A family day out in Oxfordshire need not mean paying for admission. Free museums, parks, riverside walks and animal viewing areas provide options throughout the year, with indoor choices for wet days and outdoor space when the weather is kind.
This guide separates free-entry outings from gardens where children may enter free but adults pay. Travel, parking, refreshments and optional activities can still cost money. Check opening times and access before setting out, especially in winter.
For central Oxford, compare public transport and park-and-ride options before driving. Parking charges and road restrictions vary, so use current travel information rather than old tariffs.
Exploring Oxford Centre
Visitors to Oxford will find a beautiful town with many impressive buildings, statues and parks. Strolling the historic streets is free and worth doing to capture some pictures of the impressive architecture. Some university grounds are free to visit and the university park is open to the public most days of the year. This park follows the river and is a great place to stop for a picnic and admire the Oxford students rowing on the river.
In the centre of Oxford are several free museums open to the public almost every day, most are within walking distance of each other. The Pitt Rivers Museum is accessed via the Oxford University Museum and best of all they are all free to enter.
These are the top museums we think best suit children of any age.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
- Address: Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PW
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:45 PM)
- The museum offers free entry and is home to a wide range of exhibits, from dinosaurs to various natural specimens.
Visiting the Oxford University Museum of Natural History should be top of your list. Located in the centre of Oxford It is full to the brim of interesting animals, dinosaurs and fossils that little ones are bound to love. There are a large number of family friendly exhibitions to see and several events that are held throughout the year.
Family activities and quieter visiting sessions have their own dates. Check the museum’s current programme rather than relying on past school-holiday listings.
For a more interactive experience, you can print family trails before you arrive or pick one up from the main desk on the day.
Facilities at the museum include a gift shop, toilets and baby changing areas, as well as an onsite cafe. Food and drink are not permitted within the museum but the lawn outside is a great place for a picnic and to grab a drink from the coffee van.
Pitt Rivers Museum
- Address: South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PP
- Opening Hours: Mondays: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Tuesdays to Sundays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- This museum features a diverse collection of cultural and archaeological artefacts from around the world. Entry is free.
The Pitt Rivers Museum is entered through the Museum of Natural History, making the two an easy combination. Its displays explore objects and cultures from around the world, including musical instruments, textiles and tools.
Check the museum’s current family trails and events before visiting. The shrunken heads formerly displayed here were removed from public display in 2020.
Facilities here include toilets and a small gift shop. To eat you can re-enter the Natural History Museum to access their cafe.
Ashmolean Museum
- Address: Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10am to 5pm
- The Ashmolean is renowned for its art and archaeology collections, including ancient Egyptian mummies and contemporary art.
Here you can dive into a world of art and archaeology with collections ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. The museum also offers family trails and activity packs to keep the kids engaged.
General admission is free and advance booking is not required. Family events and special exhibitions have separate arrangements; check the museum’s current programme.
The museum boasts a picturesque rooftop restaurant which is open for lunches and afternoon teas but booking is advised. Alternatively, there is a cafe which has been awarded the ‘Kids in Museums’ Family Cafe standard based on the quality of space, food and facilities they offer to children. They also have a family-friendly lunch space indoors where you can bring your own picnic. Outside there is a Coffee Van serving hot drinks and cakes.
Toilets and baby changing facilities are available as well as lockers if you don’t fancy lugging all your bags around on your visit.
Museum of Oxford
- Address: Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Sundays). The last entry is at 4:30 PM.
- Entry: Free, with donations encouraged. Booking in advance is not required
The Museum of Oxford tells the story of the people of Oxford from its earliest day to the present. There are several interactive activities for children as well as explorer backpacks including torches and ear defenders for when it’s noisier and trails, clues and cards to help you on your way around. It’s a great place to visit for an hour and is located in the town hall where there is also a cafe and toilet facilities.
History of Science Museum
- Address: Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ, United Kingdom.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays).
- Entry: Free, but donations are appreciated.
The History of Science Museum houses an extensive collection of scientific instruments and artefacts, including items used by notable figures like Albert Einstein. It offers exhibitions and displays on a wide range of scientific disciplines .
