Bath is a family-friendly city and there are so many memorable things to do in Bath with kids. If you’re heading to Bath with your children, you’ll be looking for ways to keep them entertained and finding the best things to do for families around the city.
Discover the interesting history of Bath, from Roman ruins to the vibrant modern day city. Kids will love Bath’s museums, attractions and events which bring the past back to life. Experience Bath’s long history through festivals, stories and costumed characters.
The World Heritage City of Bath is compact and very easy to walk around. The Kennet and Avon Canal and River Avon flows through the centre offering scenic walks. There are a huge variety of high street and independent shops in Bath, plus a wealth of places to eat and drink.
The beautiful Georgian architecture is a pleasure to explore and there are historical and heritage features to discover around every corner.
Surrounding Bath is an abundance of beautiful countryside offering stunning country walks, outdoor activities, animal attractions and country estates to explore.
Whether you prefer spending time outside or something fun to do indoors, we have you covered. There are oodles of fun family activities for children of all ages, throughout the year. Read on for our guide to the Best Things to do in Bath with Kids.
Where: The Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ
The City of Bath was built around its natural hot springs. A trip to the Roman Baths will transport you back 2000 years to 70 AD when the grand bathing and socialising complex was built. The Roman Baths is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, a top tourist attraction in Bath and one of the best things to do in Bath with kids.
Filled by the thermal waters from the King’s Spring, the Roman Baths are a constant 46 degrees. Unfortunately you can’t bathe in them any more, but you can see the 1,170,000 litres of steaming water that fill the Baths every day. In the museum, you can even sample the water that was prized for its healing properties, if you dare! The water’s mineral composition gives it a distinctly unusual flavour.
Fully immerse yourself in Roman history as you step back in time to discover Roman life. Younger children will love following the activity trails while older children will enjoy the Kids Audio Guide read by Michael Rosen. Enjoy chatting to costumed characters who bring the stories to life as you walk around in the footsteps of the Romans.
Guided tours start from the Great Bath each day at 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm, and cost £5 per person in addition to your entrance ticket (free for children under 6).
Where: Great Pulteney Street, Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4DB
The Holburne Museum is Bath’s first public art gallery. The Grade I listed building is home to fine and decorative arts built around the collection of Sir William Holburne.
They offer an exciting and varied programme of workshops and activities for children and their families to enjoy. Discover activity trails aimed at children and families at different times throughout the year.
During summer 2024, Mr Doodle is causing ‘Mayhem in the Museum’ with his “Graffiti Spaghetti” doodles. Don’t forget to take a free Doodle and Draw Kids Trail.
‘Space to Make’ is a FREE, accessible, creative area located on the ground floor of the Holburne Museum. The space provides engaging craft activities designed for children and families. Inspired by the museum’s latest exhibitions and unique collection, activities are self-led, ideal for budding creatives or mini makers to enjoy!
With free entry for children, it’s one of the best things to do in Bath with kids.
- Open Monday – Saturday: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Sunday (and Bank Holidays): 11.00 am to 5.00 pm
Afterwards, head to Sydney Gardens next door where there is a great children’s playpark.
Where: Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT
Bath Abbey is located right in the centre of Bath and there has has been a place of Christian worship here for over 1,200 years.
From its beautiful stained glass windows to the decorative West front there’s lots to explore. Inside, is the Abbey’s Discovery Centre, a fully accessible unique heritage space which allows visitors to peek behind the scenes of life at the Abbey and delve into the building’s history.
You can take a tour of the tower by climbing the 212 steps for the best panoramic views over Bath. See the bells, take a look behind the fan-vaulted ceiling from the other side and the clock face for a glimpse behind the scenes.
Even if you decide not to go inside the abbey, take a walk through the Abbey Churchyard – a square filled with live music, entertainers, and surrounded by quaint shops and cafes. At Christmas time, you’ll find a giant Christmas tree and the area bustling around the stalls of Bath Christmas Market.
Where: 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR
One of the most beautiful and stunning places in Bath is The Royal Crescent. This row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a sweeping crescent was built between 1767 and 1774. It’s among the greatest examples of Georgian architecture to be found in the UK and is a Grade I listed building.
No. 1 Royal Crescent is a magnificently restored townhouse museum where you can explore how fashionable life would have been during the 18th Century in Georgian Bath. It’s a great place to take kids in Bath to keep them entertained and learn about the social history of that time. Pick up a kids trail, try on period costume and there are even craft activities and events during the school holidays.
You can also hire a picnic hamper (between July and September) and enjoy lunch on the lawns in front of the Royal Crescent.
The Royal Crescent has been the backdrop for many tv period dramas and films and Bridgerton fans will immediately recognise the exterior of No.1 Royal Crescent at the home of the Featherington family.
Pulteney Bridge
Where: Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT
Pulteney Bridge crosses the River Avon in the centre of Bath and is one the most photographed spots in Bath. Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides. It’s a beautiful example of Georgian architecture and is best viewed from the river bank, Parade Gardens or on a boat trip.
Alternatively, grab a table by the window in one of the little cafes on the bridge. Kids will love the view of the weir and river below.
Where: Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD
The American Museum and Gardens opened in 1961 and is the only museum outside the United States to showcase the decorative arts of America.
The museum located in a Grade I listed building featuring collections from the United States where you can visit room sets that recreate periods of American history.
The kids will love exploring the huge gardens set in 125 acres of the Somerset countryside, with stunning views across the valley. The different themed gardens include the New American Garden, Mount Vernon – a replica from George Washington’s famous house outside Washington, DC – a dell, an arboretum, amphitheatre and children’s garden along with a wilderness trail and parklands.
You can enjoy a range of homemade American inspired food and drink made from locally grown produce at their American Garden Deli.
