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Parents can often have a difficult task in finding new and exciting ways to make sure their children are having fun – understandable so!
It isn’t easy to find entertainment for little balls of energy whether it’s indoors or outdoors InYourArea.co.uk has created the ultimate guide for the best things to do with kids in Gloucestershire.
Because we know that children love to explore, try new things, have fun and learn all at the same time, and you need to keep them going.
From museums to farms and treetop adventures, this list is the one stop guide for entertainment throughout the year.
Think we’ve missed something off of our list? Email info@inyourarea.co.uk and we’ll add it in!
Best outdoor activities for your kids in Gloucestershire
Cotswold Farm Park
Where: Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 5FL
Introduce your family to a variety of farm breeds from goats, pigs, sheep, cattle and horses!
Children will be able to interact with small animals in the discovery barn, get hands on with seasonal activities and jump aboard the tractor for your very own Farm Safari.
Fun can be found all around with indoor and outdoor play areas, wildlife walks, rare breeds trails and a fun mini-maze for adventures with a love for a challenge.
Learn, play and explore with the whole family at this attraction which is perfect for a day of adventuring.
Admission is based on age, with varying peak and off peak prices. Guests that book online in advance will get a reduction.
Website: cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/
St James City Farm
Where: Albany Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL1 4NG
Ponies, birds of prey, goats, pigs, bunnies, guinea pigs and sheep are waiting to meet you and your family.
St James is the ideal farm for your little ones with interactive experiences including handling sessions, feeding sessions and pony grooming.
Families can make the day out of the experience by packing a picnic, booking a guided tour and activities organised by the farm, however these must be booked in advance.
Guests are able to visit the farm completely free of charge, however donations are welcome.
Website: stjamescityfarm.co.uk/
The Adventure Zone
Where: Cotswold Water Park, Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6DF
Dare your family to a challenge they won’t forget, from kayaking to windsurfing, and paddle boarding among other fun activities.
The outdoor activity centre offers high thrills with a range of certified instructors ready to teach your little ones a new skill.
A special addition to the centre is Treasure Trove where families can build an epic Raft, launch it and find hidden treasure on Pirate Island!
With 10 activities to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Prices vary depending on which activity you choose, with guests required to book online in advance.
Website: adventure-zone.co.uk/
Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre
Where: Matson Lane, Matson, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL4 6EA
Hit the slopes all year round, whatever your ability, these dry ski slopes offer the perfect place to improve the skill, or learn as a beginner.
Gloucester Ski even has fun runs for kids looking to tube, or challenging obstacles for snowboarders looking for extra adrenalin and to test their skills.
Adaptive skiing experiences are also available for visitors with extra needs.
When families aren’t enjoying the slopes, this attraction has an action packed game of laser tag also on offer.
Battle Hill laser tag is home to 10 different scenarios including zombie games and capture the flag challenges.
Admission vary depending on which activity you choose with group and private lessons as well as free skate sessions all available.
Website: gloucesterski.com/
BattleSports Glos
Where: Elton Farm Leisure Littledean Road, Newnham, Gloucestershire GL14 1JU
Select your weapon and head into battle for this action packed outdoor gaming experience of laser tag, with state of the art digital technology.
For those that know their guns, players will be able to choose from a small Mac 11 pistol to the realistic MP7.
As well as realistic guns, families will have to overcome a range of obstacles from purpose built barricades, to themed bases, abandoned vehicles, hideouts and a flanking woodland.
With sessions specifically for kids, it’s the perfect adventure for the whole family.
Admission is charged per person, with each sessions set at a different rate. Smoke grenades can also be purchased for an additional fee.
The minimum age for involvement is seven.
Website: battlesportsglos.com/
Go Ape Forest of Dean
Where: Go Ape Forest of Dean Mallards Pike Lake Parkend, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4HD
Fly down zip-wires, leap like Tarzan and tackle obstacles while enjoying some seriously beautiful scenery from the trees.
Whether you’re family is looking for the ultimate, adrenaline-filled trail or preferring a gentler passageway through the trees, this location has it all.
With a range of levels available for young and old adventurers alike including a range of late night activities for the nocturnal among you.
There’s also the option to ride through the forest on a Segway or take up axe throwing!
