27 Best Things to Do in Oxford with Kids: A Local Family Guide
Oxford, the ‘city of dreaming spires’, is a fantastic walkable city to visit with children of all ages. We’ve visited dozens of times with our children, from when they were toddlers through to the teenage years.
Whether it’s shrieking with delight whilst punting down the river, visiting fabulous free museums or eating our way through the Covered Market, Oxford draws us back again and again.
The best things to do in Oxford with kids in this guide are all tried and tested by our family of five. We’ve covered both the free and paid family-friendly activities that we love and think are worth your time.
Beyond the impressive, honey-coloured university buildings are quirky neighbourhoods, peaceful parks and gardens. There are plenty of wet-weather options (often essential), and with history and stories around every corner, even walking through Oxford is all part of the experience.
Only have one day? We’ve put together a family-tested one-day Oxford itinerary that combines our favourite museums, college sights, food stops and punting into a realistic route through the city.
Best Things to Do in Oxford with Kids: Our Family’s Top Picks
If it’s your first family trip to Oxford, you definitely don’t need to try to fit everything on this list into one visit. These are the places and experiences we return to and would prioritise.
- Best overall: Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum – two brilliant free museums in adjoining buildings. We’ve visited many times over the years and they still work just as well with our teenagers as they did when the children were younger.
- Best for younger children: The Story Museum – one of Oxford’s most child-focused attractions and a great choice if your children love books and stories.
- Best Oxford experience: Punting on the River Cherwell – probably the most memorable way to experience Oxford as a family. We prefer the pedal-powered boats, which make life considerably easier with children!
- Best university college: Magdalen College – if you only visit one college, this would be our choice. You get the beautiful Oxford architecture and a peaceful park to escape the city. It can also be combined with the Botanic Garden nearby.
- Best free day out: Natural History Museum + Pitt Rivers + a walk through central Oxford – proof that you really don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great day here.
- Best for a bit of space: Port Meadow – a completely different side of Oxford when everyone needs a break from museums, colleges and busy streets.
- Best rainy-day option: Ashmolean Museum – free entry and enough to explore to easily fill a wet afternoon.
- Best for teenagers: The Covered Market and Thirsty Meeples Game Café – browse the market for food and independent shops, then settle in with one of the huge selection of board games at Thirsty Meeples
Best Museums in Oxford for Kids
Oxford has our favourite family museums in the UK, many of which are free to visit. Don’t try to visit them all, but choose those that fit your family’s interests.
For a first visit, we’d prioritise the Natural History Museum and Pitt Rivers (they occupy the same building), or choose the Story Museum if you want something more child-focused.
1. Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Free entry/ Donation. Open daily 10am – 5pm
Children (and adults) of all ages adore the Natural History Museum. We visit at least twice a year and always have to be torn away at the end of the afternoon. I actually prefer this to London’s Natural History Museum because it is a much more manageable size, usually a lot less busy and just as interesting.
The museum is housed in a spectacular, Victorian neo-Gothic cathedral of a building, which is both an artwork and education in itself. Internal pillars are carved from different types of rock, topped with botanical carvings of different flora.
The final phase of the museum’s major Life, As We Know It redisplay was completed in summer 2026. The reimagined exhibits combine specimens, reconstructions and interactive displays to bring topics such as evolution, ecosystems and the history of life to life.
Budding palaeontologists can follow the family dinosaur trail, finding skeletons from a tiny Compsognathus to colossal T-Rex and Edmontosaurus. See the Oxford Dodo which inspired Lewis Carroll and marvel at the animal skeleton parade.
Upstairs boasts an incredible collection of insects and minerals, a working beehive and visiting exhibitions. With a thoughtfully curated shop and an on-site cafe you can easily while away a very pleasant afternoon.
Combine this with the Pitt Rivers Museum, which is accessed through doors at the back of the ground floor.
2. Pitt Rivers Museum
Free entry/ Donation. Open daily from 10am (12 on Mondays) – 5pm
Accessed through the Natural History Museum, the Pitt Rivers Museum evokes curiosity and inspires awe and wonder at every turn.
The huge collection of objects (over 500,000) from across the globe are organised by function: weapons, musical instruments, masks and jewellery to name just a few.
It is a treasure trove of wonder and can be a very difficult place to leave, eating up hours of time happily spent imagining life in other times and places and marvelling at the incredible range of skills humans are capable of. During school holidays there are additional family trails and activities.
