Top 5 free things to do in Derby and Derbyshire for families to enjoy over summer holidays
From pretty parks to exciting activities in Derby, here’s our round-up of fun - and free - things to do in Derby.
The summer holidays approaching means you are probably looking forward to spending time with your loved ones in the sun.
With the cost-of-living crisis making it increasingly harder to leave the house and not spend money, we have created a list of things all around Derby you can do without spending a penny.
From family days out to date night ideas, we have got you covered.
1. Visit Derby parks
Many people forget how lucky we are to live around so many parks with beautiful scenery, so why not take a picnic or simply take the dog for a walk somewhere you usually wouldn’t go?
With over 300 parks and open spaces across Derbyshire, there are plenty of options, here are a few to choose from.
Elvaston Castle - Borrowash Road, Elvaston DE72 3EP
Darley Park - Darley Park Lodge Darley Park Drive, Derby, DE22 1EN
Rosliston Forestry Centre - Rosliston Forestry Centre Burton Road, Rosliston DE12 8JX
Dovedale - Digmire Lane, Ashbourne DE6 2AX
Markeaton Park - Markeaton, Derby DE22 4AA
2. Visit Derby museums for art and tours in historic buildings
If you love history or are an avid art lover, why not take a wander round Derby Museum?
There are three free museums available to visit: the Museum and Art Gallery, Museum of Making and Pickford's House.
Museum & Art Gallery - The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS
Museum of Making - 34 Full Street, Derby DE1 3AF
Pickford’s House - 41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA
3. Things to do in Derby for young children and teens
There are various activities in Derby for children and teens of all ages to enjoy for free.
There are exciting Growth Programme activities for 12–16-year-olds, cricket lessons for those aged from eight to 24-years-old, and weekly drama sessions for girls and young women of colour.
Growth Programme & activities - Arboretum Park, Derby DE23 8FR
Cricket sessions - Sherwin Centre, Harrington Street, Pear Tree, Derby DE23 8PB / St Martin's School, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby DE24 0BT
Drama sessions - Normanton Library, Almond Street, Derby DE23 6LX
4. Accessible activities for deaf, or hard of hearing people
For women across Derbyshire who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are many free events planned by Deaf-initely Women.
From coffee mornings to summer craft events, there are a variety of options to simply feel a sense of community.
5. Visit Derby Cathedral for a slice of serenity and culture
Derby Cathedral at the heart of Derby often hosts free events for all ages.
Why not have a quick browse of the fairtrade stall being held here on June 15, 2025?
If you have kids, Messy Cathedral is a free monthly session aimed mainly at primary school children and their families.
There are many dates throughout summer, where each session will explore a different theme by way of stories, crafts, and prayer.
Derby Cathedral - 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
There is plenty to do around Derby without having to tap your card but if you are still struggling for ideas, why not check out eventbrite for things to do in Derby?
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