If you are feeling the pinch this new year, but want to make some memories with your family, take a look at our low-cost inspiration that will keep the little ones entertained without spending a fortune.
Lichfield Time Travellers AR trail
£ - Free to download app
Lichfield Time Travellers is an interactive Augmented Reality (AR) trail experience through the streets of central Lichfield.
Like ‘PokémonGo for history’, Lichfield Time Travellers brings the stories of this historic city and its people to life. Take a walk with the app and meet historical figures like Dr Samuel Johnson, poet Anna Seward, Dr Erasmus Darwin, actor David Garrick and more.
As you explore Lichfield’s historic streets you can find and open time portals by scanning the area around you with your phone to meet the sons and daughters of Lichfield through the ages and hear their stories.
You can collect time crystals from every wonderful character you meet, releasing an artefact trapped inside. Will you collect every artefact?! It's time to time travel!
Complete the day out with a walk around Lichfield Cathedral, where you can discover ancient artefacts and stunning architecture. Free to enter - donations encouraged.
There are lots of coffee shops to pop into and replenish and warm up around the city, visit our food and drink page here.
Erasmus Darwin House
Adults £4, Child £2, under 11 years – free
Darwin House is an independent, accredited museum that was once the family home of doctor, inventor and published poet Erasmus Darwin (1731 – 1802). There's something for everyone in his restored Grade I listed home - period furnishings, interactive displays, video and fun children's activities.
Complete the day out with a visit to Beacon Park just a few minutes’ walk away which has a children's play area and activities for a small charge.
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
£ - Free entry
Explore an atmospheric historic house which includes period room settings, introductory film and interactive exhibits offering fun for families. The house tells the story of the colourful life and major achievements of Lichfield's most famous son from troubled childhood, through literary obscurity and financial poverty, to world renown? recognition and success. Young visitors can enjoy the Cat Trail, dressing up and colouring in activities.
Complete the day out with a visit to Beacon Park just 5 minutes’ walk away, which has a children's play area and activities for a small charge.
Staffordshire Regiment Museum
£15 per family (2 adults and 3 children), or £6 per adult, £4 concessions and children
The Staffordshire Regiment Museum tells the story of the soldiers of the Staffordshire Regiment and its predecessors. Exhibits include vehicles, weaponry and memorabilia relating to 300 years of regimental history. Attractions include a full-scale World War I trench system, Anderson Shelters and special exhibitions.
Camp Fisher adventure playground is dedicated to the memory of WO2 Ian Fisher who was killed in action whilst serving in Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment in 2013. It was built with grant funding from the Armed Forces Community Covenant and Heritage Lottery Fund. It is the only playground in the world which is based on a Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle.
National Memorial Arboretum
£4 parking fee per car, entry free of charge (may be some charges for exhibitions) advance booking recommended.
The arboretum is an evolving, maturing woodland landscape featuring 25,000 trees and a large collection of nearly 400 memorials. Children's play areas include a Children’s Sensory Play Garden which can be found near to the Remembrance Centre and a children’s play and picnic area, near to the Children’s Wood. Families can also join Stick Man on his journey back to the family tree. You can pick up a free copy of the self-led trail from the Welcome Desk.
If you are happy to wrap up in the outdoors this winter, why not make a visit to Burntwood Alpaca and Animal Experience and Chasewater Country Park in Burntwood.
There are plenty of fun days out to choose from, browse all attractions on our website here.