Family friendly summer holiday activities at Silverstone

Looking for things to do with the kids during the summer holidays? From getting behind the wheel at Kart Silverstone to exploring the history of British motorsport at Silverstone Museum, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

Karting at Silverstone

Kart Silverstone offers outdoor karting experiences for young drivers from as young as six, with sessions designed for different ages and abilities.

There are two junior categories:

• Bambino Racer: for 6 and 7-year-olds
• Junior Racer: for 8 to 15-year-olds

Bambino Racer sessions are designed to give younger children their first taste of karting, with expert instruction helping them learn the basics and build confidence on track. The mandatory Bambino induction includes a safety briefing, kart handling, steering basics and guided practice.

Once they’ve completed their induction, young drivers can progress to Open Laps, with live lap timing and leaderboards.
For 8 to 15-year-olds, Junior Racer experiences include Open Laps, Sprint races and Solo Coaching. The Junior Sprint gives young racers the full competitive experience, with qualifying followed by a race and a podium presentation for the top three.

Which Kart Silverstone experience is right for my child?

Minimum height requirements apply, so it’s advised to check before booking. 

Find out more and book Kart Silverstone

Explore Silverstone Museum

For a family day out that mixes motorsport, history and hands-on activities, Silverstone Museum is hard to beat, and there’s an extra reason to visit during the summer holidays: children aged 15 and under can visit Silverstone Museum for free this summer.

Inside the Museum, families can discover the story of Silverstone and British motorsport through legendary cars, interactive exhibits and immersive experiences.

There are more than 60 interactive activities to discover, designed to bring the technology and history of racing to life. Kids can test their strength with the replica F1 brake, explore the science behind racing technology in the Tech Lab and head outside to Luffield Terrace to see the circuit.

Try the Silverstone Museum Sim Suite

The Sim Suite at Silverstone Museum puts visitors in the driving seat for a 30-minute racing simulator experience, and in August, you can receive 10% off your booking!

Follow the Heritage Track Trail

The Heritage Track Trail route starts at Silverstone Museum and takes in historic areas around the circuit, including the BRDC Farm and Wellington Straight. Along the way, information boards reveal some of the memorable moments and stories from Silverstone's past.

It’s included with Silverstone Museum entry, so it’s an easy way to add some fresh air to your visit.

Find out more and book Silverstone Museum

Watch Formula 1 at Escapade Silverstone

You can also head to Escapade Silverstone to watch Race Days Live.

The Gallery at Escapade Silverstone shows live Formula 1 races throughout the 2026 season, giving families and friends a chance to enjoy the action together over food and drinks.

There’s still a summer Grand Prix to catch during the school holidays:

Dutch Grand Prix

• Date: Sunday 23 August 2026
• Time: 2pm

The race will be shown live at Escapade Silverstone, with the venue's summer roof deck offering another spot to enjoy the atmosphere before and after the race.

It’s a particularly good option if you’ve got young motorsport fans in the family who want to experience the atmosphere of a Grand Prix without travelling abroad.

Find out more and book Race Days Live at Escapade Silverstone

Get outdoors at Stowe Gardens

Looking for a family day out away from the racetrack? There are plenty of places to explore around Silverstone too.

Just a short drive away, Stowe Gardens offers 250 acres of historic landscape to explore, with lakes, woods, temples and winding paths.

The National Trust highlights its family-friendly routes and the chance to explore the gardens and parkland. There’s also plenty to discover along the way, from wildlife and wildflowers to hidden corners and spectacular monuments.

Stowe is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with free parking available. Children under five also visit for free.

Family activities at Silverstone: FAQs

What can kids do at Silverstone?

Kids can go karting at Kart Silverstone, explore interactive exhibits at Silverstone Museum, try the Museum's Sim Suite and follow the Heritage Track Trail. Children aged 15 and under can currently visit Silverstone Museum for free during summer 2026.

What age can children go karting at Silverstone?

Kart Silverstone offers Bambino Racer experiences for children aged 6 and 7, while Junior Racer experiences are available for children aged 8 to 15. Minimum height requirements also apply.

Is Silverstone Museum good for kids?

Yes. Silverstone Museum has more than 60 interactive exhibits and activities, including the Tech Lab, replica F1 brake and Bike Set-Up experience. There is also a Heritage Track Trail and the Sim Suite for an additional racing experience.

Is Silverstone Museum free for children?

Children aged 15 and under can currently visit Silverstone Museum for free during August 2026. Check the Museum's latest ticket information before visiting, as offers and admission prices can change.

What are some things to do with kids near Silverstone?

As well as activities at Silverstone, families can visit nearby attractions such as Stowe Gardens, where children can explore 250 acres of historic gardens and parkland, including lakes, woodland, temples and monuments.

What can you do with kids in the summer holidays?

There are plenty of options depending on the age and interests of your children. Families visiting Silverstone can try karting, explore a motorsport museum, experience a racing simulator, follow an outdoor heritage trail or watch a live Formula 1 race at Escapade Silverstone.