I recommend starting a visit reading the information board at the bottom left of the stairs, explaining the background and work being done to acknowledge and explain the museum’s colonial legacy and the ethics surrounding these complex issues.
3. The Story Museum
Paid entry: Separate tickets apply to the Galleries and Small Worlds. Check current prices and opening times before visiting.
Open: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 4:30pm term-time and more often during school holidays.
Visit the Story Museum and step into a magical world where stories come to life and imagination infuses the very air. Visit the whispering wood where the trees tell stories; explore books in the enchanted library; search for literary treasure or board the Storycraft for an epic journey through Oxford’s bookish history.
For under 5s there’s a separate gallery for stories, picture books and imagination, complete with double decker bus. In addition, the theatre hosts a range of events over the year and the on-site cafe has delicious home-made meals and treats.
If you are visiting with children of different ages, it can be a bit tricky to decide which tickets to buy, but consult with museum staff for the best advice.
4. Ashmolean Museum
Free general entry / donation. Some visiting exhibitions have an additional charge. Open: daily 10am – 5pm
The Ashmolean Museum is Oxford’s museum of global art and archaeology, spanning from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to the present day.
Families are well catered for with family trails, an interactive digital adventure (book in advance prices from £10 for a family of 2) and free family-friendly tours.
Our family particularly enjoyed the digital ‘Ashmolean adventure’ trail, which uses a tablet to guide you around 11 of the museum’s most fascinating exhibits with a variety of interactive activities including games, stories and quizzes.
5. History of Science Museum
Free entry / Donation. Check opening times with the museum.
Visit the 100 year old History of Science Museum to discover the fascinating history of science through the ages, told through a variety of intriguing objects. The museum houses collections of instruments, devices and inventions from throughout human history. The progression in scientific thinking is thoughtfully demonstrated through the displays.
There is a huge collection of gorgeous, detailed astrolabes (models of the universe) alongside mind bending collections of curious medical instruments and other scientific inventions.
Fans of Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ will love examining Lyra’s alethiometer, the instruments that inspired Pullman’s invention, and other props from the films.
6. Museum of Oxford
Free entry / Donation. Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
The Museum of Oxford , located inside the Victorian Town Hall, is a museum dedicated to the history of the people of Oxford. It’s much smaller than the other museums, and you’ll only need around 30 minutes to visit.
This is a small museum, which at first glance does not appear particularly family-friendly. However, ask to borrow a family explorer backpack or sensory kit to enhance the visit for children. My children love trying on the costumes and the family explorer trail.
In school holidays there is an even wider range of activities and crafts to take part in. It is fairly small and takes about 30 minutes to explore.
7. Science Oxford Centre
We’ve only recently discovered this gem of a visitor attraction. Science Oxford comprises a hands-on science museum and an outdoor nature area for exploring. They also host regular science themed workshops and groups.
It’s open to the public on Saturdays only (the centre is used for school visits during the week). Tickets must be booked in advance with three timed sessions available.
During your 2-hour timeslot there is a large room with engaging hands on exhibits. It’s aimed at children up to 11, however our 14-year-old had a great time.
- Highlights include:
- Creating your own giant marble run
- Making a short animation
- Building electrical circuits
- Solving mathematical puzzles
- Exploring with powerful microscopes
- Challenging yourself to build impressive structures
- Designing and testing a flying creation on the air table
Before or after your session, you can also explore the surrounding woodlands and lakes, with explorer backpacks available to borrow.
Best Outdoor Things to Do in Oxford with Kids
Go punting on the Cherwell
Open February to November from 9:30am – Sunset (or 9pm).
In our opinion, the most fun way to spend a sunny afternoon in Oxford is to hire a punt from Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, and spend an hour or two along the Cherwell River. If you don’t fancy rowing, try the leisurely route an hire a chauffeured punt so you can soak up the atmosphere whilst the driver does the hard work. This option has a much smaller chance of falling in.
We opted for a punt converted into a pedalo. Our kids loved feeding the cheeky ducks on the way round. If you’re visiting The Botanic Gardens or Magdalen College, you’ll find the boathouse nearby, down a small slope.
Relax in the Botanical Gardens
Open daily 10am – 5pm.
Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest in the UK, is a petite wonder in the centre of Oxford. It combines well with a visit to Magdalen College (combined tickets available on request).
