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.
🎭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.
Saturday 18th July
🗿 Ashmolean Festival of Archaeology
We all have those budding archaeologists – get them here for excavations, sensory experiences, drawing, poetry and more. Really interesting ways of engaging children with archaeology. We went last year and it was fascinating for all ages.
📅 Saturday 18th July ⏰ 11am- 4pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info on the Ashmolean website.
🚘✨Watermill Theatre: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ( This 2.30pm performance is a captioned, relaxed performance)
This small converted-mill theatre seats only 200 and the wrap around staging offers a crazy immersive experience. Their latest offering, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has had incredible reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: The Stage, WhatsOnStage, London Theatre Reviews, Sunday Express…and more!) And guess what? It’s our ‘local’, only 20 minutes South of Oxford. Tickets are selling fast – get in there!
📅 On until 13th September ⏰ Different times 💴 Tickets start at £25 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ See the preview video and book tickets on the Watermill Theatre website.
🕵🏾♀️The Story Museum: Mystery Academy NEW
Calling all super sleuths! Can you solve the mystery before time runs out? Step inside the brand-new Mystery Academy and follow clues, crack puzzles and search for the missing Head Teacher. Explore a forensics lab, uncover hidden doors and put your detective skills to the test in this immersive adventure. Included with Gallery admission. Perfect for curious minds aged 5+.
📅Open everyday in the summer holidays ⏰10am – 5.30pm 💴 Adults: £14.50, Child (+5): £12.70, Child (1 – 4): £6.60 🎫 Booking recommended ℹ️ More info on the Story Museum website.
👹Puppet Theatre Barge presents…Monster Soup at Blackbird Leys Library
A free, family-friendly shadow puppet workshop and show hosted by the Puppet Theatre Barge at various Oxfordshire libraries. Designed for children aged 4 to 10 (with parents/guardians), children learn how shadow puppets work and then create their own monsters. Rahhhhhh!
📅 Saturday 18th July ⏰ 10am- 11.30pm/ 11.30am – 1pm 💴 Free 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ More on how to book on the the BBL library fb page.
🌈 Thomley: Accessival
A place for people of all abilities and disabilities. This much anticipated festival has live music, delicious food and drink, funfair rides, inflatables, archery, giant bubbles, horse box bar and plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the day. It’s a brilliant opportunity to experience a festival in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Gated and fenced, good for runners.
📅 Saturday 18th July ⏰ 10am- 4pm 💴 £15 per ticket, Under 1: Free 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ More info and booking here.
🚒 Didcot Fire Station Open Day
Meet the crew, explore the fire engines and appliances and there’ll be some live demos too. All in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity – dig deep!
📅 Saturday 18th July ⏰ 10am- 4pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info on the Didcot Fire Station FB page.
🫧Oxford Play Association Playday : Cutteslowe Park
It’s your turn Cutteslowe! Huge, FREE playday with loads of activities. This is on the Sunnymead Recreation Ground on Wren Rd by Cutteslowe Community Centre so don’t go to the main park. Go-karting, zorbing, junk modelling, giant bubbles, face painting, ride on vehicles, tricky bike trails and loads more!
📅 Saturday 18th July ⏰ 11am- 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info on the OPA FB page.
🧱 Castle Quay Banbury: Summer Family Brick Event
Castle Quay is transforming into a hub of creativity, building, and massive family fun. Whether you have a house full of budding master builders or you are just looking for an engaging weekend activity for kids, this FREE Summer Brick Event has something for everyone. There’s also a character Meet and Greet and a Brick Trail to follow too.
📅 Saturday 18th July ⏰ On all day 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ Visit Castle Quay website for more.
🫏Cotswold Farm Park: Donkeys and Friends weekend
Over one weekend only, meet the donkeys and their adorable foals, hop on a donkey ride (£) , get creative with tail plaiting, and build your own donkey teddy bear(£) to take home. It’s a weekend donkey lovers shouldn’t miss!