Scientific instruments and Einstein’s blackboard offer plenty for curious older children to investigate. Consult the museum’s visitor information for current access arrangements and facilities.
Gardens with free child entry: adults pay
Oxford Botanic Garden
The garden on Rose Lane is a paid attraction, with free admission available for eligible children accompanying a paying adult. Check the current age conditions, tickets and seasonal hours. The Botanic Garden in central Oxford and Harcourt Arboretum at Nuneham Courtenay are separate sites.
Waterperry Gardens
Waterperry, near Wheatley, has eight acres of ornamental gardens. Children aged 16 and under have free garden admission unless taking part in a trail; adults pay. Trails and performances can carry additional charges. Check the family visitor information before booking.
Oxfordshire’s Parks and Playgrounds
Oxfordshire boasts numerous parks and playgrounds perfect for a day out with the kids, all you need is some games and a picnic blanket. Here are some of the best ones.
University Parks
Address: South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RF
This large park is just around the corner from the Natural History Museum and is a great place for little ones to explore and take a walk. Bikes are not allowed in the park so any scooters or bikes will need to be left at home or in the car.
Facilities include public Toilets. There are no parking spaces at the site and the best way in is to walk from the centre of Oxford.
Cutteslowe Park
Address: Oxford Road, Oxford OX2 8ES
Located in North Oxford, this park features three playgrounds, a splash pad, a duck pond, a miniature railway, and lots of open space to run around and play games. It’s an ideal spot for a family picnic and you can easily spend the day here.
Facilities include toilets and refreshments. Paid parking on site.
Florence Park
Address: Rymers Lane, Oxford OX4 3JZ
This is a huge park with three different play areas for different ages. The main park has a large sand pit, obstacle course, swings and more. There is also a miniature golf park and tennis courts for hire.
Facilities include free parking, toilets and an onsite cafe.
Hinksey Park
Address: Abingdon Road, Oxford OX1 4RP
This park has a boat-themed sand pit and separate climbing frames for younger and older children. There is a free splash park and a payable outdoor heated pool as well as a duck pond and lake for walks.
Facilities include Toilets and paid parking on site.
Abbey Meadow Park
Address: Abbey Close, Abingdon OX14 3JE
This park is suitable for children of all ages with a Fort-themed climbing area. It has plenty of space for walking, playing on bikes or watching the boats in the lock.
Check the current parking tariff and seasonal toilet opening before travelling.
Deddington Adventure Playground
Address: Castle Grounds, Castle Street, Deddington, Banbury OX15 0TE
This park has something for everyone with climbing frames and an adventure trail that runs through the trees. With lots of open grassy areas, there is plenty of space for ball games or you can hire the all-weather court for football or tennis.
Facilities include free street parking but no Toilets.
Benson Play Park (Fayreways Recreation Ground)
Address: Benson, Wallingford OX10 6LZ
Also known as the Faye Elizabeth Recreation. This park is relatively new and has a huge climbing frame and slide at its centre. It’s not far from the Riverside Splash Park which is also free if you want to combine activities.
Facilities include free parking but no Toilets.
Riverside Jubilee Splash Park, Wallingford
Wallingford’s Riverside splash park is separate from Abbey Meadow in Abingdon. It is a seasonal attraction, so check the operator’s opening information before making a special journey. Swimming pool admission and parking are separate from the splash park.
Spiceball Country Park
Address: Spiceball Park Rd, Banbury OX16 2PA
Located in a large park in Banbury you’ll find a small play area, skate park and activity trail. It is located on the canal which is ideal for walking, cycling and playing games.
Facilities include paid parking, but no Toilets.
Walking and Cycling Trails
Oxfordshire’s scenic countryside offers numerous trails suitable for walking and cycling with children of any age. Take a bike or scooter to make the trail more interesting and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Thames Path
This long-distance walking trail follows the River Thames through Oxfordshire, offering picturesque views and plenty of spots for kids to explore and enjoy nature.
