Cheltenham has so much to offer families, from fun activities like adventure golf and inflatable obstacle courses to inspiring cultural attractions.
SoGlos rounds up 15 awesome things to do with children in Cheltenham, with ideas to keep the youngest and oldest kids entertained.
Mr Mulligans
Challenge your brood to score a hole in one at Mr Mulligans adventure golf in The Brewery Quarter.
With two themed 18-hole courses taking families through the ancient world of Canopy Creek, complete with dinosaurs, then deep into the depths of Neptune's Mist — not to mention electro-darts, shuffleboard, pool, ping pong tables and even a karaoke room — there's hours of fun to be had.
Everyman Theatre
Theatre-loving little ones will love the chance to see a show at Cheltenham's spectacular Everyman Theatre.
Its packed programme features touring West End shows and homegrown productions, as well as its showstopping annual pantomime. From Peppa Pig and Disney's Aristocats, to The Little Prince and David Walliams's Awful Auntie, there's plenty to look forward to in 2024.
Hollywood Bowl
Hit the lanes at Hollywood Bowl for some nostalgic family fun, with tenpin bowling and loads of arcade games with prizes up for grabs. There are ball ramps and lane bumpers available on every lane to help the littlest family members enjoy the fun, too.
Choose one, two or three games back-to-back, or opt for a game, food and drink deal.
Cotswold Farm Park
From bottle feeding fuzzy lambs to making friends with mischievous goats, highland cows, cheeky chicks and lots more, Cotswold Farm Park is one of the area's most popular family attractions.
Located in Guiting Power, just outside Cheltenham in the Cotswold countryside, the park offers a whole day's worth of fun, with a cafe, outdoor playground, indoor adventure barn and even accommodation on-site. It's one of Gloucestershire's most accessible attractions, too, so it's ideal for children with SEND.
Escape Hunt
An ideal activity for older kids, Escape Hunt challenges visitors to one of four different escape experiences at its Brewery Quarter venue.
From following Alice down the rabbit hole, facing off with the Daleks to an MI6-inspired challenge to take down the Nazis armed only with intelligence, the whole family will have to work together to solve the clues before the clock runs out.
Pittville Park
With a huge adventure playground, complete with zipwire and aviary, right next door to the iconic Pittville Pump Room and lawn, Pittville Park is a fantastic place for little ones to let off some steam.
While the kids clamber over climbing frames, see how high they can get on the swings and meet the resident birds, grown-ups can enjoy a coffee from the on-site cafe. There's even a boating lake, so you can take to the water for a row during spring and summer, too.
Cheltenham Paint Festival
Every year, Cheltenham Paint Festival turns the streets into an alfresco art gallery, with graffiti artists from across the world coming to Cheltenham to share their work.
The community-focused event is completely free to attend, so kids can watch the artists in action — and their stunning works are there to enjoy all year round. Check out the artworks at The Brewery Quarter and North Place Car Park, or grab your scooters and head up the Honeybourne Line to see how many you can spot.
The Wilson
Great for thoughtful little ones, The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum hosts touring exhibitions as well as a year-round collection that features art, furniture, textiles and historical artefacts.
Named after Antarctic explorer, Edward Wilson, kids can learn all about his adventure to the South Pole; discover the history and heritage of the Arts and Crafts Movement and its links to the Cotswolds; and explore the incredible life of art collector, Mattei Radev, in the gallery's current exhibition — featuring genuine Picasso paintings and a fascinating exploration of the LGBTQ community Mattei was part of and its impact on contemporary art.
The Play Farm
Boasting Cheltenham's biggest soft play frame, The Play Farm promises hours of fun for the littlest members of the family.
Parents can enjoy a coffee or two while their toddlers climb, scramble and slide around the colourful play area, with regular Disco Tots and sensory-friendly sessions, too.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Take a trip through the breathtaking Cotswold countryside on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway for a family day out with a difference.
Hop on board at Cheltenham Racecourse and ride all the way to Broadway — or, with lots to see and do along the way, jump on and off at stations in Gotherington, Winchcombe, Hayles Abbey and Toddington.
Cineworld
Grown-ups pay kids' prices with family tickets at Cineworld, with 25 per cent off a Family Special snack bundle including popcorn, drinks and munchboxes, too.
There are also regular Movies for Juniors screenings of classic family favourites, with tickets costing just £2.50 for adults and little ones.
Sandford Parks Lido
Take the kids for a dip at Cheltenham's Sandford Parks Lido. The 50-metre heated outdoor pool is the ultimate summer day activity that'll make little ones feel like they're on holiday.
As well as swimming, sliding and splashing around, the lido also hosts aqua fun inflatable sessions, dog swims, paddleboard yoga and lots more — not to mention outdoor theatre and outdoor cinema in its four-acre grounds.
Creams Cafe
From ice cream sundaes and treat-filled shakes to warm cookie dough, piled-high waffles and freshly made crepes, a trip to Creams Cafe is a treat for everyone.
With colourful decor and a menu chock full of tasty desserts to try, it's perfect for refuelling after trying out some of the fun family activities on offer at The Brewery Quarter.
Jumpin' Fun
Offering 12,000 sq ft of inflatable mayhem, Jumpin' Fun is a must-visit for active and adventurous kids.
With a Total Wipeout-style inflatable obstacle course, mega slide, ball pit and a huge air bag to jump on, it's a great way to burn off some energy on rainy days. The centre offers dedicated Toddler Time sessions for little ones, too.
Sudeley Castle
Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, just outside Cheltenham, provides a unique family day out, with the chance to walk in the footsteps of its former royal residents.
Ideal for history-loving little ones, visitors can see the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr — Henry VIII's sixth wife; explore the ruins and rose gardens; play King of the Castle at the huge outdoor adventure playground; and even head off on a safari-style adventure with Sudeley Castle's Animal Ark and VR experience.
