Coventry's Best Summer Family Activities: Indoor Pools, Parks, Free Events

With the school holidays underway, Coventry families have a wide range of indoor and outdoor options to keep children entertained. The city’s attractions include The Wave, one of the UK’s top indoor waterparks, as well as free weekly activities run by Coventry Family Hubs in parks across the area.

Indoor Adventures: The Wave, Planet Ice and Flip Out

For wet-weather or air-conditioned fun, The Wave in Coventry is a major draw. It’s billed as one of the UK’s top indoor waterparks, with slides, wave pools and splash zones that work year-round. Nearby, Planet Ice at the Skydome offers ice skating sessions suitable for all ages, while Flip Out provides a multi-floor adventure park featuring ninja warrior courses, dodgems and laser tag, a good option for older children and teenagers.

Active families can also head to Go Ape for swinging through the trees, or try climbing walls at Social Climbing and Warwick Sport Climbing Wall. For a different perspective, the Tower Climb at St Mary’s offers city panoramas after a short ascent.

Free Summer Fun: Coventry Family Hubs

During summer 2025, Coventry Family Hubs are hosting free weekly children’s activities, including arts, crafts and games, across multiple parks. The sessions run from late July through early August, and organisers are providing free ice-cream and ice lollies to participants. The activities are designed to be accessible to families without requiring advance booking, though it’s worth checking local listings for specific park locations and times.

War Memorial Park also operates a summer-only Splash n Play Park with water features, open during school holidays. Coombe Abbey Park, with its expansive grounds and woodland trails, offers another free outdoor option for picnics and nature walks.

Museums and Cultural Spots

The Coventry Transport Museum is a family-friendly venue with interactive car exhibits that let children explore the history of road transport. The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is currently home to Dippy the Dinosaur, a full-size cast of a Diplodocus skeleton, alongside dressing-up history activities that encourage hands-on learning.

Both museums are free to enter and located in the city centre, making them easy to combine with a day out. Practical advice: check opening hours ahead of your visit, especially for the museums’ temporary exhibitions, which may require timed entry.

For families planning a full day in Coventry, the mix of indoor pools, climbing walls, free park events and cultural venues means there’s plenty to do without travelling far. Whether you’re chasing the sun seeking shade, the city’s attractions cater to a wide range of ages and interests.