Although the full trail would take 14 days to complete you can join it at several points throughout Oxfordshire and take an afternoon stroll or dog walk. Toilets can be tricky to find along this path and you may need to stop at a local pub or cafe along the route.
Choosing a family cycling route
Do not assume a walking trail is suitable or permitted for cycling. Choose a published route appropriate to the children’s ages and abilities, check its surface and road sections, and follow local signs. The Thames Path is principally a walking trail.
Open Spaces
Oxfordshire has a large number of open spaces and nature reserves to visit. We would need a separate page just to list them all, so we’ve narrowed it down to a few we feel are the best for children and families throughout the year.
Christ Church Meadow
- Address: St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1DP
Situated in the heart of Oxford City is this beautiful meadow, where you can spot grazing cattle and enjoy views of the college’s stunning architecture. It’s a peaceful place for a picnic or a leisurely walk. Follow the free downloadable meadow trail or explore at your own pace. Although there is no parking nearby there is a toilet in the visitor centre.
Port Meadow
Address: Walton Well Rd, Oxford OX2 6ED
Port Meadow offers open views, grazing animals and room for a walk or picnic. Keep a safe distance from livestock, stay out of floodwater and supervise children beside the river. Do not assume parking is free or that barbecues are permitted; check local signs.
Heyford Wharf
Address: Lower Heyford, Oxfordshire, OX25 5PD
Heyford Wharf is a 200-year-old working boatyard 20 minutes from Banbury. With a village shop, cafe, boat and cycle hire it’s the perfect place to watch the narrowboats, enjoy the riverside location and have a pub lunch. There is free parking and a nearby rail station for those who don’t want to drive in.
Shotover Country Park
Address: Shotover, Oxford OX3 8TA
Shotover Country Park, on Oxford’s eastern edge, has woodland, open ground and hillside paths. Choose a route suited to your family: some paths are steep or uneven and can be muddy. Bring suitable footwear and plan toilet stops before arriving.
CS Lewis Nature Reserve
Address: Lewis Close, Headington, Oxford OX3 8JD
This nature reserve is thought to be the inspiration behind CS Lewis’s famous Narnia tales and is a lovely place to enjoy a woodland walk with little ones. The trail around is not too long which is ideal for smaller legs although not very buggy-friendly. There is also a pond where you can look for wildlife without feeding or disturbing it. Parking is free on the surrounding roads and there are no toilet facilities.
Storybook Trails and Activities
Alice in Wonderland Trail
Follow in the footsteps of Alice through Oxford, exploring locations that inspired Lewis Carroll’s famous tale. You can download the free trail from the Oxford Visit Site and it will take around 2-3 hours to complete. The trail is mostly accessible but pushchairs may find some of the narrower woodland paths more difficult. Along the way, you’ll pass pubs and cafes where you can eat and an Alice-themed gift shop. There are toilets at the starting point of Oxford Railway Station.
Weston Library
Address: Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
Somewhere to enjoy stories and activities throughout the year is the Weston Library Oxford. Full of exhibitions and galleries it also has some free events that will be listed on their website. The library is open 7 days a week with free entry and has a cafe as well as toilet facilities onsite.
Free animal viewing at Millets Farm
Address: Kingston Road, Frilford, Abingdon OX13 5HB
Millets Farm’s main site, outdoor play area, Animal Walkway and Phoebe Woods are free to enter. The walkway is a look-and-see area: follow signs, avoid touching the animals and do not feed them. There is a separate designated waterfowl feeding area, with suitable food sold on site.
Attractions including Sprouts Play Barn, Millets Wildside, Farmyard Golf and seasonal events charge separately. See Millets’ visitor information for opening hours and booking conditions.
Seasonal activities and free events
Splash pads, outdoor pools, festivals and school-holiday activity days operate seasonally. They should not be assumed to run throughout the year, and previous years’ dates are not a guide to the next programme.
Check the venue or council’s current listing before travelling, and confirm whether an activity needs booking even when entry is free. For a low-cost day in any season, combine one of the free museums with a nearby park or a short walk when conditions allow.