Expect to find glasshouses bursting with tropical plants, beautifully planted gardens and a calm oasis from the city, all overlooking the river Cherwell. Fans of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series will enjoy finding Lyra and Wills bench in the garden.
Top Tip: Time your visit with a picnic so you can linger in this delightful space for longer.
Take a Harry Potter Tour
If your kids (or adults!) are Harry Potter fans, Oxford will not disappoint. The city is packed with filming locations, and exploring them is a brilliant way to keep children engaged while also seeing some of Oxford’s most impressive sights.
Most guided tours mix Harry Potter trivia with Oxford’s wider literary history and often include a quiz or interactive elements. It’s a good way of seeing the city, whilst keeping younger visitors engaged.
There are several Harry Potter–focused tours to choose from. Prices vary depending on what’s included. Some good options include a tours covering the Bodleian library and New College or go all-in with a full tour including Christchurch College.
If you’d prefer to explore independently, here are the key Harry Potter filming locations to include on a DIY walking route:
- Bodleian Library – Divinity School
Used as Hogwarts’ Infirmary - Bodleian Library – Duke Humfrey’s Library
Inspiration for the Hogwarts library (restricted section) - New College Cloisters
Filmed as Hogwarts corridors and the spot where Malfoy was famously transfigured into a ferret - Christ Church College – Dining Hall
The inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall - Christ Church College – Bodley Tower Staircase
Featured in several iconic Harry Potter scenes
If time allows and you want to see even more filming locations, consider a side trip to Lacock, around 90 minutes away on the southern edge of the Cotswolds. The village and abbey are used repeatedly throughout the films and make a fantastic add-on for Harry Potter fans.
Take a walking tour
Oxford has a long history of inspiring great writers including C.S Lewis, JRR Tolkein, Philip Pullman and Lewis Carroll. A walking tour is a great way to see the sights that inspired the writers, discover their old haunts (which include so many pubs you wonder how they wrote anything) and indulge your own imagination.
Try the literary tour with Oxford Walking Tours whose knowledgeable guides often tailor their content to suit the audience.
On our tour we saw the lamppost and lion carved door that inspired Narnia, heard many stories of ‘the inklings’ in various pubs around town and scenes from the Harry Potter movies. My book obsessed 12 year old was in heaven, particularly when we were shown into a secret room in Blackwell’s bookshop. It was also a great way to see a few of the Oxford colleges.
If books aren’t your thing there are plenty of other options, including an Oxford ghost tour which is perfect for visiting Oxford with teenagers.
Climb the tower of University Church of St Mary
The Church itself is free to visit, and is spectacular in itself. With children aged 8 and over you can opt to pay £6 per person to climb the Tower. After ascending you are rewarded with unparalleled views across Oxford. Peek down inside the neighbouring colleges and radcliffe Camera, whilst admiring the gargoyles decorating the tower.
The tower is accessed via a very narrow spiral staircase. Tickets are available from the shop inside the church. The grounds of the church house the lovely Vaults and Garden Cafe. Check opening times online.
See a different side of Oxford on a treasure trail
To keep the kids occupied whilst seeing a different side of Oxford, try the Oxford University Parks and River Treasure Trail. The 3 mile, self-guided, circular trail follows a route through the University Parks whilst ‘secret agents’ search for clues. It’s good way to discover an area you might not have seen.
This trail took us through the park and ‘Mesopotamia’ to a lovely neighbourhood and back again, often following the River Cherwell. We discovered so many little details that we would never have noticed and some new areas which we loved exploring.
There are other trail options more centrally which also look great.
Walk through historic Port Meadow
Not far from the neighbourhood of Jericho, Port Meadow is a huge green space still grazed by livestock and bordered by woodland. It is a great space to burn off some energy, and feels a million miles away from the city whilst being in easy walking distance.
You can continue the walk through Port Meadow to Wolvercote and The Trout Pub (see also below).
Top Tip: As this is a flood plain, do not make our mistake and attempt this route in winter. An alternative route follows the canal back to town.
Relax in Christchurch Meadows
This tranquil space adjoining Christchurch College is free to visit and a wonderful place to wander or picnic whilst admiring the exterior of the impressive buildings of the nearby College.
Simply find a spot to relax, or try the Meadow Trail, a gentle 1.5 mile walk taking in the highlights of the area.
Best Indoor Things to Do in Oxford with Kids
Visit Oxford Castle and Prison
Oxford Castle and Prison is a great day out in Oxford for families and is particularly popular with older kids and teenagers. You’ll find the castle just outside the city centre. There is no parking on site, but it’s in walking distance of the train station or use one of the park and ride car parks.