📅 Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July ⏰ 11am- 4pm 💴 Adults: £16.95, Child: £13.95, Toddler: £8.95 🎫 Booking recommended ℹ️ More info on Cotswold Farm Park website.
Sunday 19th July
♥️Oxford City Farm: Neurodiversity Celebration Day
Absolutely love this. Designed for neurodivergent children, adults and families, this welcoming community event celebrates the strengths, experiences and diversity of the neurodiverse community. Alongside activities for all ages, there’ll be quiet spaces, opportunities to connect with others and local organisations offering information, advice and support in a relaxed, inclusive setting.
📅 Saturday 18th July ⏰12noon – 5pm 💴 Pay what you can 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info and booking on eventbrite.
🍓Rectory Farm: Strawberry picking
Rectory Farm have done away with their booking system this summer – which is both good and bad news. Good, because we don’t have to book and pay, and bad because the reason they’ve done this is that the strawberries have been suffering in the heatwave and not growing as fast. There will still be picking aplenty, just not at the same grand scale. We’ll do a rain dance and hope for a growth spurt! The cafe and the play area are defo worth a visit too.
📅 All summer ⏰ Monday to Saturday 9am – 5:30pm, Sunday 9am – 4pm.💴 Free entry 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info on Rectory Farm website.
Monday 20th July
🦋 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.
🌿 High Lodge Farm: Little Explorers Stay and Play summer sessions
A brand-new woodland stay-and-play for pre-schoolers and children under seven. There’s mud kitchens and water play, nature trails, digging and imaginative play, all in a lovely woodland setting. It’s great to have these sessions for little ones when all the toddler groups shut down for summer.
📅 Every Monday and Wednesday ⏰ 9.30am – 11am 💴 Adult and child: £10, Extra child: £5, Extra adult: £3, Under 1: Free 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ Booking on High Lodge Farm website (it’s had a revamp and looks fab!)
Tuesday 21st July
🔍University Parks: Science in the Parks
We go to this FREE event every year and it’s always mind opening and fun – plus it’s right next to the Museum of Natural History so would be rude not to pay a visit there too. Meet the scientists, test your balance and try exciting activities. What’s not to love?!
📅 Tuesday 21st July ⏰ 10am- 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info on their LinkedIn page.
🛝Oxfordshire Play Association: Blackbird Leys Playday
School’s out… now let the fun begin! Always a great community spirit at the BBL playdays. Go-karting, junk modelling, zorbing, ride on time, face painting, smoothie bike, trails, chemistry, upcycling and more more more!
📅 Tuesday 21st July ⏰ 11am- 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info on the OPA FB page.
🕵🏼♂️ Headington Library: Children’s escape room
This is a bit different! For children aged 8 – 12 years. A musical crime has been committed near the library! Can you help solve the mystery?
Put your thinking caps on, grab your magnifying glasses, and get ready to use your detective skills! Team up with others to solve riddles, decode cyphers, and “escape” the room before time runs out!
📅 Tuesday 21st July ⏰ 10am- 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ More info on the event and how to book on Headington Library fb page.
Wednesday 22nd July
🎻Academy of St Martins in the Fields (ASMF) x Tinklings
Collab heaven? Join in the fun and games with musicians of the world famous Academy of St Martin in the Fields at this super relaxed session for the under 8’s. All are welcome: families, friends and even dogs. Join the musical mayhem and mischief, games and short live performances. World-class, up-close classics.
📅 Wednesday 22nd July ⏰11am – 12 noon 💴 Free 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ Book on Eventbrite
🐉Oxford Playhouse: Zog
I’ve been to a few of these at the Playhouse and they are always brilliant, and great for wrigglers and jigglers at 1 hour long. The puppetry is absolutely fantastic and children will be gripped for the entire show. Suitable for 3+
📅 21st – 25th July ⏰ Various times 💴 From £21 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ Book here.
🐞Oxfordshire Play Association Playday: People’s park, Banbury
The OG and biggest playday of the year! A packed programme of free family activities, from sports and crafts to face painting, nature activities and wellbeing fun. This one is HUGE!
