7 fun things to do in Oxford with kids

Oxford is a fascinating and fun city which will captivate the kids’ imaginations and keep them happy all day long! The variety of tours, museums, shopping and literary magic make this historic city a special holiday destination. Here we’ve highlighted 7 of the many fun things to do in Oxford with kids.

1. Footprints Tours

Footprint Tours have an international reputation for providing exciting free walking tours with enthusiast and fun guides. For added entertainment, pay £25 for a cycle tour and keep the bikes for the whole day. Alternatively, try the £14 literary tour which takes you through the magical realms of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Narnia! The pick of the bunch has to be the Harry Potter tour. Explore the famous film locations as the kids pretend to be Hogwarts students. The tour costs £15 for adults and £13 for kids. Cloaks, wands and pointy hats are welcomed!

2. Blenheim Palace

Beautiful Blenheim Palace has a fascinating history and is famous for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill. There are award winning gardens, but it is the awesome maze, multicoloured wonders of the butterfly house and the fantastic miniature train that will fill your day with laughter. Blenheim Palace also hosts events throughout the year including kid’s activity camps, festivals, horse trails and water sports. Entrance is £22 for adults, £17.50 for concessions, £12 for children and £58 for families.

3. Museums

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is due to re-open after restoration work in early 2014. The museum houses exhibits on animals, insects and rocks which will fascinate the kids, especially the vivid creepy crawlies! There are tours on offer throughout the year including of the spirit collection, archives and hidden treasures. Attached to the building is the Pitt Rivers Museum, which is packed full of exhibits on human life. Kids are provided with torches so they can investigate every nook and cranny. Plus, there is a family trail to follow, special workshops and events. Both museums are free!

4. Punting

For a real Oxford experience, spend a sunny afternoon relaxing, getting splashed and trying not to capsize as you punt along the river! Most punt hires are open from March until October. Weekday hire from Cherwell Boathouse cost £14 per hour or £70 for the day, while weekends are £17 per hour or £85 for a full day. Afterwards, the beer garden at the Victoria Arms pub is a great place to stop off, relax and grab a bite to eat.

5. Shopping in Wonderland

The idea for Alice and Wonderland came to Lewis Carroll as he was punting on the river with his friend Alice Liddell. Alice was the inspiration for the story’s main character and Oxford was the original Wonderland! Visit Alice’s Shop, the original Alice’s favourite sweetshop, and let the kids trawl through the themed merchandise in this little gem. Then explore the nearby Covered Market for a unique lunch stop. It has been up and running for over 200 years and sells a bit of everything! Younger kids will love investigating the colourful stalls while teens will appreciate a chance to slouch off and do some independent investigations. Afterwards, the whole family can indulge in tasty local food!

6. Cotswold Wildlife Park

Discover the animals roaming free at Cotswold Wildlife Park! Set in the grounds of a spooky gothic manor, the open enclosures make it seem like you are up close and in the wild with rhinos, zebras and cute sloths. It is a great way to introduce the kids to exotic wildlife right in the heart of Oxfordshire! There is even an adventure playground and train rides around the park. Under 3’s enter for free and adult tickets cost £14, while 3 to 16 year olds and seniors pay £9.50.

7. Didcot Railway Centre

The Didcot Railway Centre provides a special day out exploring the old steam engines. The centre holds special steam days and events that cater specifically to kids. Go for a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and meet the Fat Controller! Normal tickets are £5.50 for adults, £5 for seniors, £4.50 for kids and £18 for the family. Steam days cost up to £10 for adults, £9.50 for seniors, £9 for kids and £34 for families.

There are several camping and caravanning site that provide easy access to the city. If you fancy staying closer to Blenheim Palace, there are a couple of sites northwest of Oxford near Woodstock catering to both tents and caravans. Oxford is a great city for a family holiday and there are plenty more attractions to visit including the botanical gardens, the castle or Carfax Tower for scenic views over the city.