Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: the best things to do in Bath with kids are the Roman Baths (with family trails), Royal Victoria Park's adventure playground, Bath City Farm (free), a boat trip from Bath Boating Station and a show at The Egg children's theatre. For days out, the American Museum & Gardens, Dyrham Park, Avon Valley and Longleat are all within an hour. On rainy days, head to the Museum of Bath at Work, the Herschel Museum or the Holburne.
Bath may be famous for its Roman ruins and Georgian architecture, but it's also a brilliant city for families. It's compact and walkable, with hands-on museums, big parks and plenty of space to run around. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a whole school holiday, here are the best family-friendly things to do in and around Bath.
Where: Weston Road, BA1 2NQ
Why it's great for families: Bath's biggest park has one of the city's best adventure playgrounds, with climbing frames, zip wires and slides. There's also the Botanical Gardens and a mini golf course, so it's easy to spend half a day here. It's a short walk from the Royal Crescent.
Where: Kelston View, BA2 1NW
Why it's great for families: free to visit and run by a local charity, this working farm is home to pigs, goats, chickens and more. There's a play area, nature trails, a café and seasonal events for children.
Where: Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LZ
Why it's great for families: one of the UK's top historic attractions also caters for children, with family trails, audio guides for kids and costumed characters who bring Roman history to life. Allow around one and a half to two hours. The Roman Baths also runs family trails and activities in the school holidays.
Where: Julian Road, BA1 2RH
Why it's great for families: 2,000 years of Bath's working life, told through hands-on exhibits, recreated workshops, vintage vehicles and tools. A great rainy-day choice.
Where: Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LT
Why it's great for families: climb 212 steps to see the bells and the clock mechanism, stand above the fan-vaulted ceiling and take in panoramic views over Bath.
Good to know: check age and height rules when you book.
Where: Great Pulteney Street, BA2 4DB
Why it's great for families: the Holburne has free entry to its permanent collection, a free self-led craft space and family trails and workshops in the holidays. Behind it, Sydney Gardens has a restored play area with water play in summer, plus canal walks and space for picnics.
Where: Forester Road, Bathwick, BA2 6QE
Why it's great for families: hire a rowing boat, canoe or punt for a peaceful paddle along one of the prettiest stretches of the River Avon. Look out for wildlife from the water.
Good to know: hire is usually by the hour, and the station is seasonal, so check opening before you go.
Where: Royal Crescent, BA1 2LR
Why it's great for families: step inside a Georgian townhouse and imagine life in the 1700s. There are children's trails and family activities in the school holidays.
Where: 19 New King Street, BA1 2BL
Why it's great for families: budding astronomers will love the house where William Herschel discovered Uranus, with telescopes, displays and family-friendly events.
Where: Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, BA1 1ET
Why it's great for families: the Theatre Royal's dedicated theatre for children and young people puts on shows all year, from puppetry to storytelling, for toddlers to teens. It's ideal for a rainy afternoon.
On a hot day, see our guide to the best places to make a splash in and around Bath.
Bath's attractions put on extra family activities in every school holiday, so it's worth checking what's on before you visit.
Easter trails at Dyrham Park, Prior Park and the American Museum, a Good Friday egg hunt at Newton Farm, and big themed events at Longleat and Avon Valley. See our full guide to family-fun things to do at Easter in and around Bath.
Water play at Sydney Gardens, boat hire on the Avon, summer events at Avon Valley, and lidos and paddling spots within an hour of the city.
Dates change each year, so check with each venue before you go.
The Bath Christmas Market runs from late November to mid-December, and many attractions add festive trails and shows.
For more ways to explore, try a walking tour of Bath, discover Bath's hidden gems or browse Bath's best shopping spots.
The Roman Baths, Royal Victoria Park's adventure playground, Bath City Farm, boat hire at Bath Boating Station, the Museum of Bath at Work and shows at The Egg are all family favourites.
Bath City Farm, Royal Victoria Park, Sydney Gardens' play area and the Holburne Museum's permanent collection and craft space are all free.
Try the Roman Baths, the Museum of Bath at Work, the Herschel Museum, the Holburne Museum or a show at The Egg.
The American Museum & Gardens, Dyrham Park, Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Longleat and Prior Park Landscape Garden are all within an hour.
Pumpkin picking at Avon Valley and Newton Farm, Halloween events at the American Museum and Longleat, family trails at the Roman Baths, and autumn walks at Prior Park and Dyrham Park. Check each venue for this year's dates.
Yes. It's compact and walkable, with lots of free parks, hands-on museums and family days out nearby.
A holiday home gives families more space than a hotel room, a kitchen for easy meals and somewhere to dry muddy wellies. Browse family-friendly stays in Bath.
School holidays are some of Bath's busiest weeks, and family homes with space and parking are in high demand. Our local team can manage your home from start to finish, including pricing for peak weeks, guest messages, cleaning and maintenance. Find out more about our short-let management in Bath, see what a Bath short-let can earn, or get a free income estimate.