20 FREE Center Parcs Activities (Longleat Edition!)

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We love going to Center Parcs for a family holiday, but the cost of activities can quickly add up, especially if you’ve got a big family.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best free things to do at Center Parcs Longleat.

A Center Parcs break isn’t cheap, but if you can manage to go during term time, prices are a little more manageable.

Even so, the cost of activities can mount quickly. We usually pick one or two ‘must-do’ experiences personally, I can’t resist an Aqua Sana Spa day and then try to fill the rest of our stay with as many free Center Parcs activities as possible.

Which Activities Are Free at Center Parcs Longleat?

I’ve put together a list of 20 free things to do at Center Parcs Longleat.

Many of these ideas can also be applied to other Center Parcs locations across the UK, but Longleat has a few unique extras, like its land train, that set it apart.

I’ve tried to include activities suitable for all ages, so there should be something for everyone in the family.

Some activities might need a little preparation beforehand, while others just require things you probably already have at home, like binoculars or a clipboard.

1. Feeding the Animals – Ducks, Squirrels, Deer and More

One of our favourite free activities at Center Parcs Longleat is feeding the animals. Bring some bird feed instead of bread (which is full of salt and chemicals that aren’t good for birds). We also pack plain peanuts for the squirrels.

A stick-on bird feeder on your patio doors is a great way to encourage wildlife to come right up close.

On a trip with my parents a few years ago, three ducks liked to roost on our cabin roof every night and we nicknamed them the ‘three amigos’! There was also a badger that came past our patio doors each evening.

During our more recent stay, we had visits from four different deer, three roe deer and a muntjac. We even got to witness some rutting right outside on the patio.

2. Play on the Beach

Center Parcs Longleat has a man-made beach, and while it’s not natural, it’s perfect for free family fun. Kids and adults alike can enjoy building sandcastles or just soaking up the sun on a warm afternoon.

Don’t forget to pack your bucket and spade – although if you do they can be purchased nearby.

3. Create Your Own Nature Trail

Nature trails are brilliant for keeping kids entertained and exploring the outdoors. While Center Parcs Longleat offers organised trails, they can be pricey.

For a completely free activity, print your own nature trail checklist before you go.

All you need is a clipboard and pencil to get started. You could even create your own trail on the spot, spotting plants, flowers, and animal footprints along the way.

Or download a ready-made one here

4. Ride the Land Train

Not every Center Parcs has a land train, so make sure to take advantage of the one at Longleat. It’s perfect if you don’t fancy trekking up the steep hills after a busy day of fun.

If your kids love trains, a ride around the park can be a fun afternoon activity. You’ll also get a sneak peek at different types of accommodation along the way – I love oogling the Tree Houses that I know I way out of my Tax bracket!

Also – don’t miss the retired land train at the Village Square, which has some fascinating facts about how far it travelled while in service.

5. Find the Mini Zip Line

Hidden between the Sports Plaza and the main walkway to the Village Square, there’s a double zip line tucked inside one of the parks.

We discovered it one evening while exploring and ended up spending a happy half-hour whizzing back and forth completely free! Even a rainy day didn’t stop us from having fun.

Just a note: this is part of the play park and not the large zip line that runs over the lake.

6. Create a Scavenger Hunt

Similar to the nature trail, this is another brilliant way to get kids outside and exploring (and it keeps them busy for ages).

Things to look for could include feathers, acorns, different shaped leaves, a bark rubbing, or “weed” flowers that are fine to pick like daisies and buttercups.

You can either make your own list before you go, or print one off online and take it with you.

You can find a list of 30+ Scavenger hunt ideas here.

7. Follow the Nature Trail in the Village Square

The Village Square at Center Parcs Longleat has its own little nature trail and it’s completely free to walk around as a family.

There are bug hotels, bird boxes, and loads of info about the wildlife you might spot while you’re there. It’s a nice one to do when you’re wandering around the shops anyway, and it doesn’t feel like you’re “doing an activity” that costs extra.

However, this area is closed during the lead up to Christmas when the lights are being installed.

8. Birdwatching

Another nature-based one, because there is just so much wildlife at Longleat.

