbreads from The Piadina.
Alternatively, you can head to the Café in the Park at Coombe Abbey for a great children’s menu and toddler play area or stop by The Park Bistro at War Memorial Park for breakfast and artisan treats.
Picnic Tip: Both Coombe Abbey Park and the War Memorial Park offer acres of gorgeous green space. They are the perfect spots to sit out in the sun, enjoy a packed lunch, and give the kids plenty of room to run around and play games!
Need More Inspiration?
If you're in the city centre and want to find more hidden gems, drop by the Visit Coventry Information Centres at either Coventry Train Station or Pool Meadow Bus Station. The team can hand you free maps for city-wide activities, including the popular Coventry Young Explorers Discovery Trail.