Oxford Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Oxford
This weekend itinerary for Oxford families focuses on balancing free, interactive experiences with exciting, worthwhile ticketed attractions. Activities are chosen to be engaging for children aged 3-12, incorporating museums with special workshops and trails, a hands-on science centre, a historic castle, and opportunities for outdoor play. Practical considerations like family-friendly dining, transportation, and facilities are included to ensure a smooth and enjoyable weekend.
Friday Evening - Creative Explorers & Playtime
Friday, January 2Dodo Christmas Trail
Embark on a festive hunt for lost presents for a dodo at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
This engaging Christmas trail offers a unique way for children to interact with the museum's famous collections, including dinosaurs and other fascinating exhibits. It's a perfect activity to kick off the weekend with some educational fun.
Ideal for curious kids aged 5+, but younger children will also enjoy spotting the exhibits. The museum has touchable items like bear furs and fossils. Accessible with lifts and family-friendly facilities. Toilets and baby changing available. The museum also houses a cafe in case you need a quick snack or drink.
Central Oxford location. Pay and display parking available nearby, or use one of Oxford's Park & Ride services with bus connections to the city centre. The museum is a short walk from many central bus stops.
Indoor Soft Play
Let the kids burn off some energy at Partyman World of Play, a decent-sized indoor soft play area with themed sections.
They often feature an interactive stage with music and dancing, providing a lively end to the day.
Perfect for children aged 3-12. The interactive stage is great for energetic kids. Toilets and baby changing facilities are available. There’s a cafe on-site for snacks and drinks, and they often cater well for kids' early dinners. Session times and capacity may be limited, so checking their website or calling ahead is recommended. They are open until 4 PM this weekend, so an early dinner here could work or a quick playtime before heading home.
Located near the Kassam Stadium. On-site parking is available. Consider driving as it's a bit out of the city centre.
Saturday - Science, History & Creativity
Saturday, January 3Science Exploration Day
Spend the morning at the Science Oxford Centre for a hands-on 'Family Day.
' This January, explore the 'Palaeo Puzzle' theme, where children can dig into palaeontology, unearth fossils, and learn about Oxfordshire's ancient past through fun, interactive activities. The Exploration Zone offers various experiments, a giant magnetic ball run, and a curious camera.
Highly recommended for ages 3+. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and the themed Live Lab activities. The centre also has 15 acres of woodland to explore, with Explorer Backpacks and trail maps available. Emira's Kitchen cafe is open for refreshments. Accessible facilities and baby changing available.
Limited on-site parking available, especially on weekends; pre-booking parking is advised. Consider public transport, with bus routes serving Headington. Check their website for specific bus stop information.
Lunch & Castle History
Enjoy a casual, family-friendly lunch at the Westgate Oxford shopping centre, which is close to Oxford Castle & Prison and offers various dining options suitable for children.
Afterward, embark on a guided tour of Oxford Castle & Prison, exploring 1000 years of history with costumed guides. Climb St. George's Tower for panoramic views, descend into the crypt, and discover the prison cells.
The tour is approximately 90 minutes and is engaging for kids aged 5+. Children under 5 are not permitted up St. George's Tower for safety reasons. Accessible facilities are available, though some areas of the historic castle may have limitations. Toilets and baby changing available at the castle and in Westgate. The Westgate has many dining choices with kids' menus. Oxfordshire residents get 30% off standard tour tickets in January.
Oxford Castle & Prison is centrally located. Westgate Oxford has a large underground car park (paid). Many bus routes stop nearby. The castle is a short walk from Oxford train station.
Winter Museum Crafts
Participate in the FREE New Year Family Workshops at the Ashmolean Museum.
Kids and grown-ups can build a winter home for a museum object, drawing inspiration from the galleries. Explore the museum's vast collections of art and archaeology, from Egyptian mummies to ancient artifacts, with interactive multimedia guides and family trails also available.
These workshops are drop-in, suitable for all ages, and no booking is required. The Ashmolean has excellent family facilities, including buggy parking, accessible toilets, and a family-friendly café (though a free babyccino offer may not apply in Jan 2026). It's an engaging way to introduce children to art and history.
The Ashmolean is in the city centre. Several car parks are nearby (paid). Easily accessible by bus, with many routes stopping on Beaumont Street or St Giles'.
Riverside Park Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely late afternoon stroll through University Parks.
This beautiful green space offers plenty of room for children to run and play, explore pathways, and enjoy views of the River Cherwell. Look out for interesting trees and local wildlife.
A perfect way to unwind after a busy day. There are open spaces for kids to run around and explore. Paths are generally stroller-friendly. Public toilets are available within the park. You can also combine this with a visit to the nearby Oxford University Museum of Natural History (if you didn't go earlier) as it's adjacent.
Limited street parking may be available nearby, or use city centre car parks. The park is easily accessible by foot from central Oxford and various bus routes.
Sunday - Nature & Discoveries
Sunday, January 4Winter Wonder Trail
Explore the Pitt Rivers Museum with their 'Wonderful Winter Family Trail.
' Kids can search for hidden snowflakes and learn about objects from snowy environments. The museum's unique 'world of objects' display is fascinating for all ages.
Ideal for curious minds, this museum provides an engaging experience with its diverse ethnographic and archaeological collections. The trail helps focus younger visitors. Buggies are welcome, and accessible toilets are on the ground floor. There is no cafe in Pitt Rivers, but the adjacent Oxford University Museum of Natural History has one.
Same as OUMNH – central Oxford location, pay and display parking nearby or Park & Ride. Easily accessible by public transport.
Botanic Garden Exploration
Visit the Oxford Botanic Garden, the UK's oldest botanic garden.
Discover over 5,000 different plant species in the historic walled garden and seven display glasshouses. Children under 16 enter for free, and families can pick up Kids' Explorer Backpacks or try geocaching to make their visit more interactive.
This is a relaxed activity, great for all ages, especially nature-loving kids. The glasshouses offer warmth and exotic plants in winter. While a pop-up cafe is usually seasonal, visitors are welcome to bring picnics (weather permitting). Accessible with accessible toilets and a wheelchair available for public use.
No on-site parking, but it's a short walk from the city centre and well served by buses to St Clements and High Street.
Park Play & Cafe Treat
Head to Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, Oxford's largest park, for some outdoor fun.
The park boasts three children's play areas, open spaces for running around, and a duck pond. Finish the weekend with a warm drink and treat at the park's San Remo cafe, a perfect wind-down before the school week begins.
Ideal for letting kids get their last bursts of energy out. The play areas cater to different age groups. The cafe offers hot and cold drinks and snacks. Toilets are available in the park. The miniature railway is typically closed in January.
The park has two pay and display car parks (OX2 8NP for the northern end). It's also accessible by bus (routes 2, 2A, 2B stop nearby).
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