If your children have binoculars (even toy ones), take them out birdwatching and see what you can spot. Encourage them to go quietly, do your best David Attenborough voice, and see who can find the most birds.

Even if all you spot is ducks, it still counts.

This is also a great one for rainy days because you can do it from the lodge. On our most recent trip, we saw robins, pigeons, blue tits, coal tits, blue jays and starlings just through the patio doors.

You can find a UK Bird Spotting List for kids here.

9. Play in the Parks

There are so many children’s play parks at Center Parcs Longleat that you probably won’t manage to visit them all in one trip.

Some accommodation areas have their own little playgrounds, plus there are bigger ones in the Village Square, the main Plaza, and behind the Sports Plaza too.

If you fancy making it your mission to try them all, the land train is a really handy way to get around without everyone getting tired (or complaining) too quickly.

10. Have a Movie Night in the Lodge

Every lodge has a decent TV and a DVD player, so a simple movie night is an easy (and free) way to have a cosy evening without heading out and spending money.

If you’ve still got DVDs lying around, chuck a couple of favourites in your bag before you go. And don’t forget snacks. Popcorn is a must, and you can always take your own to keep it cheap.

You could also bring a Fire Stick or similar so you can stream films. The WiFi isn’t perfect, but we’ve found it’s usually good enough for streaming, even in the evenings when lots of people are online.

11. Take a Walk Around the Lake

The lake at Longleat is pretty big, and honestly you can easily fill a chunk of time just wandering around it.

The far end tends to be much quieter, so it’s a lovely place for a slower walk where you can actually take in the scenery without loads going on around you.

It’s also fun watching people doing the zip wire across the lake, especially if you’re not quite brave enough to try it yourself.

12. Spot the Koi Carp in the Plaza

The Plaza is the main hub at Center Parcs Longleat, with the shops, restaurants, the supermarket, and of course the swimming pool.

On the lower level there are ponds full of koi carp, with little stone bridges you can walk across and a seating area in the middle.

It’s a surprisingly nice spot to pause for a minute, and it’s always fun seeing who can find the biggest fish.

13. Make The Most Of The Subtropical Swimming Paradise

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is hands down one of the best things about a Center Parcs holiday, and it’s also the biggest free activity on site.

We try to go every day during our break, including arrival day and departure day, because once you’re in, you can stay as long as you like and it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

Here are a few of our favourite free things to do in the pool at Longleat:

Go Night Swimming

Swimming in the day is fun, but swimming at night is even better, especially in the outdoor pool area. The whole place feels so much more magical when it’s dark, with the pool all lit up and steam rising from the water.

Ride The Rapids

The rapids are easily the best part of the pool. They look a bit intimidating at first, but they are so much fun and you will absolutely feel like a big kid by the time you get to the end. Not reccomended for non-swimmers and kids need to be able to swim without armbands or other swimming aids.

Hot Tub Time

Even if you haven’t booked accommodation with a hot tub, you can still get that hot tub feeling in the swimming dome because there are two there.

One is outside, and one is inside which is slightly hidden unless you know where to look. It’s to the left as you enter the main pool area.

Baby Dolphins Swimming Sessions (Free, But Needs Booking)

If you’re visiting with a baby or toddler, it’s worth checking out the Baby Dolphins sessions. These are free swimming sessions for little ones, but they do need to be booked in advance.

It’s a lovely way to have a calmer swim and make the most of the pool when it’s a bit quieter.

Toddler and Kids Splash Areas

Longleat’s pool has dedicated zones just for little ones, which is great if you’re travelling with toddlers or preschoolers.

There’s Venture Bay, which is perfect for babies and toddlers with shallow water, sprays, mini slides, and Venture Harbour, which is aimed at slightly older children and looks a bit like a giant pirate ship.

These areas are brilliant for letting little ones splash around safely and build confidence in the water.

One thing to be aware of is that the floor in these areas can feel a little rough underfoot, so you might want to bring so water shoes.

Rides and Slides

For bigger kids and adults, there’s loads of variety so everyone can find something they enjoy:

• Tropical Cyclone – a big four-person raft ride with exciting twists and turns.

