From animal parks to theatre shows, let us help with ideas for keeping toddlers entertained in and around Bath... 

Roman Baths

No family trip to Bath is complete without exploring the Roman Baths. This is one of the most well-preserved Roman remains in the world and is one of the city’s best attractions for keeping both grown-ups and kids equally captivated. Pick up the activity trail for pre-schoolers (there’s also one for older children) at the start of your visit, following ‘Hoot the Owl’ on an adventure around the site. Little ones will also enjoy seeing the costumed Roman characters wandering around the Roman Baths, based on real people who lived and worked at Aquae Sulis 2000 years ago.

You can download the free Roman Baths Kids app before you visit, full of fascinating facts about life at the Roman Baths, games and a quiz to find out which Roman God or Goddess you are most like.

Image - Roman Baths, credit Colin Hawkins

The Egg

The Egg is an award-winning theatre for kids, toddlers included. There are often shows especially for the littlest members of the family on the programme, featuring fun and magical storytelling. Performances are every Saturday with extra shows during the school holidays too. The Egg also has a family-friendly café and a play area, perfect for spending time with toddlers.

• Find more family-friendly events

Image - The Egg, credit Philip Vile

American Museum & Gardens

While the collection of American folk, decorative arts and cultural objects inside might interest mum or dad, little visitors to the American Museum will love running around the beautiful gardens. Paths are very buggy friendly, there’s a dedicated Children’s Garden with a wooden playground, and you can pick up children’s lunch boxes from The Garden Café or picnic on the grounds. The museum regularly hosts family-friendly events too, including the monthly Brilliant Beasties activities session for little ones. 

Image - American Museum, credit Peter Hall

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park

With over 200 animals, a Dinosaur Valley and an amazing array of adventure play, Avon Valley Adventure Park is a great day out for families with small kids. Make friends with the park’s animal residents, jump around on bouncing pillows, explore the Toddler’s Village indoor play area, have fun in the water and sand play areas, and much more.

Image - Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park

Avon Valley Railway

If you have a train-obsessed toddler, take them for a ride on a real steam or diesel locomotive on the Avon Valley Railway. The trains set off from the beautifully restored Victorian station at Bitton, where there’s also a small museum area, a gift shop and buffet too. Over the festive season, you can book Breakfast with Santa for a ride in the first class dining carriage featuring a visit from Father Christmas.

Image - Avon Valley Railway

Westonbirt

Not only is Westonbirt Arboretum a beautiful place to explore, they have plenty of outdoor fun for children to get involved with, from their Zog Activity Trail to seasonal trails and activities throughout the year. Their Exploratree play area for ages 8 years and under, featuring a large wooden ship with ladders and slides, a spider climbing frame and planks to balance along. Their Enchanted Christmas event is also a magical and memorable day out for the family.

Image - Westonbirt Arboretum

Chew Valley Animal Park

Get up close with a range of animals including camels, ring-tailed lemurs, and porcupines and more, or head to the walk-in paddocks for handling sessions with rabbits and guinea pigs. There are also regular keeper talks and opportunities to feed the ponies, donkeys and deer. Little ones can run off extra steam in the play park.

Dyrham Park

Explore the picturesque parkland at National Trust estate Dyrham Park. The Old Lodge play area has had a recent revamp with new play equipment, plus a rustic café and kiosk in restored farm buildings and lots of picnic benches, both under cover and outdoors. There are also regular outdoor trails and crafty activities to get involved with.

Image - Dyrham Park, credit National Trust - Barry Batchelor

Longleat

The highlight of any trip to Longleat is the safari drive through, which is where you can see exciting animals roaming free, from big cats like lions and tigers to the playful rhesus monkeys. There are heaps more animal encounters to have elsewhere in the park, as well as the chance to play in areas like the Adventure Castle, which has a splash pad and soft play, and the wildlife-inspired Little Explorers Garden.   

Image - Longleat  

Wookey Hole 

On top of the awesome cave system, which you may have to carry your littlest ones through (there’s a buggy store in the ice cream parlour), Wookey Hole has enough to keep you busy all day. Highlights for toddlers include encounters with magnificent beasts in Dinosaur Grove, three soft play zones, and a mirror maze. Over threes can enjoy the 4D cinema too.

Image - Wookey Hole Caves and Attractions

Haynes Motor Museum

Home of the UK’s largest collection of cars and motorbikes, Haynes Motor Museum has activities to keep the whole family entertained. Younger kids can drive themselves around the museum on board their own Little Tikes car, giving you a chance to concentrate on the exhibits. Outside, they can run wild on the motoring-themed play area before you all refuel with a picnic or lunch at the café.

Image - Haynes Motor Museum

Royal Victoria Park

Royal Victoria Park is a favourite city centre spot to wear out restless youngsters all year round. As well as an expanse of green space for picnicking and running around, there’s a children’s adventure playground, ponds where you can feed the ducks in spring, and a crazy golf course.

Image - Royal Victoria Park

Bath City Farm

The collection of animals at Bath City Farm in Twerton includes chickens, pigs, ducks, pygmy goats, Shetland ponies and cows. So it’s the perfect place to brush up on your rendition of Old Macdonald! There’s also a castle-inspired play area with a sandpit, climbing wall, slide, swing and interactive water cascade. The farm is free to visit but donations are always appreciated.

Rainbow Woods

Rainbow Woods is a stretch of the Bath Skyline Walk that’s been turned into a woodland play area. Based near Claverton Down, have a magical time following the fairy door trail and playing on the rope swing, stepping logs, wobble beams and see-saw. Geocachers, keep your eyes peeled here!

Keep planning a family-friendly trip to Bath:

• Places to stay with kids in Bath 
• Family-friendly places to eat