We’ve crawled to the end of term but fear not, our Summer Guide to Oxford for families is your trusty companion. Now let the juggle begin!
Our top picks are here at the top, our hot weather guide to Oxford here and scroll down for our day by day guide:
⭐ Our Summer Picks (sponsored feature) ⭐
The following attractions have paid to feature in our Summer Guide. We only work with places we highly recommend to families.
🧑🏻🌾 Earth Trust: Harvest at The Clumps
There is so much in these sessions it’s really quite hard to fit it all in to one paragraph! Trails, bales, edible classroom (we’re excited for this!) Bee keeping, nature table, mini tractors, garden games and more! We’ve been regulars to these events for over 10 years and always come out having had loads of fun and learned something about the land and nature. It’s only on for 4 days – don’t miss out, book now!
🚀 Summer of Space Holiday Club
Chances are you know somebody who has done these clubs at Science Oxford as they are ridiculously popular. Their Summer of Space Holiday Club takes 7–11-year-olds on some very cool adventures with an immersive inflatable planetarium, rocket launches, rover engineering, stop-motion animation and outdoor science in their 15 acres of woodland. Two dates: 18th – 20th and 25th – 27th August.
🎭Watermill Theatre: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
How do you fit a flying car into a theatre with just 220 seats? That’s exactly why I love the Watermill. Every production feels like a bit of theatrical wizardry, with actors, musicians and ingenious staging combining to create something that somehow feels bigger than the space itself. The intimate auditorium means there’s barely a fourth wall – you’re completely immersed in the action from the moment the lights go down. It’s no surprise this tiny theatre regularly earns five-star reviews from national newspapers and the same theatre critics covering the West End. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is on until 13th September – book now as seats are low !
🚂Didcot Railway Centre
Didcot Railway Centre isn’t just for little train lovers. Alongside steam train rides, there’s plenty to explore from climbing aboard old locomotives and exploring vintage carriages to play areas and hands-on activities. With special events running throughout the summer holidays, it’s an easy family day out with lots to discover. We’re looking forward to their Family Fun Day and Brick Adventures – check out the what’s on page for the sull summer calendar.
🦅Weston Library
We have been featuring the Weston for YEARS in our guides! Family freindly exhibitions, events, a book corner and of course the Toddelian Library – which has had a bit of a re-vamp. It’s all for free and always high quality, family fun. Over summer they have a series of Summer Family Fun family events with stories, crafts and creative writing, plus a pop up at the Arboretum and (delightfully) an offer for babies with ‘Birdsong with Babies.’ These are all linked to the ‘Wonder of Birds’ free exhibition – I’ve been, it’s brilliant.
🚂 Pendon Museum
Yes, we are definitely in our train era! Pendon Museum is a hidden gem where tiny trains travel through beautifully detailed miniature villages and landscapes inspired by places you’ll recognise. This summer, alongside the famous model railway, you can enjoy junior model-making, a dolls’ house exhibition and plenty of miniature magic.
😀 Museum of Natural History: Meet the scientists and try out research!
Join the Oxford University Experimental Psychology team to take part in real research. Take part in fun activities to help scientists discover more about children’s behaviour and how their brains work.
📅 Monday 10th August ⏰10.30am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info on the OU Museum of Natural History page.
Tuesday 11th August
🦅 Weston Library: Summer Family Fun
Discover the seven wonders of birds through creative art, storytelling and writing activities inspired by the creatures of the air.
📅 Tuesday 11th August⏰11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ Visit the Weston Library website for more info.
🦋 Waterperry Gardens: Butterfly Trail
Pick up a trail map and set off on a butterfly hunt around the gardens! Using the map and compass, search for hidden butterflies, collecting stickers along the way. Find as many as you can and win a prize. Don’t forget the playground on the lawn for a run around after. Need to use public transport? Good news! A new bus route is operating on weekends and bank holidays between Thornhill Park & Ride, Wheatley and Waterperry Gardens. Buses will call at all local bus stops on the line of route.
📅 Until 6th September ⏰10am – 5.30pm 💴Adults: £12.95, Under 16: Free, Trail price: £5.25 per trail (includes prize) 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on Waterperry Gardens page.
🌓Science Oxford: Eclipse in the Park
Join Science Oxford for a relaxed, family-friendly evening celebrating a partial solar eclipse at Margaret Road Recreation Ground in Headington. This is a rare opportunity to see the Moon pass in front of the Sun, with up to 90–93% of the Sun covered at peak, a dramatic sight when viewed safely. Even is the event is sold out, please join the waitlist so they can gauge numbers. The event is in Margaret Rd recreation ground in Headington (next to Windmill).
🔭History of Science Museum Sensory Trail: Materials Magnified
See everyday materials in a whole new way with microscopes and sensory activities for curious little oxplorers.
📅 Thursday 13th August ⏰2pm – 4pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the History of Science page.
💦 Blackbird Leys Pool: Inflatable Aqua Challenge
This is so fun, my boys go a lot. A huge inflatable obstacle course in the pool to run, slip, slide and – of course – eventually fall in. Age 6+. Don’t forget the U17 FREE swimming is still on.
📅Saturday 15th August ⏰12.30pm – 1.30pm 💴 Adult: £6, Junior: £3.85 🎫 Booking recommended ℹ️ Visit BBL pool website to book