• Typhoon – a two-person raft tube ride that’s fast and fun.

• Flumes and Water Piste classic slides and splashy speed rides suitable for a range of ages and confidence levels.

• Lazy River – More gentle than the rapids but still lots of fun.

Hot Tubs

There are two hot tubs in the pool area one inside and one outside and they’re a lovely way to warm up or just unwind after a swim.

14. Soft Play Areas at Center Parcs Longleat

While Center Parcs doesn’t have what I’d call a “main” soft play area, there are a few smaller play spaces dotted around, mostly inside some of the restaurants and the Leisure Bowl.

Some of them are only available if you’re dining in that restaurant, but the play areas in the Sports Bar and the Leisure Bowl can be used by anyone at any time.

Personally, I’d probably grab a coffee or a cold drink (depending on the season!) while the children play, but there’s no requirement to buy anything.

It’s worth knowing these play areas are quite small, and they’re not really suitable for children much over the age of six. Children also need to stay under adult supervision.

If you are eating out, Hucks American Restaurant probably has the best play area overall. It isn’t a soft play as such, but it is a really fun wooden play structure.

15. Go for a Night Walk

I remember doing night walks on school camping trips, and it’s such an easy way to make a simple walk feel exciting for kids.

You don’t need to go far, and because there’s no traffic it feels a lot safer (and quieter too, so you can actually hear things).

See if you can listen out for different animals, spot anything nocturnal, or even do a bit of stargazing if the sky is clear.

16. Have a Family Photo Competition

Most kids these days have a phone, tablet, or even one of those kid-proof digital cameras.

So why not turn it into a mini photo competition and see who can take the best picture?

There’s so much wildlife around the park that it’s really easy to find fun things to photograph.

Or you could make it into a bit of a photo scavenger hunt, take a picture of something like a flower, a bird, a squirrel, a cool tree, or even the best “holiday snack” moment.

17. Bring Your Own Sports Bits

Center Parcs is very activity-focused, but a lot of the sports sessions can be pricey – sometimes you pay to hire the court and the equipment.

Most families already have something at home like a football, a frisbee, or badminton racquets… you just need to remember to pack them.

The green outside the Sports Plaza is a great spot for running around and letting off steam without spending a penny.

Our favourite things is bringing our own ping pong set and setting it up on the dining table in the lodge. It cost £3 from Wilko (RIP) and we used it on four Center Parcs holidays in a row!

18. Wildlife Spotting Challenge

Set up a friendly competition to see who can spot the most wildlife in an hour. Include things like squirrels, ducks, deer, birds, or insects. Kids love it, and it encourages quiet observation skills.

19. Lodge “Campfire” Fun

Use the fireplace in your lodge as if it’s a campfire. Spread out some blankets, tell stories, toast marshmallows, and make s’mores.

There is a small cost for fire logs, but these are much cheaper if you buy them in advance from places like Home Bargains or B&M. It’s a lovely way to end the day and gives kids that camping vibe without leaving the comfort of your lodge.

20. Free Day Visitor Passes

Sometimes when you book a Center Parcs break, you get two free day visitor passes as an added extra. I think this is usually attached to the “Come Back Soon” offer that runs occasionally.

If you have these, they need to be booked in advance and are subject to availability. Each pass usually costs upwards of £50, so it’s definitely worth using, especially if you live relatively nearby and it’s easy for friends or family to join you.

It’s perfect for inviting grandparents for a day or enjoying some time with friends and family. On our last visit, I took advantage of this and my best friend and her son joined us for the day. It was so much fun enjoying the pool together, and it was a lovely free day out for my friend too!

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There are so many free things to do at Center Parcs Longleat that you really can have a fantastic family holiday without spending a fortune.

While a few activites I’ve mentioned do have a very small cost, like fire logs for the lodge fireplace, planning ahead can save you money and help you make the most of your stay.

Whether it’s spotting wildlife, enjoying the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, or getting creative with nature trails and scavenger hunts, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained and sometimes the simplest, low-cost activities end up being the most memorable.

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