Free or Cheap Things to do with Kids in Ipswich in Winter
Winter has well and truly landed in Suffolk and as the cold and unpredictable weather arrives, this also brings with it the search from Suffolk mums for free or cheap things to do with kids in Ipswich this Winter. As let’s face it, however horrible it is outside, sometimes staying home all day with kids, can send everyone a bit stir crazy.
It’s not only about getting out of the house though, winter can also be such an expensive season, with Christmas really racking up the spending. Sometimes all you need is somewhere local to visit for a couple of hours that isn’t going to be cost loads.
So, if you just need somewhere to get out, blow away the cobwebs (and use up some of the kids energy before bedtime!) around Ipswich, here’s where I’d recommend in 2026…
Cheap and Free Family Friendly Things to do in Ipswich Marina
Ipswich Marina makes for a nice walk anytime of year, taking in the views, enjoying the street art (and one of our favourite ways to pass the time, is all picking the boat we’d choose as our own, as we walk along the waters edge too.) A nice way to break up a marina walk in winter too is to include a visit to Suffolk Archives in The Hold. It’s a real celebration of Suffolk – holding different exhibitions and displays throughout the year, that are often family friendly with interactive elements to interest children too. Not only that, but the building also hosts libraries with resources where you can research your family tree and local history for free.
You can also find out more about it here – we visited as a family and I wrote all about our day out in my Family Review of Suffolk Hold.
Family Events in Winter 2026 at the Hold Suffolk
Free Sensory SEND sessions
They also hold lots of different events for families including one specially for SEN families this winter – Explore and play in a multi-sensory and inclusive environment designed by artists for children. These play sessions, held at quieter times of the day, will have smaller numbers of families attending throughout January and February and are free, they just need to booked through their website – Suffolk Hold Free SEND Sensory Family sessions
Family History Workshop, February 16th
You can also take the kids along to The Hold in February for a fun and hands on introduction to family history. You will be treated to a behind the scenes archive tour, plus the chance to get involved with a DIY time capsule and family tree. This one isn’t free, but at £8 a ticket I thought it sounds a reasonable price for an educational and interactive activity to do together.
Dance East Free Family Sessions
As well as their popular classes and acclaimed dance performances, Dance East is very much a community space and they are throwing open their doors and holding an open house on Sunday 8th March all day. No matter your age or experience, go along and see what they are all about. Coinciding with Angela Rippon’s Let’s Dance! campaign, this is a day to try their classes, find joy in free workshops and performances and experience the DanceEast CAT in action. Bring your friends and family for a day of movement and fun. No need to book, just turn up!
Ipswich Free Baby and Toddler Groups
When you are a new mum especially, days at home feel long. Having free baby and toddler groups that I could walk to when mine were little, were so great for me as well as my kids. Getting the chance to chat with other parents and just get out of the house and break up the day were really important, especially in the cold dark winter months.
Ipswich libraries have lots of different free drop in groups for parents and toddlers this winter, with the option to get involved with story and singing times and even baby bounce for very little ones. You can find out the dates and times for the different baby groups on the events page for Ipswich County and Rosehill Library
Free Ipswich Family Friendly Art Exhibition
Christchurch Manor is celebrating the playful spirit of colour, shape and pattern in art, in a family friendly exhibition this winter running up until the 22nd February 2026 and its free admission.
East Suffolk Walks & Parks to Visit with Kids in Winter
Free Walking App Trail
Now I’m not a big walker for the sake of it, especially if its cold or wet and have passed this trait onto my children. I have to confess we need a purpose to be motivated to go out for a walk and so this new App developed to make walks in Ipswich more interactive and fun, sounds perfect for this.
The Ipswich Journey of Words is an immersive cultural walking trail around Ipswich delivered as part of the Digital Ipswich project, part of Ipswich Borough Council’s Town’s Fund. Celebrating writers and cultural wordsmiths with a connection to the town, the trail features audio, augmented reality, step-by-step photo guides, and visual and interpretation content. There’s lot on there to get involved with the kids and if you are like me and normally spend your time battling them off their phones, now they can use it to guide a walk. The family scavenger hunt around Ipswich’s Christchurch park in particular sounds good.
Christchurch Park anyway is a good option just to get out with the kids in the winter. Even in the colder months, it’s a lovely place to stretch your legs, with wide paths that are ideal for scooters, bikes or little walkers wrapped up warm. (If its not too cold, you could even take your own pieces and have a game at their chess tables.)
The park sits right in the town centre but feels surprisingly quiet, and there’s plenty to spot as you go, from historic statues and buildings to the Children’s Orchard, where traditional Suffolk fruit trees have been planted. It’s a nice way to add a bit of interest to a winter stroll without needing to plan anything in advance. There’s also a decent sized play ground and outdoor gym machines the kids can play on.
Another way to keep warm at the park and a free activities to do with kids in Ipswich, is to join the Junior Park Run. There’s nothing to pay, you just need to register online and then go along and join the community running, skipping or walking on a Sunday morning. There’s weekly runs at both Kesgrave and Christchurch park and you can sign up on the Park Run Website.
