Keeping the kids entertained can sometimes seem like an endless task. When another trip to the park won't suffice, check out SoGlos's pick of our favourite toddler-friendly days out in Gloucestershire.
From visiting farmyard animals to exploring incredible indoor playgrounds, there's plenty of new and fun ways to entertain toddlers, without straying too far from home before nap time!
Slimbridge Wetland Centre near Stroud
Start the day at Slimbridge Wetland Centre by feeding ducks, geese and swans, who’ll happily eat right out of the palm of visitors’ hands.
Explore the watery world of Toad Hall, getting up close to frogs, newts, salamanders and other pond life, before heading to visit the flamingos and Hawaiian geese. Then let off some energy with a splash around at Welly Boot Land and an indoor soft play session! Children under four can visit for free with a paying adult, too.
Dean Heritage Centre in Soudley
Toddle back in time at Dean Heritage Centre, where visitors can discover the forester’s cottage, Victorian school classroom and replica free mine, as well as enjoying a picnic in the beautiful grounds.
Explore the walking trails around the centre to spot the resident wildlife, as well as Gruffalo sculptures nestled in amongst the trees. Under threes go free and there’s even the opportunity to return if it’s too wet to enjoy all the attractions.
Cotswold Farm Park near Guiting Power
Enjoy a fun-filled day out at Adam Henson’s farm, starting off in the Discovery Barn where children can say hello to chicks, rabbits and smaller residents, before heading to the Animal Barn where they may get the chance to bottle feed some new arrivals.
There's plenty of space to run around, with a mud kitchen to get messy at; flower fields to frolic through in the summer; potato picking and a pumpkin patch in autumn; and illuminated light trails in the run-up to Christmas. Cotswold Farm Park even hosts dedicated Messy Play sessions, where youngsters can splash, squeeze, crunch and squelch in a whole load of mucky materials on selected dates.
Museum of Gloucester
Free to visit, the Museum of Gloucester is a great toddler-friendly day out in the centre of Gloucester with plenty to spark little ones' imaginations.
From coming face-to-face with dinosaurs to learning all about Gloucester's Roman roots, there's lots to do — plus there's a cafe and gift shop where you can treat the whole family, too.
Cattle Country Farm Park in Berkeley
A trip to the farmyard with children is always a hit, and at Cattle Country Farm Park in Berkeley, visitors get to meet calves, pigs and even alpacas.
Take a change of clothes — or swimmers in the summer — and let the kids loose in the waterplay area and covered beach. There’s also a huge Play Barn offering everything from slides and soft play to pedal karts and interactive games.
Westonbirt Arboretum in Tetbury
Providing a colourful backdrop for a day out at any time of the year, Westonbirt is a great place to take toddlers – especially as under fives can visit for free and the incredible STIHL treetop walkway is pushchair friendly.
Wander through the wood and meet the Gruffalo sculptures, build a den out of sticks, cross the troll bridge and crawl through tyre tunnels on the outdoor adventure trail for a thoroughly outdoorsy day out.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Take the kids on a trip aboard a historic steam train at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Ride the line from Cheltenham all the way to Broadway and back — stopping off to have a go at being a signalman, exploring the model railway and looking out for wildlife along the way.
Children under five can travel for free with a paying adult — and you can even bring your dog along, too!
Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean
Nestled in the Forest of Dean, Beechenhurst has a spectacular sculpture trail with a variety of options for little legs and bigger ones — and it's free to visit.
Start the day by wandering through the forest and spotting the magnificent sculptures, inspired by their surroundings; recharge with a bite to eat at the cafe before taking the kids to the play area, which is full of exciting activities such as a giant bird’s nest swing!
Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe
Toddle over to Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, which puts on lots of fun activities for families throughout the year and is surrounded by gorgeous Gloucestershire countryside. Adults can soak up the fascinating history of the castle while children have a fun day exploring the grounds, meeting the resident pheasants and spotting animal sculptures on the Sculpture Safari.
A day out with the little ones wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the playground and the one at Sudeley Castle won’t disappoint, with plenty of opportunities for kids to play king of the castle and burn off some of their boundless energy.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens in Burford
Visit animals from all over the world without leaving the Cotswolds. From zebras and lions to giraffes and camels, toddlers will love meeting animals of all different shapes and sizes at Cotswold Wildlife Park — with 160 acres of parkland to run around in as well.
Take the kids to see penguins, lemurs or lions being fed; pay a visit to the animals in the children’s farmyard; and from April to October, hop on the narrow-gauge railway, which takes passengers on a trip around the park, too. Plus, children under two can visit Cotswold Wildlife Park for free.
Leisure at Cheltenham
If the kids are feeling especially energetic, spend a day at Leisure at Cheltenham – with its splash pad offering watery fun for little ones, with slides, obstacles to clamber over and fountains.
Or head to a Splash and Swim session where they can have a ball in the teaching pool with plenty to play with, ideal for children under six and suitable for non-swimmers.
Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water
Take your brood to see the UK's only breeding group of King Penguins — which includes celebrity penguin, Spike — at Birdland in the pretty Cotswold town of Bourton-on-the-Water.
With flat paths, it's ideal for little legs and pushchairs, with all sorts of feathered friends to see, from owls and pelicans to flamingoes, parrots and even a cassowary.
Ninja Warrior in Gloucester
Offering dedicated Mini Ninjas sessions for under fives and Little Ninjas sessions for children aged two to seven-years-old, Ninja Warrior UK in Gloucester is great for energetic kids who love a challenge.
Instead of climbing the walls at home, they can test their skills on a variety of obstacles, from balance beams and trampolines to foam pits and cargo nets.
For more information about The King's School Gloucester, visit its upcoming Working Open Morning on Friday 7 March 2025, or visit thekingsschool.co.uk.
