There’s a lot on this half term: we’ve waded through it all and found the best of the best for our half-term guide.
All the way through half term:
👩🏽🌾 High Lodge Farm: The Big Bale Play
Britain’s biggest bale playground! A big grass field with 300 giant straw bales for children to climb, jump and tumble through. There’s wooden garden games, barrel train rides (additional charge) and local food and refreshments. Half term only so don’t miss out!
🗓 Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June⏰ Gates open at 10am – 5pm with last entry at 3:30pm 💴 Tickets from £4.50 (cheaper to buy online) 🎫 Pre-booking recommended for cheaper tickets ℹ️ Book your tickets here.
🐭University Church of St Mary the Virgin: Free mouse trail
Join Thomas Cranmouse for an all new adventure this half term, as he time-travels through 1000 years of history. Can you help him make it back in time for supper? Solve riddles along the way as part of this free family activity for half term. Take your completed trail to the shop to receive a prize!
🗓 Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June⏰ 9.30am – 5pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking needed ℹ️ More info on their website
🗺️ Waterperry Gardens Gnometastic Trail
Look carefully around our gardens to find the 8 cheeky little gnomes hiding. When you find one, write their name next to their number. Be careful, trust gnome one, some of the gnomes may have written their names backwards! Everyone gets a prize and the adults get to have a look at the beautiful gardens…the wisteria is a delight!
🗓 Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June⏰ 10am – 5.30pm💴 Adults: £12.50, U16: Free, Trail costs £4.50 🎫 No pre-booking ℹ️ More info on the Waterperry Gardens website and see one of our visits here.
🌙Museum of the Moon: Family Week at Harwell Campus
Join over May half-term week for an out-of-this-world experience beneath the Moon. Step into a space-themed adventure designed to captivate curious young minds. Suspended in space and measuring six metres in diameter, Luke Jerram’s stunning moon installation combines detailed lunar imagery from NASA with soft, ambient lighting and surround sound.
🗓 Wednesday 28th May – Saturday 31st May⏰ 11am – 3pm (1 hour slots) 💴 Adults: £3, Children: £2 🎫 Pre-booking requited ℹ️ More info on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
🛝South Oxford Adventure Playground
Open on selected dates for the holiday playscheme this half term. Children can enjoy being outside, climbing, building dens, arts and crafts and more! There’s different rules for different days: 27th and 30th May, everybody welcome, just drop in. 28th and 29th May, over 7s only, no grown-ups allowed.
📅 Tuesday 27th May – Friday 30th May ⏰10am – 4pm💴 Free 🎫 Registration needed for over 7sℹ️ Date and time details on this SOAP Facebook post and and registration details on SOAP website.
📚The Story Museum: Small Worlds
This session for pre-schoolers is every bit as magical as the museum. Step into and explore five story-themed zones. Interactive, fun and with a free craft session thrown in too!
🗓 Running daily in the school holidays⏰10:15am, 11:45am, 1:15pm, 2:45pm, 4:15pm 💴 £6.50 per person 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ Book via the Story Museum website and check out our latest visit to Small Worlds here.
SATURDAY 24th MAY
🔭 Science Oxford – Family Days
This is something you will not regret booking! We LOVE these family days and highly recommend them. I’ve been with my children multiple times and on loads of school trips here too. Explore, discover, and play in the Exploration Zone and create and test flying designs at the Air Table, build a giant magnetic ball run, and see what’s hot and what’s not with the Curious Camera. Splash and be curious in the Water Lab outdoors and pick up an Explorer Backpack and see what wildlife you can spot on the outdoor nature trails around the meadows, woodland and ponds.
📅 Saturday 24th May⏰ 10.00am – 12.00pm/ 12.30pm – 2.30pm/ 3.00pm – 5.00pm 💴 £8 per person, Under 3: free 🎫 Booking required ℹ️ More info on the Science Oxford website. Read about one of our visits here.
🔭 History of Science Museum: How Does it Work
Get hands-on with the collection and experience fascinating objects in action. There’s SEND-friendly backpacks too which are designed to help children explore science stories through hands-on activities.
📅Saturday 24th and 25th May ⏰12 noon – 4pm 💴Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the History of Science Museum website.
🛼Roller Disco at Park Sports Centre, Wheatley
Get your skates on! These popular roller disco sessions are to disco lights and pop music. Either bring your own skates or rent them (up to size 8). Book in advance as they fill up very quickly! Suitable for ages 4 – 15.
📅Every Saturday ⏰5.30pm – 7pm 💴 £7.15 per ticket 🎫 Booking required ℹ️ Book via the Better website
SUNDAY 25th MAY
🚌Oxford Bus Museum: ERN1E’s Retro Wheels
ERN1E’s Retro Wheels is a brand-new event that captures the spirit of the earliest transport rallies. Named after the beloved playbus, ERN1E (we 💓you ERN1E!) , this unique gathering will spotlight 12 rare visiting vehicles and dozens from the museum’s own collection – many not seen together before. This is more than a vehicle rally – it’s a tribute to the early preservationists and a throwback to the golden age of classic bus events. FREE Heritage bus rides through Woodstock, Witney, and the surrounding countryside.