There are always a great program of events for children during the school holidays, from Adventure Trails to Lego Builds, Art and Craft activities and theatre events.
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Outdoor Activities in Bath
Where: Kelston, Bath BA1 9AF
Brocks Outdoor Adventures are located 4 miles from Bath city centre in Kelston with stunning views over the Somerset countryside.
Enjoy quality family time together outdoors learning a new skill. Billie, who runs all the activities, is a fantastic instructor – so fun and enthusiastic. She runs archery, axe throwing and campfire cooking, as well as holiday clubs for kids.
If you love outdoor adventures, this is the place for you and your family!
Brocks Outdoor Adventures are open all year round and activities are suitable for ages 6+. Booking is essential.
Where: Sydney Wharf, Bathwick Hill, Bath, BA2 4EL
Hire a bike in Bath for the day and explore the many cycle paths from the city. On the Sustrans route, the Bristol cycle path, the Two Tunnels and the canal towpath are virtually flat, easy to follow and traffic free.
Hiring from April to September between 9.30 – 4.30pm and out of season between 9.30 – 3.30pm.
Where: Sydney Wharf, Bathwick Hill, Bath, Somerset, BA2 4EL
A lovely way to see a city is from the water and Bath is surrounded by beautiful waterways. You can hire a boat or take one of the Bath Boat Tours. Explore the River Avon by cruise boat for waterside views of Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, or take to the peaceful Kennet and Avon Canal for a leisurely trip through the pretty Somerset countryside on a traditional narrowboat.
For the more adventurous, you can also hire out kayaks and canoes.
Where: Royal Pavilion, Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2NR
Bring the kids to Bath’s Victoria Park and challenge them to a fun game of golf. Take a break from the city bussle, and play the 18 hole mini course amongst the trees, flowers and streams.
If you’re visiting during the winter season (Nov – Jan), check out the Glo Golf. If you haven’t tried golfing in the dark, then this is one to try! With twinkling lights, glow in the dark golf balls, you follow the multicolored orbs and glow sticks to find the targets.
Where: Cleveland Pools, Hampton Row, Bath BA2 6BJ
***CURRENTLY CLOSED AFTER FLOODING***
First opened over 200 years ago, Cleveland Pools is the oldest lido in the UK. Re-opened in 2023 after being restored back to its former glory, you can enjoy a family swim in this historic pool. There’s two pools, one for adults and competent swimmers and a shallower pool for children.
Pre-booking is advised.
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Where: Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2NR
It’s easy to spend the whole day at Royal Victoria Park in the heart of the city. With the Royal Crescent as a backdrop, this pretty park has a lot to offer families wanting to take a break from the historic buildings.
Opened in 1830 by Queen Victoria, the park is home to:
- Botanical Gardens
- Adventure Golf
- Christmas Ice Rink (Nov – Jan)
- Aerial walkway
- Children’s play park
- Skate park
- Tennis courts
- BBQ and picnic areas
- Duck Ponds
- Cafe
It’s a great spot for families with children of all ages and there’s often events happening throughout the year.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the expansive parkland while the kids burn off some of their energy.
Little ones will enjoy feeding the ducks or exploring the huge adventure playground which includes climbing frames and zip lines.
Things To Do in Bath With Kids: Animal Encounters
Where: Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath, BA2 1NW
- Open Tuesday To Saturday, 9am – 4pm and Sunday 9.30am – 4pm
Bath City Farm is a great FREE day out with kids. Set in 37 acres on a hill overlooking the city, it’s perfect for your little animal lovers.
Bath City Farm offers a green space for people and haven for nature to thrive. Kids will love seeing all the farm animals, feeding the Pygmy goats, children’s playground, woodland and nature trails. Adults will also appreciate the lovely little cafe and farmshop on site.
Check out the farm’s Events which includes school holiday activities such as forest school and summer holiday Farm Club.
Where: The Grain Store, Workshop Lane, Newton St Loe, Bath, BA2 9BT
Bring your children along to the Bird of Prey Project in Bath to experience over 20 different species of owls, hawks and falcons. You’ll see flying displays (showing twice daily), learn about the birds and enjoy mini handling sessions.
Look out for the annual Bird of Prey Day, this year it falls on 17th August 2024. There are native species flying displays, guest speakers, interactive activities, stallholders and more.
Places to eat in Bath with Kids
Where: 4 North Parade Passage, Bath, BA1 1NX
Take the kids to try one of Bath’s best-known delicacies, the world famous Sally Lunn’s Buns.
Sally Lunn’s historic Eating House is the oldest house in Bath and has been serving this very special sweetbread since the 17th Century. The secret recipe is French in origin and is a brioche-style treat. Not to be confused with the Bath Bun which is sweeter, smaller and often fruity.
Not only is there a tearoom but you’ll also find a small kitchen museum which was once the bakery.
Afternoon Tea
Treat the kids to afternoon tea at one of Bath’s many quaint tearooms. Indulge yourselves with sweet treats, dainty sandwiches and the many mouth-watering options available around the city. Sweet Little Things offer a children’s afternoon tea menu which includes a selection of sandwiches, petit fours and scone with cream and jam, plus a drink.
Where: Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, Somerset, BS31 1TP
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park is the perfect day out for your liitle ‘uns. The park is packed full with adventure playgrounds, animals, indoor soft play, sand and water play areas, Go-Karts, miniature train rides and lots more.
In the summer holidays this year [2024] is their Summertopia event, a haven of summer fun for the whole family. Kids will love the 50m giant slip n slide, huge paddling pool, circus skills area, and foam party!
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Disclaimer: Whilst we endeavour to provide accurate information, please always check the details with the venue before you leave in case there are any changes or closures. If you have any more suggestions for family-friendly days out in Somerset, we’d love to hear from you!