📅 Friday 22nd July ⏰ 11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the OPA fb page.
Thursday 23rd July
Modern Art Oxford: Holiday workshop
Explore the magical world of plants, herbs, and hidden wisdom. In this workshop, you’ll experiment with everyday ingredients like baking soda and turmeric to create our very own invisible ink. Paint your secret plant designs, and watch them colourfully appear. Suitable for all ages.
📅 Thursday 23rd July ⏰ 11am – 1pm/ 2pm – 4pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop – in ℹ️ More info on the Modern Art website.
👹Puppet Theatre Barge presents…Monster Soup at Didcot Library
A free, family-friendly shadow puppet workshop and show hosted by the Puppet Theatre Barge at various Oxfordshire libraries. Designed for children aged 4 to 10 (with parents/guardians), children learn how shadow puppets work and then create their own monsters. Rahhhhhh!
📅 Thursday 23rd July⏰ 10am- 11.30pm/ 11.30am – 1pm 💴 Free 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ More on how to book on Oxfordshire libraries page.
🛝Oxfordshire Play Association Playday: Eynsham
Back by popular demand! Go-karting, zorbing, junk modelling, smoothie bike, bubbles, toddler ride-ons, tricky trails, fire pay (😬), science and more!
📅 Thursday 23rd July ⏰ 11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the OPA FB page.
Friday 24th July
🌿Family Day at Oxford Botanic Gardens
A family-friendly day of activities – the highlight being the Teddy Bear’s Picnic! Get stuck into crafting activities or enjoy workshops from Wild Oxfordshire. There’s also the fascinating glasshouses and of course the smiling Cheshire cat to find.
📅 Friday 24th July ⏰12 noon – 4pm 💴 Tickets not on sale yet 🎫 Booking advised ℹ️ Tickets will be on sale on the Botanic Gardens website soon.
🦅Waddesdon Manor : Summer of Play (Birds of Prey)
Did you know that children go FREE this summer in the Waddesdon Summer of Play? They also have a really exciting calendar of events. From Thursday 23rd – Sunday 26th Berkshire Birds of Prey are at Waddesdon and you can get close, learn about their habitats and even don a glove and hold a bird yourself! All included in the packed Summer of Play calendar! NEW playground opens on the 1st August.
📅 Open Wednesday – Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday) ⏰ 10am – 5pm 💴 Ticket prices here. NT members and children go free from 22nd July – 31st August. 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on Waddesdon Manor website.
Saturday 25th July
💦Millets Farm: Slip n Slide
The UK’s largest slip n slide is sliding it’s way into Millets today! It’s all a bit bonkers…and we’re here for it! My inner child is so up for this after bin bag sliding in my back as a kid! Defo a ‘must book’ for summer.
📅 Until August 23rd ⏰1 hour sessions from 10am – 5pm 💴 £13.75 per ticket 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ More info on Millets website.
🐝Templars’ Square: Transformers Bumblebee meet and greet
Transformers fans of all ages will have the chance to meet the iconic Transformers robot character, snap a photo and see Bumblebee up close. Meet and greet times: 12pm – 12:20pm/ 1pm – 1:20pm/ 2pm – 2:20pm/ 3pm – 3:20pm.
📅 Saturday 25th July ⏰See times above 💴 Free 🎫 No booking ℹ️ More info on Templars Square website.
🦘Bounce Fest at Boundary Park
Inflatables of every shape and size from giant assault courses to toddler-friendly smaller bouncy castles, plus stalls and children’s activities. A £10 wristband gets you access to all the bouncing fun.
📅 Saturday 25th July ⏰11.30am – 5.30pm 💴 Children: £10, Adults: £2 🎫 Booking advised ℹ️ More info on the Time to Bounce FB page.
🔬History of Science Museum: Relaxed opening
A relaxed morning for exploring the Museum in a quieter setting. Created for neurodivergent and SEND visitors, those with sensory processing differences, and anyone who would enjoy a calmer environment for their visit. Pick up a SEND-friendly backpack on your visit to help you explore the museum. Email [email protected] to book your place.