Prices range depending on age and activity, with advance booking recommended.
Website: goape.co.uk/forest-of-dean-mallards-pike
International Centre for Birds of Prey
Credit: Mark Galer via Flickr
Where: Boulsdon House, Newent, Gloucestershire GL18 1JJ
Owls, falcons, eagles and raptors are swooping through the skies at the International Centre for Birds of Prey!
Families will be able to see more than 250 incredible birds, explore 12 acres of enclosures, gardens, fields and woods!
Kids can stare in amazement, as birds and their trainers put on an impressive displays throughout the day.
Experience days are also a big part of the centre, with both half and full day options on offer for families who want to get even more interactive and close up to the birds of prey.
Admission is based on age with tickets bought in advance online given a discount.
Website: icbp.org/
Highnam Court Gardens
Where: Highnam, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL2 8DP
History buffs can explore Highnam Court an imppressive building with sprawling open space and gardens.
Built in 1658, after the original house was seriously damaged in the Civil War, but what now stands in its place is worth the exploration.
The gardens which were once overgrown are now restored to the their former glory, inviting families to visit and breathe in the fresh air.
Try and identify the range of flowers and statues scattered throughout the gardens.
The garden is opened on various dates throughout the year for charity open days.
Admission is based on which event or open day families choose to attend.
Website: highnamcourt.co.uk/
Berkeley Castle
Where: Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9PJ
Delve into this corner of history with your family for a day of historical adventuring.
With plenty of activities for kids to enjoy from castle guides to free quizzes and trails both inside and outside the Castle.
When visiting during May and September, families will be able to explore the the Butterfly House!
More interactive fun includes outdoor games and a dressing-up area which will keep your little ones entertained when they aren’t exploring the gardens .
Admission is based on age, with optional gift aid available for guests.
Website: berkeley-castle.com/
Barnwood Arboretum and Park
Where: Church Lane, Barnwood, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL4 3JB
Wander through this park with your family, taking in the range of habitats home to a range of birds, insects and small mammals.
Families can try spotting the different species, or walk through the Arboretum Tree Trial as part of an interactive learning experience.
When you aren’t exploring the park, check out the tree carving zone and range of other events available throughout the year.
Entry to Barnwood is free.
Fancy exploring another Arboretum within the county, why not head to Batsford Arboretum in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AD
Website: barnwoodarboretumpark.yolasite.com/
Bourton on the Water Mystery Trail
Where: Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire GL54 2AY
Can you uncover a murder mystery? Do you have what it takes to catch a killer and decrypt clues! Well this is the perfect place to test your skills.
Families will be able to solve a mystery while exploring parts of the area that haven’t really noticed before.
The 2.5 mile route can be done at your own pace with children as young as six able to participate.
There are locations across Gloucestershire you can try, so see how many mysteries you and your family can uncover.
Trail booklets are set price, with one booklet enough for four to five people.
Website: treasuretrails.co.uk/bourton-on-the-water
Sandford Parks Lido
Where: Keynsham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7PU
Splash around with your family at this lido in Cheltenham, it’s the perfect place to swim in the sunshine or even on a cloudy day!
Parents will be happy to hear the pools are heated, which means fun can be had even when the weather isn’t as warm as you’d like.
The pool sits 50-metres in length, with a separate children’s pool, and paddling pool, ensuring kids of all ages can have a blast!
Admission is based on age, with under fives allowed to swim for free.
Website: sandfordparkslido.org.uk/
You can also head to [Wotton Under Edge Swimming Pool](Wotton Under Edge Swimming Pool) for some outdoor swims, but check the website before visiting as it is only open during summer.
Perrygrove Railway and Treetop Adventure
Where: Perrygrove Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8QB
Perrygove is an all weather attraction home to treehouses, trains and treasure which are great to visit throughout the year.
Hop aboard a round trip train journey welcoming visitors to take in the views and explore the wider area.
With a special picnic zones for families hoping to make the day out of it, as well woodland walks and an outdoor play area for adventurers to hang out.
There’s also indoor play areas to enjoy!
Prices vary depending on age, with family tickets and annual passes also available to purchase.
