Weekend in Oxford
This budget-friendly family itinerary focuses on real, current events and popular attractions in and around Oxford for the weekend of October 3-5, 2025. We've mixed exciting paid experiences with free community gems, offering interactive learning, outdoor play, and delicious kid-friendly dining. Please note that while permanent attractions are confirmed, specific event listings for late 2025 are still emerging. The itinerary highlights recurring weekend activities and one confirmed special event for Saturday, October 4th.
Friday Evening - Park Play & Local Flavours
Friday, October 3Florence Park Playtime
Kick off the weekend with some active fun at Florence Park.
This large, family-friendly park boasts multiple play areas, including a huge sandpit, swings, a zip-wire, and climbing structures perfect for children aged 3-12. There are also wide-open spaces for running around or kicking a ball.
Perfect for energetic kids after school! The park has several distinct play zones, ensuring variety. Restrooms are available, and the paths are suitable for strollers and bikes. The Flo's Cafe is right in the park for snacks or drinks.
Limited on-street parking is available around the park, and a small car park on Rymers Lane (OX4 3NP) may be open in warmer months. Public buses from Oxford city centre (e.g., along Cowley Road or Iffley Road) are a short walk away.
Flo's Cafe Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed, community-focused early dinner at Flo's Cafe, conveniently located within Florence Park.
They offer a kids' menu with simple meals and a 'lunch box' option, along with fresh brunches, soups, salads, and a special Syrian-inspired menu on weekends. Plenty of vegan and gluten-free options are available too.
A welcoming, inclusive space with delicious, freshly cooked food. There's also a small indoor play area near the cafe, perfect for younger children to unwind while waiting for food. The early timing is ideal for younger kids' bedtimes.
Same as Florence Park Playtime. Easy walk from the play areas.
Saturday - Science & Discovery Day
Saturday, October 4Science Oxford Exploration
Dive into a world of interactive science at the Science Oxford Centre.
Explore over 20 hands-on exhibits in the Exploration Zone, experiment with the Air Table, build magnetic ball runs, and visit the outdoor Water Lab (open until October, so bring a change of clothes!). This date is specifically advertised as a 'Sensory-friendly Family Day' with reduced capacity, perfect for families who prefer a calmer environment.
Ideal for curious kids aged 3-12, offering engaging, interactive learning. The sensory-friendly session provides a great atmosphere. The centre has a cafe, picnic areas, and 15 acres of woodland with trails and Explorer Backpacks to borrow.
Limited parking is available on-site on weekends on a first-come, first-served basis. Using Oxford's Park & Ride services (Thornhill or Oxford Parkway) with a bus to Headington is highly recommended. Cycle parking is also available.
Cafe Lunch
Enjoy lunch at the Science Oxford Centre's visitor café, which serves a range of refreshments, light meals, and snacks.
Alternatively, bring a packed lunch and make use of the picnic areas available both indoors and outdoors.
A convenient option to refuel after scientific exploration. The cafe offers a variety of choices, and bringing a picnic helps manage the budget.
Located within the Science Oxford Centre, no additional travel needed.
Museums Exploration & Crafts
Explore two fascinating (and free!
) museums: the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum. They are interconnected, offering a 'two-for-one' cultural experience. Kids will love the dinosaur skeletons and dodo exhibits at Natural History, and the eclectic, 'cabinet of curiosities' style displays at Pitt Rivers, which include a massive totem pole and shrunken heads. On the first Saturday of every month (October 4th!), the Pitt Rivers Museum offers free drop-in family events and object handling opportunities.
Perfect for all ages, with interactive elements and free trails for kids (ages 3-11) to pick up at the Welcome Desk. The object handling at Pitt Rivers is a unique, hands-on experience that children adore. Both museums have accessible toilets and are stroller-friendly (Pitt Rivers has narrow passages but is navigable). A cafe is available at the Natural History Museum.
Located in central Oxford. Park & Ride services are highly recommended (e.g., from Pear Tree or Redbridge). Several bus routes stop within walking distance. Limited paid central parking is available but can be expensive and hard to find.
Gees Family Dinner
Enjoy an early, special family dinner at Gees Restaurant & Bar, set in a beautiful Victorian conservatory.
Their 'Little Gees' children's menu offers mini bites, tasty mains, and sweet treats, with crayons and pencils to keep the kids entertained.
A slightly more upscale but still family-friendly experience that offers excellent food in a unique setting. The dedicated children's menu and activities make it very welcoming. Bookings are advisable, especially for early evening.
Gees is about a 10-minute walk from the city centre museums. Parking in central Oxford is generally limited and costly; consider a short taxi ride or bus from the city centre if not walking.
Sunday - Farm Fun & Nature Trails
Sunday, October 5Cogges Manor Farm Visit
Take a short drive out of Oxford to Cogges Manor Farm, a beautiful heritage site with farm animals, a 13th-century manor house, and an adventure playground.
Kids will love feeding the goats and sheep, exploring the woodland play area with a zip wire, and discovering the period manor house. Weekend 'Meet the Animals' sessions are typically offered.
An excellent full-morning activity for children of all ages, offering a mix of animals, history, and active play. There's plenty of space to run around, and facilities include accessible toilets and space for buggies. Under 3s go free.
Cogges has a free car park on site (postcode OX28 3FR). It's about a 25-30 minute drive from central Oxford.
Farmhouse Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Cogges Kitchen cafe, located in the old milking parlour.
They serve breakfast, lunch, and homemade treats. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy in the orchard or other scenic spots around the farm.
The cafe is conveniently located and offers a pleasant setting. Bringing a picnic is a great budget-friendly option, especially with the beautiful grounds at Cogges. Highchairs are likely available.
Located within Cogges Manor Farm, no additional travel.
University Parks Stroll
Wind down your weekend with a relaxing walk and some fresh air at the University Parks.
These extensive open spaces in the heart of Oxford are perfect for a gentle stroll, letting the kids burn off any last energy, or simply enjoying the natural beauty before heading home.
A beautiful, free space for families to enjoy, offering wide lawns for play and well-maintained paths. It's an easy way to relax before the school week begins. Restrooms are available.
Located centrally. Park & Ride is the most practical option for parking, with buses stopping near Parks Road. Alternatively, if staying in central Oxford, it's easily walkable.
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