From travelling through time and discovering the secrets of Gloucestershire's rich past to meeting beautiful, exotic butterflies and hand-feeding adorable farm animals, there's plenty to keep kids busy.
SoGlos has handpicked 15 lovely days out across the gorgeous county which are sure to entertain little ones — and grandparents, too!
Dean Heritage Centre, Soudley
Take little ones on a journey through time to learn all about the history of the Forest of Dean at Dean Heritage Centre in Soudley. With five galleries exploring everything from pre-historic times to World War II, kids can enjoy the Victorian school classroom, the replica free mine and demonstrations such as chainsaw carving and traditional charcoal burning — you can even meet the Gruffalo!
Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester
For kids bouncing with energy and more active grandparents, Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester is the ideal location to burn off some their unlimited energy and develop some impressive ninja skills along the way. Suitable for all ages, visitors can tackle exciting challenges including climbing, balancing, swinging, jumping — and even take on a wickedly warped wall!
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Offering more than 100 acres of habitats to explore, the award-winning WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre is a fantastic destination for a family day out, whether animal lovers want to meet flamingos, ducks, swans and even the world's rarest goose at the Hawaiian-inspired Mission Possible exhibit; try out the canoe safari; or splash around at Welly Boot Land.
Cattle Country Farm Park, Berkeley
One of Gloucestershire's best-loved visitor attractions, Cattle Country Farm Park makes for a great place for grandparents to take the kids for a day of fun. Children can burn off some energy at its impressive play areas; cuddle with bunnies, guinea pigs and chickens in the Animal Barn; drive mini tractors; and, depending on the time of year, take part in plenty of seasonal activities such as toasting marshmallows and meeting newborn lambs!
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Recognised as one Gloucestershire’s finest entertainment venues, Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre has something for the whole family to enjoy with a diverse line-up of dance, comedy and music events — not to mention the annual pantomime. Along with a host of child-specific productions, the Everyman also offers a delicious kids menu at The Café Bar, open on show days.
Westonbirt Arboretum
For a day filled with fresh air, nature and fun, grandparents can take little ones to run wild and explore trees from all over the world at Westonbirt Arboretum, with plenty of open space to kick a ball around — as well as natural play trails, Gruffalo sculptures and the interactive Zog activity trail to entertain kids of all ages.
Perrygrove Railway, Forest of Dean
Perfect for youngsters interested in locomotives, the award-winning Perrygrove Railway, located in the Forest of Dean, offers the chance to take a trip on the unique private railway and is open all year. A round trip takes about 30 minutes, with four stations each offering paths leading to beautiful walks through the luscious woodlands.
Bourton Model Village
Kids can become giants for the day as they explore Bourton-on-the-Water's much-loved Model Village, which tours a remarkable miniature replica of the Cotswold village and its iconic buildings. The only Grade II listed model village in the country, visitors can explore the tiny streets, hear music in the tiny model church and feel as though you're in Gulliver's Travels.
Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton
Located in Chipping Norton, Fairytale Farm is described as a 'sensory and learning wonderland for all the family' and is the UK's first visitor attraction that is open to all with disabled children in mind at the heart of its design and layout. With six different zones to explore, kids can take part in fairytale sensory experiences; take part in adventure play; meet four-legged friends such as ponies, rabbit and alpacas — and much more.
Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham
Ideal for those warm summer days, why not take a visit to Gloucestershire's most popular place for an outdoor dip at Cheltenham's Sandford Parks Lido? With a 50-metre heated pool, complete with a slide and children's pool, the venue also offers a children's play area and a cafe to refuel after splashing about!
Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe
Not only steeped in history allowing visitors to retrace the steps of the Tudors, little ones can run wild at Sudeley Castle and Gardens in Winchcombe at the fun-filled adventure playground, meet the castle's resident pheasants and tuck in to locally-sourced treats at the Castle Pantry.
Corinium Museum, Cirencester
Located in the 'Capital of the Cotswolds' Cirencester's Corinium Museum offers little ones — and adults — the chance to take a journey through time from its prehistoric landscape to the modern day. Visitors can explore the significant history and culture of the Cotswolds, take part in unique events and even meet Rusty, the Iron Age dog!
Wholly Gelato, Elmore
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Perfect for a gloriously sunny Gloucestershire day, take a trip to Elmore's Wholly Gelato for a cone or tub of delicious local gelato. Kids and grandparents can indulge in an ever-changing range of flavours including caramelised nut chocolate and white chocolate lavender — and you can even meet the cows while enjoying a cone on the farm!
Cotswold Farm Park
Another of Gloucestershire's award-winning attractions, Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park allows little ones to experience life on the farm like never before — from interacting with and seeing over 50 breeds of rare and native farm animals to learning about farming past and present and exploring the wicked indoor and outdoor play areas. There's plenty of annual fun to get involved with too, including live lambing, bottle feeding and more.
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
For a magical day, visit Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo in Symonds Yat and walk among exotic winged insects. Visitors will learn about each stage of their life cycle from caterpillar to beautiful butterfly, as well as discovering the 30 indigenous species that call the area home.