Website: perrygrove.co.uk/
Puzzlewood
Where: Perrygrove Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8QB
Explore the enchanted wilderness that is Puzzlewood, allowing children to imagine the world of magic, dragons and unicorns!
It’s fun for all the family, with plenty of woodland to explore, mazes to get lost in and an outdoor play area to burn off some of that energy.
When they aren’t exploring the great outdoors, kids can meet a range of farm animals from chickens to donkeys, rabbits and sheep.
See if you an identify which films and TV Shows have been filmed at Puzzelwood – or just make the most of being outdoors.
Admission is based on age with children under the age of two allowed in free of charge. Annual passes are also available to purchase.
Website: puzzlewood.net/
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Where: Newgrounds Lane, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT
A world of wildlife awaits families in Gloucester, with 100 adventure-filled acres of space to explore.
Spot beautiful ducks, geese and flamingos dotted across the centre, splashing around in the water and pottering around in the marshes.
When kids have seen all the wildlife on offer, they can get wild on their own terms in the adventure playgrounds or on canoe boats.
Admission is based on age, with optional gift aid. Tickets bought online in advance receive a discount.
Website: wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge
Dean Heritage Centre
Where: Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire GL14 2UB
Set in amongst five acres of stunning scenery, the centre is fully interactive and perfect for families.
Dean Heritage protects and preserves the unique history and heritage of the Forest of Dean, through a range of interactive galleries including a Victorian cottage and a Beam Engine.
Families can explore the woodland trail based on the The Gruffalo, which is bound to bring some enjoyment.
What makes this attraction even more appealing is the fact it offers both indoor and outdoor fun, so you can visit all year round!
Admission is based on age with optional gift aid and packages available for families. Those that just want to do the Gruffalo trail can at a reduced entry rate.
Website: deanheritagecentre.com/
Best indoor activities for your kids in Gloucestershire
JDR Karting
Where: Madleaze Industrial Estate, Bristol Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL1 5SG
Step into the ultimate venue for high adrenalin fun in the form of Karting and Laser Tag!
The high speed track offers a thrilling adventure for families, with different karts for drivers depending on age reaching up to 40mph.
With specialist track sessions for children between the ages of four and 12, as well as sessions for children over the age of seven, whatever speed your family is looking for JDR has it.
With Dalexs, aliens, tigers and glow in the dark props to make the experience more exciting.
A exciting addition to this attraction is the Segway trail, the first indoor attraction of its kind.
Prices vary depending on which activity you choose, with different sessions available depending on age and laps.
Website: jdrkarting.co.uk/
Clearwell Caves Ancient Iron Mines
Where: Royal Forest of Dean, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR
Discover an incredible underground world, where families can discover something spectacular and unseen.
It’s in an incredible natural cave system that was once mined for more than 4,500 years – it’s a fascinating experience for all.
Full of colourful caverns and generations of history to be explored, see if you can discover any extinct creatures!
It’s an incredible interactive experience that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.
Admission is based on age with family tickets available to purchase.
Website: clearwellcaves.com/
The Warehouse Climbing Centre
Where: Parliament Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL1 1HY
Get active at this indoor climbing and caving centre in Gloucester, it’s the perfect adventure for families.
With two great options, one taking you towards the roof and the other taking you into the depths of ‘caves’ the attraction is full of thrills.
Before you wrack your brains trying to figure out how there are 90m caves in the venue, you should know it’s a fun and exciting replication of real caving but indoors!
With session suitable for tots to young adults, this is a thrill the whole family can enjoy.
Prices vary depending on age, with instructed sessions also available at an extra cost. Annual registration is required for first time visitors.
Website: the-warehouse.co.uk/
Funky Warehouse
Where: Swindon Road, Cheltenham GL51 9NB
Bounce around this fun venue packed with 28 large trampolines, as well as ropes, hoops, cargo nets and monkey bars all over a foam pit!
Kids can challenge themselves to Ninja Warrior obstacles, or dangle across the suspended monkey bars or battle it out across the beams – it’s all possible at this family attraction.
Those looking for the extra thrill can give the parkour area a go, but this section is only available for children over the age of seven.
Younger children looking for a tamer adventure can go wild in the soft play area, or make the most of off peak toddler trampolining sessions.
