Discover Oxfordshire's must-do family adventures.
How many can you tick off?
Little Oxplorers' top picks
Hand-picked days out that your little oxplorers won't stop talking about.
Step inside an extraordinary world of stories: wander through the Whispering Wood, play in the Story Arcade or climb through a wardrobe into Narnia. Fly with a snowman, play Poohsticks in the Hundred Acre Wood and discover a museum quite unlike any other.
Free, family-friendly exhibitions bring extraordinary stories and treasures to life. Babies and toddlers have their own cosy play-and-reading corner, the Toddleian.
Oxfordshire's most visited attraction last year! From Egyptian mummies to samurai armour, the free Ashmolean turns half a million years of history into a family adventure, with trails, games and hands-on activities.
Climb aboard for a brilliant family day out, with mighty steam engines, historic trains and unlimited rides on Steam Days. Explore 21 acres of railway adventure, get up close to magnificent locomotives and enjoy the thrill of travelling by steam. An absolute treat for children who love trains!
The Natural History Museum comes to the Westgate! 26 interactive installations, one for every letter of the alphabet, featuring everything from animals to ancient fossils. There are hands-on activities, puzzles and fascinating facts to discover along the way. Until the 9th September
Visiting Oxford city centre?
Don't miss out on these must-visit places! Tick them off as you go!
Oxfordshire's most visited attraction last year! From Egyptian mummies to samurai armour, the free Ashmolean turns half a million years of history into a family adventure, with trails, games and hands-on activities.
One of Oxford’s most iconic bookshops! Wander down into the vast Norrington Room, a hidden underground treasure trove of books, then browse the children’s section for a little Oxford literary magic. The Blackwell's art and poster shop across the road is also worth a browse; it's packed with quirky finds.
Give little legs a rest and see Oxford’s dreaming spires from the top of an open-top bus. Hop on and off at the city’s biggest sights, with games, quests and Mia Cloo’s special commentary for younger explorers.
Open since 1774, the Covered Market is packed with iconic Oxford treats to tick off your list: a Moo Moo’s milkshake, Ben’s Cookies and Coba bubble tea. Grown-ups can brave a wedge of wonderfully stinky Oxford Blue from the Oxford Cheese Company - we've tried it and love it!
See the equations that once filled Einstein’s mind, still chalked on his blackboard from an Oxford lecture in 1931. Then explore curious scientific instruments, from ancient astrolabes to microscopes, with hands-on family activities and explorer backpacks.
Modern Art Oxford welcomes curious minds of every age! Playful exhibitions, hands-on activities and a free creative studio. Afterwards, refuel in the disco-inspired café, complete with 'hands-in-the-air' furniture. It's an absolute blast!
The Natural History Museum comes to the Westgate! 26 interactive installations, one for every letter of the alphabet, featuring everything from animals to ancient fossils. There are hands-on activities, puzzles and fascinating facts to discover along the way. Until the 9th September
We call Oxford Botanic Garden ‘Oxford’s jungle’ and it’s easy to see why! Head into the incredible glasshouses to discover rainforests, carnivorous plants, water lilies and plants from around the world. Then explore the Walled and Lower Gardens, spotting flowers, fish and even the Cheshire Cat along the way. Under 16s go free.
Absolutely steeped in history, Oxford Castle & Prison brings 1,000 years of traitors, royals and rebels thrillingly to life. Follow costumed guides into ancient cells and a spooky crypt, then climb the Saxon tower for spectacular city views.
Oxford University has 43 'colleges' but far and away the most popular is Christ Church - you may already be familiar with it from Harry Potter!
One of Oxford’s most beautiful colleges and a real quintessential Oxford experience. Wander through the stunning cloisters before following Addison’s Walk, a 1.5km circular stroll alongside the River Cherwell. Keep an eye out for deer in the Deer Park, the resident heron and punts gliding past - magical for grown-ups and little explorers alike. Free for Oxford residents.
An absolute hidden gem away from the wilds of the city. Tucked behind St Edmund Hall is this quiet little churchyard café, housed in a repurposed former gardener’s office and now serving barista coffee and pastries made by the college pastry chefs.
A museum packed from floor to ceiling with fascinating objects from around the world. Kids can peer into drawers, hunt for hidden treasures and pick up one of the free family trails, including the brilliant Mouse Trail. Even better, entry is free! This is connected to the Museum of Natural History - tick off both in one go!
So very Oxford! A classic Oxford experience - hire a punt from Magdalen Bridge and make your way along the River Cherwell. Punting is surprisingly hard work, but figuring out how to steer (and trying not to crash into the bank) is half the fun!
Head to the top of South Park for incredible views across Oxford, a great playground and plenty of space for kids to run free. It’s a favourite local spot for watching the sun go down - bring a picnic and make an evening of it.
Step inside an extraordinary world of stories: wander through the Whispering Wood, play in the Story Arcade or climb through a wardrobe into Narnia. Fly with a snowman, play Poohsticks in the Hundred Acre Wood and discover a museum quite unlike any other.
Oxford’s answer to Central Park: 70 acres of green space where children can run wild, climb trees and spot ducks, swans and cygnets. Follow the paths to the ponds and Swift Tower, then reward yourself with a crêpe. This is right next to the Museum of Natural History - visit both and tick them off!
Free, family-friendly exhibitions bring extraordinary stories and treasures to life. Babies and toddlers have their own cosy play-and-reading corner, the Toddleian.
Further afield but worth travelling for
Brilliant adventures just outside of Oxford, but too good to miss.
Climb aboard for a brilliant family day out, with mighty steam engines, historic trains and unlimited rides on Steam Days. Explore 21 acres of railway adventure, get up close to magnificent locomotives and enjoy the thrill of travelling by steam. An absolute treat for children who love trains!
There’s a dinosaur lurking in the garden at the Oxfordshire Museum - and even more prehistoric fun inside. Dress up as a dinosaur, feed roaring dino heads and tackle games, puzzles. There's also fascinating stories about local history and hands on activities.
An absolutely cracking newly-refurbished playground, summer games and acres upon acres to run around. Plus a little history and a rather spectacular French-style château to admire while you’re there.