📅 Saturday 25th July ⏰9am – 10am 💴Free 🎫 Booking required ℹ️ More info on History of Science website.
💦 Ferry 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 25th July ⏰12.30pm – 1.30pm 💴 Adult: £6.40, Junior: £4.10 🎫 Booking recommended ℹ️ Visit the Ferry pool website to book.
Sunday 26th July
💛 Hughenden NT: Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail
Pokémon fan? This is their summer sorted. Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges. Trail sheets will be available to collect on the day. NT members go free. Worth noting that the play area appears to be closed at the moment.
📅 Until 6th September ⏰10am – 4.30pm 💴Adults: £18, Child: (9 – 16): £9, Under 5: Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on Hughenden website.
🦋 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.
Monday 27th July
⚜️ Oxford Castle and Prison: Knight School
Calling all brave knights, including my own! We’ve done this twice in summer holidays and LOVED it! Train in the castle courtyard learning sword skills, shield techniques, archery and even jousting before taking part in a ceremonial knighting. Every child goes home with their very own wooden sword – ready for their next battle with their siblings 😬 Recommended for ages 5–11.
📅 Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 27th July ⏰11am/ 1pm 💴Adults + child: £13, Extra child: £11.50, Extra adult: £1.95 (includes sword) 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ More info on Oxford Castle and Prison website
🦣 Museum of Natural History – Then and Now: Oxfordshire’s amazing animals
Step into a world of amazing animals, from prehistoric creatures to the wildlife around us today! Make your own crafty creations and get hands-on with real specimens in this fun, interactive activity. Also on 3, 10, 17, 24 August.
📅 Monday 27th July ⏰ 1.30pm – 3.30pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ See Natural History Museum website for more info.
Tuesday 28th July
🧗🏾♂️ Waddesdon Manor : Summer of Play (Active Week)
Did you know that children go FREE this summer in the Waddesdon Summer of Play? They also have a really exciting calendar of events. From Wednesday 29th July – Sunday 2nd August is Active Week. What does that mean? LOADS of brilliant activities including a climbing wall, archery (8+) and axe throwing! These are all included in entry. Don’t forget, the NEW playground opens on the 1st August.
📅 Open Wednesday – Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday) ⏰ 10am – 5pm 💴 Ticket prices here. NT members and children go free from 22nd July – 31st August. 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on Waddesdon Manor website.
🧚🏼Oxfordshire Museum: Peg People – Fairy’s knights and Witches
It’s all a bit whimsy at the Oxfordshire Museum this summer…much needed! A fabulous peg crafting session. Have a go at creating your own, knight, witch or fairy. All linked in to the Timeless Tales exhibition about the folklore of Oxfordshire. Don’t forget to follow the fairy trail around the gardens too (you may even spot a dinosaur!)
📅 Tuesday 28th July ⏰ 10am- 1pm/ 1.30 – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info on the Oxfordshire Museum page
Wednesday 29th July
🛝 Oxfordshire Play Association Playdays: Bicester
OPA returns to Bicester with a brilliant line-up of activities: go-karts and giant bubbles, body zorbing, science experiments, smoothie bikes and brick building. Best of all, it’s completely free!
📅 Wednesday 29th July ⏰11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ Visit the OPA FB page for more info.
🦕Combe Mill: Summer Holiday Fun
T-Rex hunt! There are seven T-Rex dinosaurs hidden in the garden at Combe Mill. Find them all, save the letter on each one and work out the word to get your very own model dinosaur. Plus, other quizzes and activities.
📅 Every Wednesday in the school holidays ⏰ 10am – 4pm 💴 Adults: £6, Children under 16: Free 🎫 Pre-booking not required ℹ️ More info on Combe Mill FB page.
🚂 Pendon Museum: Junior Model Making
An absolute must for train lovers! The Pendon Museum is such an interesting place with lots on for families. This hands-on model-making session is run by expert modellers who create and maintain Pendon’s world-famous models. Each participant will work on their own small diorama to take home. Suitable for children aged 6-14. For younger visitors there are Preschool activity mornings.