Admission depends on which session you attend, with special deals available online.
Website: funkywarehouse.co.uk/
The Play Farm Cheltenham
Where: The Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4FA
Have a whale of a time at this indoor play centre, full of exciting ball pits, slides, climbing frames and laser warfare.
It’s the total package of indoor soft play areas, with features that children up to age of 12 can enjoy.
There are special play sessions for babies and toddlers for families with young children.
Prices are based on peak and off peak prices.
Website: playfarm.co.uk/
Fancy more soft play adventures for your little ones, head to Jungle Chums Soft Play Centre in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire
Museum of Gloucester
Where: Brunswick Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL1 1HP
Discover one million objects at this engaging museum, full wall to wall with interesting facts and artifacts for the budding historian in your family.
Learn the history of the city’s origins from a Roman settlement through its transition as through the Dark Ages and Medieval period.
With plenty of interactivity as well as events for children throughout the year, this museum is sure to keep them entertained and educated!
Admission to the museum is free, but donations are welcome.
Website: gloucester.gov.uk/museum-of-gloucester/
Tenpin Gloucester
Where: Centre Severn, Barnwood, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL4 3HR
Get on your bowling shoes and hit the lanes, and see if you can aim for those all important strikes and spares.
Bowling is a all round sport that is enjoyed by children and adults alike, whether you decide on the added challenge of having the sides down, or take the safer route with them up!
The venue also has a fun soft play centre that your little ones will love!
Bowlers are charged per game, with specialist unlimited bowling offers also available during set times.
Website: tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/gloucester/
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
Where: Custom House the Docks, Commercial Road, Gloucester GL1 2HE
Dedicated to the memory of all those who have served their country as Soldiers of Gloucestershire – this museum offers incredible insight.
Soldiers from the last 300 years are immortalised in the museum, going from Napoleonic Wars right up to modern day conflicts focuses on locals that fought.
Try on Army uniforms, look into a First World War trench, learn about medals and how soldiers won them through history in a range of interactive displays.
Admission is based on age, with an option to become a friend of the museum.
Website: soldiersofglos.com/
Nature in Art
Where: Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL2 9PA
Head to this incredible museum and art gallery at Wallsworth Hall for an in depth look at art!
Nature in Art is dedicated exclusively to art inspired by nature in all forms, styles and versions of media.
With plenty of interactive exhibits, as well as learning experience there is bound to be something for everyone at this all round museum.
Special events also run throughout the year encouraging families to learn through practical activities and new experiences!
Admission is based on age with no charge for special guest exhibitions.
Website: natureinart.org.uk/
Jet Age Museum
Where: Meteor Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL2 9QL
Immerse yourself in a world of aircrafts, engines and restoration projects that are on display at this museum.
The perfect spot for aviation enthusiasts, you can learn about the history of flight and aircrafts
During opening hours guests can take on timed and guided tours of the Avro Vulcan bomber cockpit and Hawker Siddeley Trident airliner – you’ll be impressed when you see it.
Open from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, the majority of UK Bank Holidays and selected Wednesdays during Schools’ holiday periods, admission is FREE!
Website: jetagemuseum.org/
Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection
Where: The Old Mill, Sherborne Street, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 2BY
Take your families to this museum to discover a range of motor vehicles you wish you owned!
Guests will be invited to take a fascinating journey through time to explore the history of 20th-century motoring.
From caravans from the 1970s to a Blacksmiths workshop with artifacts that date back to 1625.
Children will be amazed to learn about the incredible range of toys available in the past, and see how it has changed to the toys they have today.
Admission is based on age, with Boundless Members offered a reduced rate.
Website: cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk/
Gloucester Waterways Museum
Where: Llanthony Warehouse, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL1 2EH
Learn about the incredible and fascinating 200-year history of the docks and the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal at this museum.
There is plenty to learn, and interactivity to get involved from climbing aboard historic boats, enjoying hands-on fun, watching archive films and browsing galleries rich in canal heritage and stories.
Located within a Grade II listed warehouse, it’s an incredible sight to behold.
Admission is based on age with family packages available and children under the age of five allowed in free of charge.
Website: gloucesterwaterwaysmuseum.org.uk/
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