The summer holidays are almost upon us, so we’ve rounded up our top 10 favourite family spots for keeping the little ones entertained over the coming months.
Pegasus Theatre
Pegasus Theatre is a vital organ for the people of East Oxford, feeding new blood into the system by giving young people space, opportunity, shelter, nurture, and growth. With a range of shows for all ages, from dancing and puppetry to comedy and contemporary theatre, as well as loads of classes and workshops designed to expand young imaginations – there’s always something on at Pegasus.
Visit pegasustheatre.org.uk to find upcoming events.
Nature Tots
Get outside with your little ones and explore the wonders of your local environment with Nature Tots, a club which aims to engage pre-school children in hands-on outdoor activities themed around wildlife. Activities are age-appropriate and designed to promote greater confidence in the outdoors, physical and social development, and an interest in the natural world.
Visit bbowt.org.uk/events to find your local club.
Fairytale Farm
Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm. Fairytale Farm is the UK’s first visitor attraction that is open to all, but where disabled children come first in our design and layout. A truly inclusive experience, where everything is accessible, and everybody is welcome.
While fairytalefarm.co.uk is open every day for walk ins, it’s worth checking their website to see if there are any events coming up.
Millets
There’s always loads going on at Millets, but perhaps most popular with families is Millets Maize Maze which returns from 18 July to 3 September – perfect timing. As well as this there are plays, picnics, P.Y.O, and a playbarn – perfect for both big and little ones to explore.
Visit milletsfarmcentre.com to find loads of fun events.
The Story Museum
The Story Museum is the most unusual museum in Oxford and great for inquisitive minds. Through immersive exhibitions, gallery spaces and events, they celebrate story in all forms.
Find some great events here storymuseum.org.uk or just pop in for a visit.
Credit: Andrew Walmsley
Waterperry Gardens
Just a stone’s throw from Oxford and home to 8 acres of beautifully landscaped ornamental gardens is Waterperry Gardens. As well as a quality plant centre and garden shop, gallery and gift shop, museum, and tea shop, Waterperry hosts a variety of events all year round including some great ones for children. From plays to nature trails, there’s loads to see here over the summer holidays and beyond.
Visit waterperrygardens.co.uk to see what’s coming up soon.
Caption – © Waterperry Gardens
Crocodiles Of the World
Crocodiles of the World is the UK's first and only crocodile zoo, and is home to over 80 crocodiles, which represent 12 of the 23 extant crocodilian species, making it the largest collection of crocodiles in the UK. Spend a day meeting all the amazing crocodiles, alligators, caimans, lizards, snakes, meerkats and even a Komodo Dragon.
You can prebook tickets at crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk and arrive any time you like.
Oxford Playhouse
All through July, The Oxford Playhouse have some great family shows on offer, from the hobbit to Blippi’s world tour. As well as filling their schedules with shows for the whole family, the theatre also works with over 15,000 young people a year through their young people's theatre company and community activities.
Have a look at what else is coming up at oxfordplayhouse.com.
Science Oxford
Visit the Science Oxford Centre for a unique family experience. Explore, discover, and play in the Exploration Zone, where children and grown-ups alike have fun experimenting with interactive exhibits – 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. Experiment with water flow and dam building at the outdoor Water Lab.
Every Saturday, Science Oxford holds Family Days, visit scienceoxford.com to book your slot.
Cogges Manor Farm
Whether you’ve come for the animals, the Manor House and tours, the gardens, grounds and trails, or the adventure play fort, you’re in for a good day out at Cogges Manor Farm. This month there are two children’s performances on stage at Cogges so it’s worth checking online to see what events are on the way.
Visit cogges.org.uk to find out more.
