Days out with the kids can quickly get expensive but fun doesn't have to cost a fortune — we're lucky to have all kinds of low- and no-cost attractions right here in Gloucestershire, for quality family time without spending a penny!
Catering for everyone from outdoorsy families to inquisitive minds, bookmark SoGlos's hot list as your go-to resource for free things to do with kids in Gloucestershire.
View the sights at the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Starting at Beechenhurst, the famous Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail celebrates all things nature with a series of forest-inspired sculptures interspersed among towering trees, following a 4.8-mile path — with shortcuts for little legs, too.
Still got energy to burn? Swing by the Beechenhurst play area to zoom down the zip line and check out brand-new play equipment for 2025, including a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and toddler-friendly tower.
Wander around The Wilson Museum & Art Gallery
Dig into Cheltenham's history at The Wilson, exploring the Antarctic adventures of local explorer, Edward Wilson, and finding out more about what life was like in Gloucestershire during the First World War.
Not forgetting its world-renowned Arts and Crafts Movement collection and ever-changing programme of touring exhibitions, temporary galleries and family-friendly events, too.
Explore iconic landmark Gloucester Cathedral
With its magical Whispering Gallery, stunning architecture and vaulted cloisters — which famously doubled as the corridors of Hogwarts — head to Gloucester Cathedral for a free spell of culture which will delight everyone from kids to history buffs.
Look out for special events and free family activities throughout the year; there's always plenty going on during the school holidays at low- or no-cost.
Look for beavers at Mallards Pike
A haven for outdoorsy families, Mallards Pike offers peaceful lakeside walks and meandering forest trails with plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities — there's even a beaver enclosure at Perry Hay, just north of the site, which you can reach by following the 5km running trail.
And while not quite free, at just £1.50 a map, the Gruffalo Orienteering offers a fun navigational challenge for younger adventurers that won't break the bank!
Enter a fairy tale world at The House of the Tailor of Gloucester
Nostalgic adults and excited children can step into the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter at The House of the Tailor of Gloucester, a quaint museum which boasts rare displays and memorabilia, set within the same building which inspired the beloved author’s magical tale.
Discover the nooks and crannies of the Tailor's kitchen, reconstructed from the author's original drawings, down to the miniature mice underneath the teacups!
Spot dinosaur bones at Museum in the Park
Covering the eclectic history of the Stroud district, with its collection spanning dinosaur bones to early examples of lawnmowers, Museum in the Park also has a lovely walled garden which regularly hosts special events.
The museum is located within the 56 acres of Stratford Park, near the centre of Stroud, where visitors can spend a whole day exploring the arboretum and woodland trails, watch the steam trains chug along the miniature railway and let loose on the playground.
Get some fresh air at Cotswold Water Park
In the heart of the Cotswolds, discover a sprawling system of lakes that's about the same size as the island of Jersey!
Cotswold Water Park is a beautiful area complete with footpaths, cycle paths, stunning views, picnic spots, riverside walks and more, which visitors can access free of charge.
Bike along the trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
Get the bikes out for an adventure on two-wheels, with a network of cycle routes to explore at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre.
Ride around the Forest of Dean via its historic railways, following the nine-mile Colliers Trial — a super family-friendly route, with specially surfaced paths and gentle slopes; while the more challenging Verderers Trail features an uphill climb and obstacles for more experienced riders to tackle.
Soar along to the Jet Age Museum
Aviation enthusiasts will be in their element at the Jet Age Museum, which boasts a replica of Britain’s first jet aircraft, the Gloster E28/39 and other original Gloster-built planes, in addition to an extensive document and photograph archive.
The museum also has six open cockpits which visitors can climb into, from a two-seat RAF trainer used by the Red Arrows to a formidable Vulcan bomber designed to fly nuclear weapons into enemy territory.
Follow the wellbeing trail at Symonds Yat Rock
Explore one of the Forest of Dean's best beauty spots, Symonds Yat, in a more mindful way, following a series of themed panels through the trees — inviting you to slow down, engage your senses and connect with the woodland around you.
Forestry England has a free forest wellbeing journal to enhance the trail, featuring mindful activities to try and space for reflections, which can be downloaded from its website.
Go straight to jail at Tetbury Police Museum
Housed in a former police office and courtroom, and home to the largest collection of British handcuffs and restraints on public view in the UK, the Tetbury Police Museum offers an interesting insight into the history of the Gloucestershire Constabulary.
With the original office and cells still intact, spot prisoner Fred snoozing behind bars and explore the replica courtroom, where you can listen in to a typical court hearing from the late 1940s.
Roam around Woodchester Park
Discover a 'lost landscape' at Woodchester Park, secreted in a wooded valley near Nailsworth. Follow the play trail, inspired by the looming Gothic Woodchester Mansion, and build the tallest Jenga towers at Tinkley Gate, the gateway to this National Trust-managed site.
Woodchester Mansion itself isn't owned by the National Trust but you can go inside — just be aware there are admission costs for this.
Discover the gruesome history of Tewkesbury Battlefield
Harking back to 1471 when the Wars of the Roses came to a head in Gloucestershire, the Tewkesbury Battlefield Society offers free guided walks of the site where the history-making battle took place.
Ideal for anyone with a keen interest in local history, the annual Tewkesbury Medieval Festival brings a full-scale battle re-enactment and Europe's largest free medieval gathering to the site in the summer.
