Bath Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Bath
This budget-friendly family weekend in Bath offers a perfect mix of free outdoor fun and engaging ticketed attractions, ensuring smiles for everyone. We've balanced discovery at historic sites with active play and relaxation, keeping the unique needs of families with young children in mind. Expect easy transport options and plenty of opportunities for making cherished memories.
Friday Evening - Family Fun Night
Friday, January 2Park Play & Picnic
Kick off the weekend with some fresh air and energetic play at Royal Victoria Park's renowned adventure playground.
This expansive park offers a huge variety of equipment suitable for toddlers and older children, including climbing frames, slides, sandpits, zip lines, and swings. There are also beautiful botanical gardens for a leisurely stroll if energy levels allow.
Perfect for energetic kids to burn off steam after the week. The playground has diverse equipment for ages 3-12, including inclusive play units for wheelchair users. Public toilets are available (20p entry). Consider bringing a picnic or snacks to enjoy in the park.
On-site parking is available, with the first hour free, then charges apply (e.g., £1 for up to two hours). The park is easily accessible by buggy/pushchair from several entrance gates.
Casual Family Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly dinner at a local establishment near Royal Victoria Park.
Many pubs and restaurants in Bath offer children's menus and a welcoming atmosphere for families.
Opt for an early dinner to suit younger children's bedtimes. Look for places with high chairs, kids' meal deals, and a relaxed environment where children feel comfortable. Many places will have easily accessible bathrooms. This allows for a gentle wind-down after active play.
Most city centre restaurants are within walking distance or a short bus ride from Royal Victoria Park. Public car parks are available throughout the city centre.
Saturday - Family Adventure Day
Saturday, January 3Avon Valley Adventure
Embark on an exciting full day at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, just a short drive from Bath.
This expansive park offers a wide range of activities for children, including farm animals, an adventure playground, a dinosaur valley with animatronic dinosaurs, and a large indoor soft play barn perfect for winter weekends.
Kids will love interacting with animals, exploring the outdoor adventure playground, and especially the indoor soft play barn which is a huge hit in colder weather. Dinosaur Valley is a unique and exciting feature. The park has facilities like toilets, baby changing, and food available. Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult over 18.
Free car parking is available on-site. The park is located between Bath and Bristol and requires a drive. Allow approximately 20-30 minutes driving time from Bath city centre.
Park Lunch & Play
Enjoy a relaxed family lunch at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park.
The park has a cafe serving meals, snacks, and drinks, as well as picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own food. Afterward, continue to explore the park's many attractions, such as the outdoor adventure playground or the indoor soft play barn.
The cafe offers kid-friendly food options. Choosing a picnic can be a budget-friendly alternative. This allows for a mid-day break and recharge before more adventures. Ample space for children to move and play.
Within the park, accessible by foot.
Animal Encounters
Continue your adventure at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park with a focus on animal encounters.
The park features farm animals, alpacas, wallabies, and more. Look out for scheduled feeding, petting, and grooming sessions, or catch a falconry display (weekends and school holidays at 2 pm).
Kids aged 3-12 will love the opportunity for hands-on interaction with friendly animals. These sessions are both entertaining and educational, providing a chance to learn about different species. The park is pushchair friendly with accessible facilities.
All activities are within the park grounds.
Leisure Centre Fun
Head back to Bath for some early evening fun at Better Bath Sports & Leisure Centre.
This modern facility offers a soft play area, trampoline park, ten-pin bowling, and a futuristic mini-golf experience called Puttify, providing excellent indoor options for all ages.
A great way to wind down the active day with varied indoor activities, especially good for burning off any remaining energy. The soft play is ideal for younger children, while bowling or Puttify can engage the older kids and adults. There's also a diner on site for quick bites.
Centrally located in Bath, easily accessible by walking or public transport. Public car parks are nearby.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Day
Sunday, January 4Roman Baths Discovery
Step back in time at the magnificent Roman Baths, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the ancient bathing complex, Sacred Spring, Roman Temple, and museum. The Roman Baths are open on this Sunday, offering special audio guides and family trails designed to engage younger visitors.
This educational and captivating experience brings history to life. Children's audio guides and 'Hoot the owl' family trails (for preschoolers and primary aged children) keep kids entertained while learning. It's 90% accessible for wheelchair users, but a baby carrier is recommended over a pushchair for some areas.
Located in the city centre, a short walk from Bath Spa train station and bus stops. Several paid car parks are available nearby.
Library Story Time
Enjoy a free, relaxed afternoon at Bath Central Library.
While specific events for this exact Sunday are not listed over a year in advance, the library typically hosts 'Storytime' sessions during term time, suitable for children aged 0-5. Even without a formal session, the children's section is a welcoming space for reading and quiet play.
A perfect, free, and calm activity for younger children, offering a chance to discover new books and engage in imaginative play. Ideal for recharging after the morning's adventures. Check the library's website closer to the date for any specific Sunday events. Facilities include bathrooms and stroller accessibility.
Located centrally, easily accessible by walking or public transport. Charlotte Street Car Park is nearby.
Art Gallery Family Fun
Visit the Victoria Art Gallery for a dose of culture.
The Upper Gallery (permanent collection) is free to all visitors and offers engaging art. The gallery provides free family activities, including colouring sheets and fun trails based on the artworks, making art accessible and enjoyable for children.
Engage kids with art through interactive trails and colouring activities. Volunteers provide stickers for completed trails, a great motivator for children. The gallery is family-friendly with good accessibility. No cafe, but many options nearby.
Centrally located, a short walk from major transport hubs and car parks. Stroller accessible throughout most of the building.
This weekend itinerary for Bath can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.