📅 Wednesday 29th July ⏰11am – 3.30pm 💴 Adults: £9, Children: £7, Under 5: Free 🎫 Drop-in session is free ℹ️ Visit the Pendon website to see what it’s all about.
Thursday 30th July
🦅 Weston Library: Summer Family Fun
Discover the seven wonders of birds – egg, nest, beak, song, feather, flight and migration – through art, stories and creative writing.
📅 Thursday 30th July ⏰11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ Visit the Weston Library website for more info.
🐟The Goldfish Bowl: End of an era
This makes me want to weep. The iconic Goldfish Bowl in East Oxford is really closing it’s doors. The comments on our post really capture what people love about this place – it’s been a part of so many of our children’s lives. There will be loads of activities for kids and food and drink as a thank you to customers and the East Oxford community.
📅 Thursday 30th July ⏰4pm – 8pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ Visit the Goldfish Bowl FB page for more info.
Friday 31st July
🦅 Weston Library: Summer Family Fun
A creative, drop-in activity for all ages exploring the seven wonders of birds through art, stories and imaginative writing.
📅 Friday 31st July ⏰11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ Visit the Weston Library website for more info.
🐏 Oxford City Farm: Family Friendly Day
The ducks have arrived and the sheep, goats and pigs can’t wait to meet you! There’s an area for free play and much to learn about farm to fork in the vegetable patch. Community farming – we love you! Bring a bag as they sell farms wares on a Saturday, now that’s shopping local.
📅 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 visit here.
Saturday 1st August
🌳Waddesdon: Wild Wood Adventure Playground opens!
The glow up that we’ve been waiting for! We’ve had a Waddesdon playground shaped hole in our hearts for a long time and we are so glad it’s going to be filled now! Think towers and tunnels, slides and swings – you can see some computer generated pics on the website and we’ll be in for a sneaky peek soon so watch this space! It has been specially designed for youngsters aged between 2 and 12-years old and we love the sound of the treetop experience the most! Don’t forget, kids go free in the summer holidays in the Summer of Fun!
📅New playground open from the 1st August⏰ Open Wednesday – Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday) 10am – 5pm 💴 Entry to playground included with ticket. Ticket prices here. NT members and children go free. 🎫 Booking recommended for busty summer period ℹ️ More info on the Waddesdon Manor website.
👹Puppet Theatre Barge presents…Monster Soup at Abingdon Library
A free, family-friendly shadow puppet workshop and show hosted by the Puppet Theatre Barge at various Oxfordshire libraries. Designed for children aged 4 to 10 (with parents/guardians), children learn how shadow puppets work and then create their own monsters. Rahhhhhh!
📅 Saturday 1st August ⏰ 10am- 11.30pm/ 11.30am – 1pm 💴 Free 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ More on how to book on Oxfordshire libraries page.
🛝Oxfordshire Play Association: Rose Hill
It’s the annual playday that we love! Zorbing, community album, bubbles, body zorbing, chemistry, MOX, science…and MORE!
📅 Saturday 1st August ⏰ 11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the OPA fb page.
Sunday 2nd August
🏠Bekonscot Model Village
Have you booked your ticket to the world’s oldest model village? It’s the perfect summer outing! So quaint, and the perfect place for the little ones to feel like giants. I used to go as a child and love bringing my children back there too. Book tickets 48 hours in advance and save 10%. There’s loads of additional activities for children throughout summer, check them out on the website. On the weekend of 1st/2nd August Bekonscot railway celebrates 25 years with all four locomotives, the tram, passenger coaches and goods wagons in action throughout the weekend. To mark this special anniversary, train fares will return to their original price of just 50p for one weekend only.
📅 Open daily ⏰10am – 5.30pm 💴 Adult: £14, Children: £9 🎫 Booking recommended ℹ️ Book via the website and take a look at all the (very sweet!) pics and info here.
