If you’re looking for free ways to entertain the kids or cut the cost of days out, the answer might just be hiding in plain sight…the Blue Peter badge. Yes, the same one from your childhood!
Blue Peter badges are still going strong and are available for children aged 6 to 15 who submit something creative to the show. But here’s the real magic: a Blue Peter badge gets your child into over 200 UK attractions for free – when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
Whether your child is an artist, an animal lover, a little eco-warrior, or a budding sports star, there’s a badge for them. And best of all? It’s completely free to apply.
What is a Blue Peter Badge?
A Blue Peter badge is a special award from the BBC, recognising effort, creativity, or passion. There are several types of badge, each with its own theme:
- Blue Badge – The classic! For sending in letters, artwork or creative ideas.
- Green Badge – For nature lovers or children who’ve made a difference to the environment.
- Silver Badge – For extra effort after receiving a Blue badge.
- Sports Badge – Awarded for taking on physical challenges or sporting achievements.
- Music Badge – For showing your passion for music or playing an instrument. Fan Club
- (Orange) Badge – For fans of CBBC shows.
- Gold Badge – Rare and given for outstanding contributions.
How to Apply for a Blue Peter Badge
Applying is really simple – and a brilliant rainy day project for the kids.
Visit the Blue Peter badge page. Choose the badge that suits your child best. Download and complete the relevant form. Write a letter, draw a picture, or complete the challenge. Post it off to the Blue Peter team (address on the website) with a photo of your child.
Badges can take around 8–10 weeks to arrive, so get applying early if you’re planning to use it in the school holidays!
Once the badge arrives, your child will also receive a Blue Peter Badge Card which unlocks the real benefits. You just need to add a passport style photo to the card and then you’re ready to go.
I bought a lanyard and keep Arlo’s card safe and have pinned his badges to this too – of course he’s applied for more than one!
Where Can You Use a Blue Peter Badge?
There are over 200 attractions across the UK that accept the Blue Peter badge card for free entry when accompanied by a full-paying adult. These include:
- Zoos and safari parks
- Theme parks
- Museums and science centres
- Historic buildings and castles
- Gardens and outdoor attractions
Top 5 Attractions You Can Visit for Free with a blue Peter badge
With your badge ID card, use it at these standout venues:
- ZSL London Zoo – Meet the animals and see conservation first-hand. Saving £25 plus from standard peak ticket pricing.
- Eden Project (Cornwall) – Explore giant biomes and sustainability exhibits. Saving £16 on the door ticket price
- Edinburgh Zoo – A beautiful day out in Scotland (and there’s more blue Peter attractions nearby if you’re planning a trip). Saving £17.50 on ticket prices.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Stunning gardens and outdoor learning. Saving £9 on the day ticket pricing
- Jorvik Viking Centre (York) – Ride through Viking-age excavations saving £12 child ticket pricing
Midlands Attractions Accepting the Blue Peter Badge
For families based in central England, these are local badge-friendly options:
- Dudley zoo
- Selly Manor Museum
- Kenilworth Castle and gardens
- The Ironbridge gorge museums
- Black Country Living Museum (Dudley) – Journey through industrial-era UK
- Hoo Zoo and dinosaur World
- Weston Park
- Harvington Hall
- Trentham Gardens
- Trentham Monkey Forest
- Harvington Hall
- Twycross Zoo
- 1620’s House and Garden
- Bosworth Battlefield and Heritage centre
- British motor museum
- Anne Hathaways cottage and other Shakespeare attractions nearby
- Stratford Upon Avon Butterfly Farm
- MAD museum
- Eastnor Castle
- Sudeley Castle
Before visiting, always double-check booking rules as some sites require online advance booking and limit badge-holder numbers per adult.
We have managed to save so much money the last couple of summer holidays with this badge, I keep ours in the glovebox of the car and always check online to see if there are any attractions which accept the pass when we are on our travels. There are so many places to explore all over the UK. For more ideas and inspiration for the summer holidays we have you covered with our guides to cheap days out and rainy day indoor activities too!