Discover 1,000 years of Oxford’s history. Join the guided tour, which includes climbing St George’s tower for views across the city and a tour through the underground crypt, lit by candles. Entry includes entrance to ‘The Mound’ as long as the weather is good, where there are more great views across Oxford.
For older kids, they also have a jailbreak escape room available for an additional charge.
Top tip: Book ahead at weekends and during school holidays. Pushchairs need to be left at reception, and children under five cannot climb St George’s Tower, so check the access information before visiting with younger children.
Take a tour of the Bodleian Library
On a very grey December day, my 12-year-old daughter and I tried the 30-minute Bodleian Library tour. We both thoroughly enjoyed the tour, standing in awe of the opulent architecture of the Divinity School building.
One of England’s oldest libraries, the beautiful architecture of the Bodleian library (actually a collection of buildings) is a great option for families with children over the age of 11. The only way to access the library is either to be a student at the university, or to book a tour.
The library is an evocative space, all dark wooden shelving, ladders, huge leather-bound books and oil-painted ceilings. We would have loved to learn more, and plan to choose a longer tour for our next visit.
Thirsty Meeples Board Game Café
The Thirsty Meeples Board Game Café is a great option for a wet afternoon. After you have paid the cover charge, you have 3 hours to play games of your choice from their library of over 2,700 games. Drinks and snacks can be ordered to your table.
There are sections for every type of game imaginable, including a large children’s selection. There is also a shop which is a great place to buy gifts. My kids love spending an afternoon here. Gloucester Green Market (Wednesday – Saturday) is right outside, serving lots of tempting street food.
Visit a historic Bookshop
If the weather isn’t in your favour, Oxford has several fantastic bookshops to while away a few hours in.
Oxford Waterstones has recently moved to Queen Street. You’ll find two storeys of books to explore. Former children’s laureate Cressida Cowell sometimes pops in during the Oxford Literary Festival (March/ April).
At the other end of Broad Street, the main Blackwell’s bookshop was once listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest single room selling books. The enormous, underground Norrington room has over 2.5 miles of shelving! Nearby you will find Blackwell’s Sci-fi, Manga & Games which is my teenager’s favourite.
Gulp Fiction is a lovely independent bookshop inside The Covered Market. This is more aimed at adults, and serves coffee and cocktails too!
Visit the historic Covered Market
Hidden away in central Oxford, you will find Oxford’s eclectic covered market. The market, which has operated since the 1700s, is a great place to find independent shops and low-key eateries. There are several entrances, including the main entrance on Market Street.
My kids love iScream for delicious gelato and sorbet, Moo Moos for weird and wonderful milkshake flavours and Pieminster for scrumptious pies. Gulp fiction, an indie bookshop and coffee house is my personal favourite. We never leave without a box of gooey Ben’s Cookies.
Visiting an Oxford University College with Kids
Visiting a college is not necessarily on most kids’ lists of fun things to do. However, some have more family-friendly appeal than others, and older kids and teenagers often find them fascinating because of the sense of stepping into a different world.
If you only visit one, we’d choose Magdalen College. Its beautiful buildings, deer park and riverside Addison’s Walk give children more space to explore than many of the central colleges. New College is our other family favourite, particularly for Harry Potter fans.
You can even stay overnight in some Oxford colleges during university vacations—we stayed at Mansfield College with our daughter and loved the experience. See our Where to Stay in Oxford with Kids guide for more.
Top tip: Don’t try to cram several colleges into one day. They are working educational institutions, so always check the college website for closures before visiting.
Magdalen College
One of Oxford’s largest colleges, Magdalen surprises visitors with tranquil grounds filled with wildflowers and even a small herd of deer. Once you step into the college grounds, you feel far away from the bustle of the city centre, despite being only seconds away.
The college buildings include the Great Tower, a chapel and gorgeous cloisters.
The statues standing around the walls of the internal quadrangle, which can be viewed from the cloisters, remind me of the stone statues in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. In fact, C.S. Lewis is known to have enjoyed meandering along the 1.3km Addison’s Walk, a looped path along the River Cherwell, inside the college grounds.
Tickets are £10/ £9 per adult/ child over 7 or £28 for a family ticket. If you have energy to spare Magdalen Boathouse is just outside.