🚂 Cutteslowe Miniature Railway
Miniature railway experience – numerous playgrounds – huge sandpit – free splash park – crazy golf – tennis courts – wildlife area – duck pond – beach volleyball court – café and more!
📅 Monday 25th August ⏰ 1pm – 4.30pm 💴 £2 per ticket, £3.50 combined ticket (2 rides, one on each track), Under 2’s free with fare paying adult🎫 No booking required ℹ️ See the Cutteslowe Miniature Railway website for more details. See one of our many visits here.
Monday 3rd August
🧱Banbury Museum and Gallery: Brickworks
Calling all LEGO fans! This one is for you! Brick building stations, thousands of LEGO bricks, interactive challenges, and incredible models created by local LEGO enthusiasts. There will be freestyle building and creative experiments to coding puzzles, speed-build games and hands-on play for younger children. Each 90 minute session is limited to 25 people.
📅 Until 1st November 2026⏰ Various times from 10am 💴 £4 per ticket, Under 1: Free 🎫 Booking required ℹ️ Visit the Banbury Museum website to book.
Tuesday 4th August
🚘✨Watermill Theatre: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
This small converted-mill theatre seats only 200 and the wrap around staging offers a crazy immersive experience. Their latest offering, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has had incredible reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: The Stage, WhatsOnStage, London Theatre Reviews, Sunday Express…and more!) And guess what? It’s our ‘local’, only 20 minutes South of Oxford. Tickets are selling fast – get in there!
📅 On until 13th September ⏰ Different times 💴 Tickets start at £25 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ See the preview video and book tickets on the Watermill Theatre website.
💦Hinksey Splash Pad and Hinksey Open Air Pool
Sun shining? Get yourself to Hinksey! The heated open air pool does 2 hour and half day sessions sessions and the very cool Splash Park and Mini Wheels Track next door is free and doesn’t require booking.
📅 Hinksey open 7 days a week for the season ⏰Monday – Friday: 6.30am – 8pm, Saturday & Sunday: 7.30am – 6pm 💴 Adult: £5.70, Junior £3.60, Under 5: Free. Different session lengths cost different amounts. 🎫 Booking required ℹ️ More details on the Oxford City Leisure website and check out our visit here.
🦅 Weston Library: Summer Family Fun
From eggs to migration, discover the wonders of birds through art, storytelling and creative writing.
📅 Tuesday 4th August ⏰11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ Visit the Weston Library website for more info.
Wednesday 5th August
🐻 Garth Park: Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Pack your favourite ted and head to Garth Park. Expect face painting, sand art, garden games, a bouncy castle and the popular Bear Cave (£ – money to local charities), where children can enjoy teddy-themed fun and even be in with a chance of winning a brand-new bear.
📅 Wednesday 5th August ⏰11am – 4pm 💴Free. Entry to bear cave by donation, which goes to local charities 🎫 Booking requested to gauge numbers ℹ️ More info on Bicester Town Council events FB page and booking here.
🎨University Church: Craft mornings
Come and visit the chancel any time from 10am – 11.30am on Wednesday 5, 12, and 19 August for a drop-in arts and craft activity. Ideal for children ages 3-11 with a parent or carer.
📅 Wednesday 5th August ⏰10am – 11.30pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the University Church website.
🚂 Pendon Museum: Junior Model Making
Young railway fans will love this hands-on workshop at Pendon Museum. Guided by the talented team behind the museum’s famous miniature landscapes, children can create and take home their own model diorama. There are preschool craft and activity mornings for younger visitors too.
📅 Wednesday 5th August ⏰11am – 3.30pm (last session) 💴 Adults: £9, Children: £7, Under 5: Free 🎫 Drop-in session is free ℹ️ Visit the Pendon website to see what it’s all about.
🚂 Cutteslowe Miniature Railway
Such a day out at Cutteslowe! The two miniature railway tracks are wonderful experiences and always illicit such delight from children! Play and splash after in one of the playgrounds and free splash park.
