Family Friendly Attractions in Oxford

Oxford may be famed for its scholars, but it’s also a great city for little learners to explore, with whimsical cobbled streets, lush gardens, and dramatic buildings. It's also host to educational attractions, including museums and galleries which offer activity books and children's corners for younger guests to enjoy.

 

Children's museums

 

Oxford’s museums aren’t all forbiddingly highbrow – there are accessible exhibits that can appeal to all ages and attention-spans, and there are often audio tours available for children and adults to enjoy on different levels. You'll also find museums aimed at the younger crowd, with showpieces bringing history to life.

 

The Story Museum

 

With live storytelling, exhibits dedicated to children's literature, and even printing workshops where young people can see how their favourite books are made, The Story Museum is an interactive and lively day out. There are also regular author visits and performances, bringing your child's favourite tales to life.

 

Rochester House 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP.  

Outdoor spaces

 

Oxford is surrounded by rolling green English countryside, and the city itself has many pretty outdoor spaces where children can roam – from neatly manicured city parks, to working farms where kids can learn about how their food is made.

 

University of Oxford Botanic Garden

 

In the grounds of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, you'll find a huge, colourful selection of plant life from around the world, and kids will love getting close to so many exotic species. Inside the different themed greenhouses, future botanists will relish learning more about the sights and smells of the natural world.

 

Rose Lane, Oxford OX1 4AZ.  

 

Cutteslowe Park

 

With over 100 acres to frolic in, Cutteslowe Park is the perfect place for kids to expend some energy during a sunny day out. Amid the woodland, there are attractions like tranquil duck ponds, adventure play areas, and mini-golf. Best of all, there’s a cute miniature railway which the whole family can ride.

 

Harbord Road, Oxford OX2 8ES .  

 

Indoor escapades

 

Weather misbehaving? No problem – Oxford has a selection of activities for rainy days which will still get your kids moving and working up an appetite.

 

Oxford Ice Rink

 

A vast, icy adventure area with skating sessions for all ages, Oxford Ice Rink makes a popular day out for families. With seasonal events such as Christmas discos and hockey matches, there's plenty on, and you can even book some skating lessons for your child so that they can improve their technique.

 

Oxpens Road, Oxford OX1 1RX.  

 

Family dining

 

Close to the city centre attractions, you'll find family restaurants galore – from pubs that serve classic British dishes, to burger joints where you can enjoy a quick, casual meal.

 

Jamie's Italian

 

An authentically Italian chain with a rustic menu and a welcoming family atmosphere, Jamie's Italian is always a good bet for pleasing tricky palates, and the Oxford one is no exception. Parents can enjoy hearty dishes from squid ink pasta to fish cooked with mussels, while younger diners will love the kids’ menu with homemade fish fingers, sliders, and smaller portions of pasta dishes.

 

24-26 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AE.  

 

Byron

 

Byron is a relatively small chain that serves perfectly crafted and very juicy hamburgers, and their Oxford location is close to many tourist attractions. Relax in the casual dining room and enjoy generously crammed buns, crispy fries, and decadent desserts, with smaller burgers to fill the little one's tummies.

 

33 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AY.