📅 Sunday 25th May ⏰ 10am – 4pm 💴 Adults: £8, Junior: £6 Children under 5 : Free (cash) 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Visit the Oxford Bus Museum website for more details.
⛪ Barton Abbey: Open Day
Ever heard of the National Garden Scheme? It gives visitors unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, and raises impressive amounts of money (millions and millions and millions) for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake. Barton Abbey in Steeple Barton (OX25) has a 15 acre garden with views from the house (not open) across sweeping lawns and a picturesque lake. There is also a walled garden, informal woodland and meadows to wander through. Children are very welcome, as are dogs on a short lead.
📅 Sunday 25th May ⏰ 2pm – 5pm 💴 Adults: £5, Children : Free (cash) 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Visit the NGS website for more details on this opening and search for more local openings whilst you are there!
🏠Kingston Bagpuize House
Perfect your Dowager of Grantham face as this Downtown Abbey gem is ready for you! You don’t have to be prim and proper here though – run wild in the meadows, spot allllllll the colours on all the borders and enjoy tea and cake on the lawn. What a delight! Reminder: this is in your Gardeners’ World 2-4-1 deal!
🗓 Sunday 25th May⏰1pm – 4pm 💴 Adults £10, Students £4, Primary aged children: Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ See the website for more info and one of our visits here.
🎵JDP Cushion Concert
An introduction to different styles of music and instruments to children and their families. Bring your cushions to sit on and your best singing voice, dancing feet and clapping hands!
📅 Sunday 25th May ⏰Under 5s: 10am & 11am, Over 5s: 12pm 💴 All tickets: £7, Under 1: Free 🎫 Booking required ℹ️ See website for further details.
🔭 History of Science Museum: How Does it Work
Get hands-on with the collection and experience fascinating objects in action. There’s SEND-friendly backpacks too which are designed to help children explore science stories through hands-on activities.
📅Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May ⏰12 noon – 4pm 💴Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the History of Science Museum website.
MONDAY 26th MAY (BANK HOLIDAY)
🚂 Cutteslowe Miniature Railway
A lovely miniature railway experience and great value for money too. There is SO much to do at Cutteslowe park: numerous playgrounds, huge sandpit, free splash park (now open!), crazy golf, tennis courts, wildlife area, duck pond, beach volleyball court, café and more! It’s easily a whole day adventure!
📅 26th May ⏰ 1pm – 4.30pm 💴 £2 per ticket, Under 2’s free with fare paying adult🎫 No booking required ℹ️ See the website for more details and more pictures from our visit here.
🏠Bekonscot Model Village
Have you booked your ticket to the world’s oldest model village? It is the perfect half-term outing! ! So quaint, and the perfect place for the little ones to feel like giants.
🗓 Open 7 days a week ⏰10am – 5.30pm 💴Adult: £14, Children: £9 🎫 Booking recommended for cheaper prices ℹ️ More info on the website and see all the (very sweet!) pics and info here.
🚌Oxford Bus Museum: Classic Car Day
A Classic Car gathering full of automotive nostalgia! The museum is home to over 40 vintage buses and coaches – plus cars, bicycles, and more – the museum tells the story of public transport in Oxfordshire and beyond. Very interesting for families and lots for children too!
📅 Sunday 25th May ⏰ 10am – 4pm 💴 Adults: £8, Junior: £6 Children under 5 : Free (cash) 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Visit the Oxford Bus Museum website for more details (scroll down for the info).
TUESDAY 27th MAY
🌱Earth Trust: Little Acorns on Tour
A special free event at Riverside Meadows, the community reserve in Wallingford Trust cares for. At this drop in session, your little ones can come and connect with the natural world with the help of the Earth Trust friendly team. They’ll be investigating the season with a variety of activities for little adventurers to discover, messing about in boats in this Wind in the Willows themed event.
🗓 Tuesday 27th May⏰10am – 12 noon 💴 FREE 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ Details and booking here.
💦Radley Pool Fun Sessions
Two large inflatable assault courses, pool toys and two diving boards! These pool sessions area whole lot of fun. These sessions are for children aged 8-12 years old and parents are not permitted in the pool with the children. The session is fully lifeguarded.
📅 Tuesday 27th May ⏰ 2.30pm – 4pm 💴 £8 per person 🎫 Pre booking required ℹ️ Book on the Radley website.
🐂The Oxfordshire Museum: An Ox for Oxford
Take part in model making to make your own Ox for Oxford and make garlands to wear to celebrate the season.