New College
When visiting New College, be sure to head to the visitor entrance on New College Lane. The other entrance is on the opposite side of the college, and if you accidentally find yourself there, it’s a relatively long walk around.
New College is a considerably cheaper alternative to Christ Church for Harry Potter fans. Visitors can explore the atmospheric cloisters (which feature in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), wood-panelled dining hall, chapel and magnificent gardens.
Adult tickets are £12, concessions £11 and a family ticket £32 (up to 3 children)
Christ Church College
Christ Church is the obvious choice for serious Harry Potter fans, with its staircase and cloisters appearing in the films and its Great Hall inspiring the Hogwarts Great Hall. It’s spectacular, but it’s also considerably more expensive than several other Oxford colleges, which is why it wouldn’t be our first choice for a family visit.
Top tip: Tickets are released weekly and are cheaper when booked in advance, so check current prices and availability before visiting.
Free events at Oxford Open Doors
Visiting in September? Check the programme for Oxford Open Doors, when many historic buildings open free of charge. We’ve used it to visit New College, see inside All Souls’ library, climb the Sheldonian Theatre cupola and explore St Edmund Hall. The programme changes every year and popular bookable venues fill quickly.
Two Easy Day Trips from Oxford with Kids
Take a Trip to Blenheim Palace
Around 10 miles from Oxford, Blenheim Palace is a fantastic day out with kids.
Whilst the palace itself will interest history and design lovers, the gardens are the main draw for families. Get lost in the maze, explore acres of formal gardens, spot brightly coloured butterflies in the Butterfly House or add on a visit to Adventure Play.
Read our full review of Blenheim Palace, including our experience of its seasonal events, before you visit.
Visit the Ruins of Godstow Abbey
For a more relaxed half-day trip from central Oxford, head to Wolvercote to explore the ancient ruins of Godstow Abbey followed by lunch or drinks at The Trout, right on the river.
You can walk, bike, take the bus or drive from Oxford.
Best things to do in Oxford with Teenagers
If you’re visiting Oxford with teenagers, these activities tend to have the most appeal for older kids and teens, combining independence, food, and the outdoors.
- Punting on the River Cherwell – A classic Oxford experience that teens usually love with great potential for laughter.
- Eating Their Way Through the Covered Market – One of the best places in Oxford with kids and teenagers alike with lots of child friendly eating spots.
- Pitt Rivers Museum – One of our favourite Oxford museums with teenagers, with its dimly lit rooms, densely packed displays and intriguing exhibits.
- Oxford Castle & Prison – Climbing the tower, exploring the old prison cells and learning about Oxford’s darker history makes this far more engaging than a standard museum visit.
- Thirsty Meeples Board Game Café – A relaxed, fun stop where kids and teens can choose from thousands of board games. This is a bit hit with my own teenagers.
Planning Your Family Visit
Staying overnight? For a first family visit, I’d usually stay in the city centre, while Jericho is one of my favourite alternatives with older children and teenagers. Our Where to Stay in Oxford with Kids guide compares the different areas, family hotels, apartments and even staying overnight in an Oxford college.
If you’d like to visit both Oxford and the Cotswolds, try our 5-day road trip itinerary and our guide to the best things to do with kids in the Cotswolds.
Travelling around Oxford
Car – I strongly advise avoiding driving into central Oxford if you can. Parking is expensive and navigating the centre can be frustrating. If you’re arriving by car, we’ve always found the Park and Ride the easiest option, with five sites around Oxford’s ring road and regular buses into the centre.
Walking – Oxford is compact and easy to explore on foot. Walking also rewards you with unexpected sights, hidden alleys and interesting viewpoints that you’d easily miss otherwise.
Bike – Cycling is extremely popular with locals and students, although I’d only recommend it for families who are confident cycling in a busy city. Bikes can be hired from Bainton Bikes, which also runs guided cycling tours.
Train – Oxford station is within easy walking distance of the city centre, making the train one of the easiest ways to visit without worrying about parking.
Where to Eat in Oxford with Kids
We usually chose somewhere quick and central, rather than losing sightseeing time to a long lunch. Some of our favourites are:
- Quick bites: Covered Market
- Street food: Gloucester Green Market (Wed–Sat)
- Picnics: University Parks or Christ Church Meadow
- Pubs: Jericho area
- Sit-down meal: Brown’s Brasserie
- Cafés: Vaults & Garden, Knead Bakery
- Out of town: The Trout Inn, Wolvercote
