Family Friendly Days Out Near Oxford To Explore This Summer

The summer holidays have rolled around again, and families and youth groups will be looking for fun and interesting activities to keep the kids entertained. If you are near Oxford, there are plenty of exciting destinations with easy reach, especially with minibus hire. 

Whether you are planning a one-off trip or you need regular transport throughout the summer, here are some fantastic family-friendly destinations around Oxford and the south east. 

Field of Fun, Earth Trust Farm, Abingdon 

Throughout August, Earth Trust is running Field of Fun days in a playful outdoor space designed for children aged five and up. There’s a musical wall, a mini-obstacle course, a hay bale play area and a chill out zone with shade and seating. There are day tickets available for weekdays only between 10am and 3.30pm.

For older children, there’s the Earth School, which brings the opportunity to bring classroom based learning into a real-world setting. There’s a beautiful natural setting with woodland, wildflower meadows, extensive farmland, rivers and wetlands, plus an iron age hill fort, grassland habitats and the river Thames all within walking distance. 

For a more chilled out day, you can simply pack a picnic and enjoy the surroundings and nature trails. There’s a welcome hub where you can buy refreshments, orienteering courses, painting workshops and much more.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Burford

One of the region’s most popular family attractions, Cotswold Wildlife Park offers the chance to see over 260 species of animals, from rhinos and giraffes to penguins and lemurs. There’s also a miniature railway, adventure playground, and beautifully landscaped gardens for a relaxed picnic. Plenty of parking makes this an easy coach destination. 

Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot

Take your group on a journey back in time at Didcot Railway Centre. With its collection of vintage locomotives, carriage rides, and recreated Victorian stations, this heritage railway is a hit with children and adults alike. They regularly run summer events for families, including steam days and themed storytelling sessions.

Millets Farm Falconry and Animal Walk

Millets Farm is a local favourite, and their Falconry Centre is a fantastic experience for families. Children can see eagles, owls, and hawks up close, and the farm also features animal petting areas, a huge play barn, and pick-your-own fruit fields during summer. Coach parking is available on-site.

Oxford Castle & Prison, Oxford city centre

A great combination of history and interactive storytelling, Oxford Castle & Prison gives kids a fun and slightly spooky way to learn about the city’s past. Ideal for smaller groups or local holiday clubs, the guided tours include climbing the historic Saxon tower and exploring the old prison cells.

Science Oxford, Oxford city centre

If you’re planning a more educational day out for a holiday club or group of curious kids, Science Oxford is an excellent choice. Their hands-on science centre has interactive exhibits, a woodland nature trail, and regular themed workshops during the school holidays. It’s a brilliant option for rainy days and smaller group trips.

Blenheim Palace & Pleasure Gardens, Woodstock

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than just stunning architecture: it’s a full day out for families. The Pleasure Gardens are a major hit with children, featuring a giant hedge maze, miniature train, butterfly house, and adventure playground. Group entry discounts are available, and coach access is smooth and well-managed.

There’s also over 2000 acres of landscaped parkland and formal gardens to explore. The Great Lake and the ancient oaks in High Park are sights of Special Scientific Interest, while the formal gardens are at their beautiful best at this time of year.