📅 Wednesday 5th August ⏰ 1pm – 4.30pm 💴 £2 per ticket, £3.50 combined ticket (2 rides, one on each track), Under 2’s free with fare paying adult🎫 No booking required ℹ️ See the Cutteslowe Miniature Railway website for more details. See one of our many visits here.
Thursday 6th August
🧜🏼♂️Puppet Theatre Barge: Captain Sandy and the Sea Monster
The UK’s only floating puppet theatre showcasing 40 years of puppetry in a beautifully converted barge. There will be stormy seas, sea monsters, grumpy fishermen and seaweed cake! Presented using marionettes, the show breathes new life into the traditional techniques used in Victorian trick marionettes.
📅 Thursday 6th August ⏰11am 💴 Adult: £15, Child (2-16 years old): £11, Concession: £12 🎫 Booking required ℹ️ Book via the Puppet Theatre Barge website.
🔭History of Science Museum Sensory Trail: Materials Magnified
Discover the hidden world of materials through microscopes and a hands-on sensory trail. SEND friendly.
📅 Thursday 6th August ⏰2pm – 4pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the History of Science page.
Friday 7th August
🧱Banbury Museum and Gallery: Brickworks
Calling all LEGO fans! This one is for you! Brick building stations, thousands of LEGO bricks, interactive challenges, and incredible models created by local LEGO enthusiasts. There will be freestyle building and creative experiments to coding puzzles, speed-build games and hands-on play for younger children. Each 90 minute session is limited to 25 people.
📅 Until 1st November 2026⏰ Various times from 10am 💴 £4 per ticket, Under 1: Free 🎫 Booking required ℹ️ Visit the Banbury Museum website to book.
🦅 Weston Library: Summer Family Fun
From eggs to migration, discover the wonders of birds through art, storytelling and creative writing.
📅 Friday 7th August⏰11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ Visit the Weston Library website for more info.
Saturday 8th August
🚂 Didcot Railway: Family Fun Day
A big day in our summer diary! We have a train-mad child but the whole family are up for this as there’s something for everyone. It combines unlimited steam train rides with lots of fun activities: go-karts, giant bubbles, LEGO building, face painting, giant garden games, face painting plus outdoor play area and dress up.
📅Saturday 8th August⏰11am – 3pm 💴 Adult: £20.50, Child: £13, Under 3: Free. Family tickets available. 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ Visit Didcot Railway website for more info.
💦 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 8th August ⏰12.30pm – 1.30pm 💴 Adult: £6, Junior: £3.85 🎫 Booking recommended ℹ️ Visit BBL pool website to book
♥️Abingdon Museum: Cherished Clay
FREE children’s workshops with Abingdon potter and recent Great Pottery Throw Down quarter finalist Kayleigh O’Donnell. Join this drop-in session in the basement.
📅 Until 1st November 2026⏰10.30am – 12.30am/ 1.30pm – 3.30pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ Visit Abingdon Museum website for more info.
🛡️North Leigh Roman Villa: Open Day
Step inside to see this beautifully preserved 4th-century Roman mosaic up close. Volunteer guides share fascinating stories about the 60-room villa and its ancient underfloor heating. Hands-on activities, including handling real Roman artefacts and fun children’s activities. Only open 7 weekends a year!
📅 Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August ⏰ 11am – 5pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info on English Heritage website.
Sunday 9th August
🛡️North Leigh Roman Villa: Open Day
Step inside to see this beautifully preserved 4th-century Roman mosaic up close. Volunteer guides share fascinating stories about the 60-room villa and its ancient underfloor heating. Hands-on activities, including handling real Roman artefacts and fun children’s activities. Only open 7 weekends a year!
📅 Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August ⏰ 11am – 5pm 💴 Free 🎫 Drop-in ℹ️ More info on English Heritage website.
😀 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.
🌓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 8th August ⏰12.30pm – 1.30pm 💴 Adult: £6, Junior: £3.85 🎫 Booking recommended ℹ️ Visit BBL pool website to book
