8 Fun Things to Do in Scunthorpe

Whether you’re visiting with children, planning a budget-friendly day out, or looking for something a little different to do on your next date night, there is an abundance of fun things to do in Scunthorpe; you just need to know where to look!

Free Things to Do in Scunthorpe

From local history and contemporary art to scenic parkland and family-friendly attractions, there are several places you can explore, learn, and unwind without stretching your budget.

20-21 Visual Arts Centre

For art lovers and creatives looking for something fun to do indoors, the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre is known for its varied programme of contemporary art, craft, and design.

Across its six gallery spaces, it hosts around 20 different exhibitions a year and aims to shine a light on underrepresented and upcoming artists, bringing culture to the local community.

The centre has its own café serving homemade cakes, speciality tea and coffee and also hosts a variety of free workshops for all ages, such as printmaking and science classes.

Rear view of African American woman sitting on couch and looking at paintings on the wall in gallery

Woman standing in a museum observing exhibits in glass cases, thoughtfully examining the artifacts displayed.

North Lincolnshire Museum

If geology, history, and archaeology are more your style, then the North Lincolnshire Museum is well worth a visit. With a vast collection of over 400,000 objects and archive materials, it covers everything from social history and natural sciences to fine arts and image archives.

Although donations are encouraged, the museum is free to enter and even has a Courtyard Garden that’s the perfect place to sit and enjoy a picnic.

For children, Dudley’s Den is a dedicated play area for the under-5s and provides museum-inspired toys and play sessions led by a Learning Development Specialist.

Normanby Hall

The final free thing to do in Scunthorpe on our list is Normanby Hall. This stunning Regency manor is set within 300 acres of parkland and has a whole host of things to explore, including a Victorian walled garden, a rural life museum, and woodland walks.

Families are especially well catered for, with two children’s play areas, woodland animal sculptures, a storytelling area, and seasonal extras such as farmyard crazy golf and a miniature railway. Fishing is also an option from January to September, with level banks and a platform that make it a good spot for teaching children.

For anyone wanting to make more of a weekend of their visit, Normanby Hall also has a campsite with access to the grounds during your stay. So, whether you’re after a relaxed walk, a heritage visit, or a full day of activities, it’s one of those places that can be as quiet or as busy as you’d like.

Normanby Hall Stately Home Mansion Gardens - ther eis aalso a museum on site

Things to Do in Scunthorpe for Kids

Scunthorpe has plenty of family-friendly attractions for children of all ages that are ideal for weekends and school holidays when you need to keep little ones entertained.

Go Ape

In the mood for a thrilling treetop adventure? Then Go Ape is for you. Located in the grounds of the above-mentioned Normanby Hall, Go Ape is a great choice for families seeking an activity that is more adventurous. Its high ropes course takes you through the trees with wobbly bridges, challenging crossings, and ziplines, making it a memorable day out.

Children over one metre tall can take on the Treetop Adventure course, and taller children and adults can opt for the Treetop Challenge, a 2-3-hour experience with canopy-high crossings and free-fall Tarzan swings.

With safety briefings from trained instructors, it’s a fun way to build confidence and enjoy the outdoors.

Go Ape Adventure. Adventure climbing high wire park. Child. Happy child boy calling while climbing high tree and ropes. Ev...

Pink Pig Farm

For toddlers and younger children, Pink Pig Farm combines outdoor adventure with indoor play for an all-weather day out.

Visitors can spend time with the farm’s animals, explore the impressive soft play area, and enjoy a delicious lunch at The Farmhouse Kitchen.

Booking ahead is highly recommended as this popular spot fills up quickly, especially during school holidays and special events.

Messingham Zoo

We can’t give you some ideas of things to do in Scunthorpe for kids and not mention Messingham Zoo.

This family-run business focuses on offering up-close encounters with smaller, friendlier animals than more traditional zoos. Education is a key part of their experience, specifically around day-to-day care and welfare of the animals they house.

With everything from meerkats and prairie dogs to foxes, owls, and pigs, there are hundreds of animals waiting to welcome the whole family. And, if you get peckish during your visit, the onsite tearoom serves hot and cold drinks and light bites.

Things to Do for Adults in Scunthorpe

Planning a night out with friends or looking for somewhere new to go on date night? Well, Scunthorpe is home to a couple of local venues that offer plenty beyond the usual dinner and drinks.

Scunthorpe Speedway

For something a little different, Scunthorpe Speedway offers a fast-paced evening at the Eddie Wright Raceway, home of the Scunthorpe Scorpions. This venue brings together motorsport and community spirit with regular events that are exciting and welcoming to all.

This track is known for competitive racing, with riders going around bends at earth-shattering speeds.

For adrenaline-loving couples, it makes for a thrilling date night.

An empty stage of the theater, lit by spotlights and smoke before the performance

Scunthorpe Theatres

Another of the best things for adults to do is an evening at Scunthorpe Theatres. Offering a varied programme of live entertainment across two venues, The Baths Hall and The Plowright Theatre, you can enjoy everything from touring comedy shows and live music to community shows and the annual pantomime.

The Baths Hall is the larger of the two venues, while The Plowright Theatre is a more traditional 300-seat experience. So, whether you’re after a big-name act or a smaller local production, both venues are worth checking when planning a night out.