Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a vibrant town brimming with family-friendly activities. Whether your kids are nature lovers, budding scientists, or just looking for some fun, Cheltenham has something to offer. From exploring the town’s beautiful parks to engaging in hands-on learning experiences, here’s a roundup of the best things to do in Cheltenham right now with children!
1. Pittville Park
One of Cheltenham’s most popular outdoor spots, Pittville Park is perfect for families looking for a fun day out. The park features expansive green spaces, playgrounds, and a picturesque lake where you can rent pedal boats. There’s plenty of room for children to run around, fly kites, or have a picnic. The park also has a lovely café where you can grab a treat after a busy day of outdoor fun.
- Free Entry: Open year-round
- What’s on Right Now: Perfect for outdoor activities, seasonal picnics, and playground fun.
2. Cheltenham Science Festival
The Cheltenham Science Festival is one of the most anticipated events for families with children who are curious about science. Although the main festival takes place in June, there are often mini-events or exhibitions throughout the year, offering hands-on workshops, talks, and experiments that make science come alive. Keep an eye out for any smaller events leading up to the big festival this summer, especially if your kids are budding scientists or engineers!
- Ticket Price: Varies depending on events
- What’s on Right Now: Science talks, pop-up exhibitions, and school holiday activities.
3. The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
For families who enjoy a bit of culture, The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum is an ideal destination. The museum offers a range of family-friendly exhibits, from fine art collections to natural history displays. They often have special events, workshops, and hands-on activities designed for children, making it a fun and educational outing for kids of all ages. The museum also offers a family-friendly café where you can take a break and discuss all the cool things you've seen.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free entry
- What’s on Right Now: Special exhibitions, family art activities, and craft workshops.
4. Cheltenham Playhouse
If you're looking to take your children to see some live theatre, the Cheltenham Playhouse offers family-friendly performances throughout the year. From pantomimes to children’s plays, there’s always something fun and entertaining on stage. The Playhouse provides an intimate setting that allows families to experience the magic of theatre in a relaxed environment, making it a memorable activity for young audiences.
- Ticket Price: Varies depending on the show
- What’s on Right Now: Family-friendly theatre performances and seasonal events.
5. The Sandford Park Lido
When the weather is warm, The Sandford Park Lido is a fantastic place for families to cool off and enjoy a day by the water. This open-air swimming pool is a great spot for kids to splash around, swim, and have fun in the sun. The pool also features a children’s area, making it perfect for younger children to safely enjoy the water. There’s a café nearby to refuel after a fun day at the pool.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal)
- Ticket Price: Adults £7.50, Children £5, Family Ticket £18
- What’s on Right Now: Swimming and seasonal pool activities.
6. Wychwood Wild Garden
A hidden gem in Cheltenham, Wychwood Wild Garden is a fantastic place for children who enjoy exploring nature. This 15-acre wild garden is home to an array of wildlife and plants. Kids can enjoy wandering through woodland paths, spotting different species of birds and insects, and participating in seasonal activities like nature trails. It's a peaceful and beautiful location, ideal for a relaxing day outdoors.
- Free Entry: Open year-round (donations appreciated)
- What’s on Right Now: Seasonal wildlife watching and nature walks.
7. Cotswold Farm Park
Just a short drive from Cheltenham, the Cotswold Farm Park is a must-visit for families, especially those with younger children. This working farm is home to rare breeds of animals, and children can interact with them, feed them, and learn about farm life. There’s also an adventure playground, tractor rides, and an indoor play area, making it a full day of fun for the whole family.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Ticket Price: Adults £14, Children £10, Family Ticket £44
- What’s on Right Now: Animal feeding sessions, adventure playground fun, and seasonal farm activities.
8. Cheltenham’s Horse Racing
Cheltenham is famously known for its horse racing events, but the Cheltenham Racecourse also offers family-friendly events and activities throughout the year. During race days, families can enjoy a day at the races with specific areas set aside for families to watch the action. The racecourse often hosts themed events with activities for children, such as face painting, bouncy castles, and kids' entertainment, making it a fun outing for children and parents alike.
- Ticket Price: Varies depending on the event
- What’s on Right Now: Family days, kids’ activities during race days, and special events.
9. Bourton-on-the-Water Model Village
Just a short drive from Cheltenham, the Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water is a perfect day out for families. This miniature version of the village is a hit with children, who can wander around and marvel at the tiny buildings, bridges, and gardens. It's an imaginative place for kids to explore, and the beautiful surroundings add to the charm. Plus, there’s a lovely café for a family meal or snack afterward.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £5.50, Children £3.50, Family Ticket £16.50
- What’s on Right Now: Miniature model exploration, garden walks, and seasonal events.
10. Cheltenham's Playparks
Cheltenham boasts an excellent range of playparks across the town, offering free and fun places for families to let their children burn off energy. Montpellier Gardens and Imperial Gardens feature well-equipped playgrounds with swings, slides, and climbing frames, while Pittville Park offers a large green space with lakes and wildlife. These parks are perfect for a casual outing with a picnic or for letting your little ones enjoy some active playtime.
- Free Entry: Open year-round
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, seasonal outdoor activities, and family-friendly events.
- Find parks: https://www.cheltenhamrocks.co.uk/things-to-do/parks-and-walks
11. Ultimate Activity Camps at Dean Close School in Cheltenham
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in Cheltenham? Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding, inspiring, and Ofsted-regulated activity day camps with the primary function of delivering a very high level of care and welfare for 4-14-year-olds during the Easter and Summer school holidays. We deliver this childcare through a fantastic range of exciting activities, whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields, or in the woods. We use our many years of experience and enthusiastic staff to create a programme that changes each day and delivers the outstanding levels of care you would expect whilst ensuring that the children of all ages are thoroughly engaged and inspired to try new activities and make new friends.
- Opening Hours: Easter and Summer School Holidays 8am to 6pm
- Ticket Price: Prices vary and early bird discounts available
- Suitable for: Children aged 4-14 years
- Book here: https://www.ultimateactivity.co.uk/locations/cheltenham
Cheltenham is a fantastic place for families with children, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, interactive museums, and fun-filled attractions. Whether you’re exploring the town’s parks, experiencing live theatre, or enjoying a day at the farm, Cheltenham has a wide variety of activities to suit kids of all ages. With plenty to see and do, you’ll find yourself making lasting memories with your family in this beautiful and family-friendly town.