🗓 Tuesday 27th May ⏰10.30am – 12.30pm/ 2pm – 4pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Details on all the museum’s family activities here.
WEDNESDAY 28th MAY
😆 Oxford Play Spaces: Pop up play
The first of many free pop-up play events. Enjoy sensory play, educational activities and more! Did you sign the petition calling for a play space in the city? This is a taster to see if there’s appetite for it so make sure you pile on down! This one is at Leiden Square in the Westgate and they are running throughout summer at locations in the city – check them out here.
🗓 Wednesday 28th May⏰11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Details on the Oxfordshire County Council website.
🗺️Hill End: Family Maps and Trails Day
Love Hill End! Get outside on this family fun day and enjoy trails and nature-based activities. Map games for the youngest children, all the way up to more challenging orienteering courses. A self-led day for children and their parents/carers to enjoy together.
🗓 Wednesday 28th May⏰10am – 2pm 💴 Adults: £6, Children: £4 🎫 Pre-booking required ℹ️ Details and booking on Hill End website.
🚜 Mead and Sons Farm shop: Meet the Machines
The perfect day for young machinery enthusiasts! A great chance to come and see some farm machines in action! This event is free to attend with the chance to donate to a selected charity on the day.
🗓 Wednesday 28th May⏰10am – 2pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Details on the Mead and Sons Facebook page.
🌲Harcourt Arboretum: Marvellous Meadows Family Day
As part of UK Meadows Day and Fascination of Plants Day 2025, the arboretum will open their meadows to the public, offering bug hunting and meadow plants guided tours, educational activities, and a chance to explore these vital habitats. This event will celebrate the beauty and importance of wildflower meadows.
🗓 Wednesday 28th May ⏰11am – 3pm 💴 Adults: £7.20, Children: £3 (under 2 free) 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Visit the Arboretum website for info.
🔬Oxford Natural History Museum: Meet the Scientists – Try out Research
Join the Oxford University Experimental Psychology team to take part in real research. Try to a VR headset, listen to a story, or have a go a drawing different facial expressions. Taking part in these activities will help scientists discover more about children’s behaviour and how their brains work.
🗓 Wednesday 28th May ⏰10.30am – 12.30pm 💴 Free🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Visit the Oxford Natural History Museum website for more info.
THURSDAY 29th MAY
🎧 Weston Library: Listen In Family Fun
Why was radio such a family craze 100 years ago? How important is it now? Lots of activities: 1920s radio-themed crafts, could you be a broadcaster? Print a keepsake, marvellous Morse code, family exhibition trail and ‘Children’s Hour’ storytelling with Lucy Walters.
🗓 Thursday 29th May ⏰ 11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Details on Weston Library website.
🔎 Natural History Museum at Tring: Bioblitz
Something a bit different! Get outside and help experts investigate the grounds and record what animals and plants are on-site in family-friendly activities including pond dipping and mini-beasting.
🗓 Thursday 29th May ⏰ 10am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Details on Tring website. See one of our previous visits to the museum here.
🐰 Museum of Oxford: A Hare’s Journey
Be inspired by the Museum of Oxford’s Henry Hare, and create your own brown hare puppet using recyclable materials. Explore the place of the brown hare in our natural environment and consider the impacts of a changing climate.
🗓 Thursday 29th May ⏰ 10.30am -12.30pm and 1.30pm -3.30pm 💴 £2.33 per child 🎫 Pre-booking essential ℹ️ Details on MOX website.
🐉The Oxfordshire Museum: Coats of Arms
Join us for crafting fun in this family activity design to inspire you to make a heraldic shield of your favourite things.
🗓 Thursday 29th May ⏰10.30am – 12.30pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ Details on all the museum’s family activities here.
💦Radley Pool Fun Sessions
Two large inflatable assault courses, pool toys and two diving boards! These pool sessions area whole lot of fun. These sessions are for children aged 8-12 years old and parents are not permitted in the pool with the children. The session is fully lifeguarded.
📅 Thursday 29th May ⏰ 2.30pm – 4pm 💴 £8 per person 🎫 Pre booking required ℹ️ Book on the Radley website.
FRIDAY 30th MAY
🪁Banbury Museum: Make a kite
Make and decorate a paper kite. For children ages 3+ years.
📅 Friday 30th May ⏰ 10.30am – 12.30pm / 1.30pm – 3.30pm 💴 £3 🎫 Pre-booking essential ℹ️ Visit the Banbury Museum website to book and check out the other half term activities.
🐏 Oxford City Farm: Family Friendly Day
Lots of new animals at the farm including chicks, pigs and kids. There’s also old favourites: goats, sheep and chickens. Walk the Wildlife Walk amongst the chickens and peep at the beehives. There’s also an area for free play and much to learn about farm to fork in the vegetable patch. Community farming – we love you!
