From waterparks and wildlife watching to pottery painting or just pottering around a model village; The Cotswolds is a great option for parents with younger pre-school children – especially now that older kids are back in school. Well known for its picturesque villages and stunning countryside, it has a brilliant range of places to visit to stimulate young minds and help them burn off excess energy.
Spanning five counties and 800sq miles, there’s a wide range of places to visit and seasonal events for a spontaneous day out or an extended break with the whole family. With unspoilt scenery and miles of forest and riverside nature walks, it’s the ideal place for children of all ages to explore.
Convenient transport links from the M40 and M5 make it easy to reach by car, and with over 200 family friendly holiday cottages and self-catering properties from StayCotswold located across the region, there’s no need to spend a fortune while you’re there. Over half are dog-friendly, so you can save on kennel fees and keep the entire family united.
From wildlife attractions to movement-based play to craft activities and quirky places to visit, there’s an inspiring idea for everyone. For more advice on places to see and things to do that are off the beaten track, visit Things To Do in the Cotswolds | StayCotswold
1. Tots & Twigs at Westonbirt Arboretum
Interactive family activities and games make this an educational and stimulating destination. Learn about the 2500 different species and five national tree collections thriving at this spectacular arboretum. Tots & Twigs Forest School sessions for ages 2 years to 5 years run during school term times from mid-September.
2. Dragonfly Maze
Children and adults alike can gasp in awe at the Dragonfly Maze. Watch as colourful, bejewelled dragonflies flit across this magical habitat. The maze is a fun challenge that will keep the whole family entertained.
3. Miniature model village in Bourton-on-the-Water
Marvel at the mesmerising details on each of the tiny buildings at this popular attraction, which is a one-ninth scale replica of this beautiful village. A great place to spend an hour or two, kids will love feeling like giants at this charming spot.
4. Hocus Pocus Play
Head to Fairford to explore this imaginative soft play zone. From fairy tales in the storytelling house to educational workshops, the magical enchanted forest has captivating glades, twinkling lights and interactive features to stimulate young minds. The Magic Beans Café has a tasty menu of hot food, cakes, healthy treats and daily specials.
5. Cotswold Country Park & Beach
This family-friendly park offers a beach area, water sports, and other outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy. Discover action-packed splashy fun or soak up pleasant views while relaxing and keeping an eye on the little ones at play.
6. Motoring & Toy Museum
This fascinating museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts and families alike, with a collection of rare vintage cars and toys. Sure to keep petrol-heads and young engineering minds busy for hours, this attraction is full of nostalgia and features rare exhibits from the history of 20th-century motoring.
7. Paint it Yourself Pottery, Cheltenham
Get creative with the whole family at this pottery painting studio, where you can create your own unique masterpieces. Open 7 days a week, booking is advised and for those on holiday, you can even take kits back to your property to decorate and return them for glazing and firing so that you can take them back home.
8. Ice skating in Oxford
Suitable for under 5s with its toddler-friendly skating aids, this ice-skating rink in Oxford is a fun and exciting destination for the whole family. It’s also a great way to get in the festive mood early. Remember to take a spare pair of trousers or waterproofs as little legs can get damp after contact with the ice. Gloves are essential too.
Like Go Ape, but for little ones, this tree canopy is superb fun to navigate. There’s also a climbing wall at the Far Peak centre for youngsters to enjoy. Even if you haven’t got a head for heights, it’s well worth a visit and there’s a great café on site for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Visit the Cotswold Airport and enjoy a meal at the AV8 restaurant while watching the planes come in and out. The airport also features a retired BA Boeing plane to look around and holds events throughout the year.
Family Friendly Accommodation Nearby
StayCotswold has holiday properties close to all these great attractions. To find your perfect base to explore and somewhere extra special to unwind after a day of entertaining the children, visit Family Holiday Accommodation in the Cotswolds | StayCotswold