📅 Open every Friday and Saturday⏰ 10am – 1pm 💴 Free 🎫 Booking only needed for parties over 10 ℹ️ Visit the Oxford City Farm website for more info. Never been to the farm? Check out our recent visit here.
SATURDAY 31st MAY
🥳Headington Festival
This two day festival at Bury Knowle park is such fun and it’s nice to see it return after a hiatus. Saturday sees an extended market on London Rd and an open air cinema in the park. They haven’t announced the films yet but the 4pm one is usually a children’s film and the 7.30 one a bit more grown up. See below for Sunday’s line-up.
📅 Saturday 31st and Sunday 1st June ⏰9am – 2pm then afternoon and evening cinema 💴 Free 🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ There’s not much info up yet on the Headington Action website but see poster in photos.
📚Story Museum: Neill Cameron Book Signing
Join Neill Cameron, comic writer and illustrator, in the museum shop for a special book signing to celebrate the next instalment of his Donut Squad series – Donut Squad: Take Over the World!
📅Saturday 31st May ⏰From 3.15pm 💴 Free 🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ Details on the Story Museum website
🦕Oxford Natural History Museum: Science Saturday
Every Saturday in May and June (apart from the 28th June) is Science Saturday! Participate in engaging, hands-on interactive activities that cover a broad range of topics including insects, fossils, rocks, skeletons and microscopes. Handle real specimens from the Museum’s collections with a team of volunteer scientists. Volunteers will guide you through various activities, encouraging you to ask questions, make observations, and investigate like a scientist.
📅Every Saturday in May and June (not the 28th June) ⏰2pm – 4pm 💴 Free 🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ More info on the museum website.
🔭Science Oxford – Family Days
This is something you will not regret booking! We LOVE these family days and highly recommend them. I’ve been with my children multiple times and on loads of school trips here too. Explore, discover, and play in the Exploration Zone and create and test flying designs at the Air Table, build a giant magnetic ball run, and see what’s hot and what’s not with the Curious Camera. Splash and be curious in the Water Lab outdoors and pick up an Explorer Backpack and see what wildlife you can spot on the outdoor nature trails around the meadows, woodland and ponds.
📅 Saturday 24th May⏰ 10.00am – 12.00pm/ 12.30pm – 2.30pm/ 3.00pm – 5.00pm 💴 £8 per person, Under 3: free 🎫 Booking required ℹ️ More info on the Science Oxford website. Read about one of our visits here.
🐏 Oxford City Farm: Family Friendly Day
Lots of new animals at the farm including chicks, pigs and kids. There’s also old favourites: goats, sheep and chickens. Walk the Wildlife Walk amongst the chickens and peep at the beehives. There’s also an area for free play and much to learn about farm to fork in the vegetable patch. Community farming – we love you!
📅 Open every Friday and Saturday ⏰ 10am – 1pm 💴 Free 🎫 Booking only needed for parties over 10 ℹ️ Visit the Oxford City Farm website for more info. Never been to the farm? Check out our recent visit here.
SUNDAY 1st JUNE
🥳Headington Festival – day 2
This two day festival at Bury Knowle park is such fun and it’s nice to see it return after a hiatus. Sunday is the big one with the huge festival at Bury Knowle. There’s farm animals, sports, inflatables, go-karts, balloons and more!
📅Saturday 31st and Sunday 1st June ⏰1pm – 5pm 💴 Free 🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ There’s not much info up yet on the Headington Action website but see poster in photos with details.
🎥 Ultimate Picture Palace: Kino Kids Club
The illusionist. What a classic. A struggling magician and a curious girl form a touching bond in this beautifully animated tale of friendship and wonder. Set in Scotland and based on a story by Jacques Tati, it’s pure cinematic magic.
🗓 Sunday 1st June ⏰1pm 💴 Adult: £6.00, Child: £4.00, Family (multiples of 4) £5.00 x 4 = £20.00
🎫 Booking recommended ℹ️ Book here
🚀The Market Tap at the Covered Market: Crafty Kids go to Space
It’s a takeover! The Space Store are taking over Crafty Kids this Sunday and for the next few weeks! Expect space themed crafts and colouring with different themed activities every week. Out of this world!
🗓 First Sunday of every month⏰10am – 12 pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in
💡FREE things to do…
Visit the Fantastic Mr Fox playground in East Hanney.
Take in the glorious views on the White Horse Hill – Wayland Smithy Walk.
Get on your boardwalk at the Hinksey Heights Nature Trail.
Have a brill time at Brill playground and windmill.
Discover the hidden gem that is Sydlings Copse.
Browse the shelves of Caper, the wonderfully bonkers bookshop of dreams.
👀Give us a read…
There is, unfortunately, a fair bit of rain over half term, our Top 5 mud-free pushchair walks may come in handy.
