Things to Do in Cheltenham with Kids: A Local's Guide to Family Days Out

Most people know Cheltenham for the races. Maybe the festivals. Possibly the Regency architecture if they've done their homework. But a family-friendly town? That's not usually the first thing that comes to mind. It should be. Cheltenham is genuinely one of the better places in the Cotswolds for a day out with kids — and not just because Pittville Park has a decent playground. There are free museums, outdoor swimming, farm parks on the doorstep, and a festival calendar that actually caters to younger audiences. The town is compact and walkable, which matters when you're navigating it with a pushchair or a five-year-old who's decided they're tired. Here's what's actually worth doing — whether you're local and looking for a fresh weekend idea, or visiting and want more than a gift shop and an overpriced sandwich. ## Where Can Kids Play Outdoors in Cheltenham? ### Pittville Park Pittville Park is Cheltenham's largest park and, honestly, the one place every family in town ends up sooner or later. The adventure playground is properly good — zip wires, climbing frames, swings, and slides that'll keep kids busy for a solid hour. There's also a [boating lake](https://www.visitcheltenham.com/things-to-do/activities-for-kids/) where you can hire pedal boats in spring and summer, a Pets Corner with rabbits and guinea pigs, and pitch and putt if you've got older kids who fancy themselves the next Rory McIlroy. The park café is decent, and there's enough green space for a picnic if you'd rather bring your own. It's the kind of place where you can easily lose half a day without meaning to. ### Montpellier Gardens Smaller and more central than Pittville, Montpellier Gardens works well for younger children. There's a toddler play area, a café, and a bandstand that occasionally hosts live music in the summer. It's also right in the middle of Cheltenham's most characterful neighbourhood, so you can combine it with a wander round the independent shops and cafés on Montpellier Walk. ### Sandford Parks Lido If the weather's on your side, Sandford Parks Lido is hard to beat. A [50-metre heated outdoor pool](https://www.visitcheltenham.com/things-to-do/activities-for-kids/), a separate children's pool, and a paddling area for the littlest ones. It's open from late spring through the summer months, and there's a café and sun terrace for parents who'd rather watch than swim. Bring towels — and arrive early on hot days, because the rest of Cheltenham has the same idea. ## Best Indoor Activities for Kids in Cheltenham Not every day is a sunny one. Gloucestershire sees its fair share of rain, and you'll want a few indoor options in your back pocket. ### The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum The Wilson is free to enter and more engaging for kids than you might expect. There's a [mix of art, historical artefacts, and touring exhibitions](https://www.soglos.com/hot-list/family/best-things-to-do-with-kids-in-cheltenham/23214/) that rotate throughout the year. Children can learn about Edward Wilson — the Cheltenham-born Antarctic explorer who accompanied Captain Scott — and there's a strong Arts and Crafts Movement collection. It won't fill a whole day, but it's a solid hour or two, especially on a rainy morning. ### Holst Victorian House Gustav Holst — the composer behind *The Planets* — was born in this Regency townhouse in 1874. It's Cheltenham's only Victorian home open to visitors, and it runs [hands-on music workshops and activities for children](https://www.soglos.com/hot-list/family/best-things-to-do-with-kids-in-cheltenham/23214/) during school holidays. Small but charming, and genuinely interesting if your kids have any curiosity about music. ### Funky Warehouse & The Play Farm For days when your children simply need to burn energy, [Funky Warehouse](https://www.funky-warehouse.co.uk/locations/cheltenham) has trampolines, ninja obstacle courses, and soft play. The Play Farm at The Brewery Quarter is geared towards younger children, with climbing frames, tunnels, and ball pits in a safe, contained space. Neither will win design awards, but they do the job — and sometimes that's all you need. ## What Family Days Out Are Near Cheltenham? Some of the best family activities are a short drive from the town centre. Cheltenham's position on the edge of the Cotswolds means you've got options. ### Cotswold Farm Park Adam Henson's [Cotswold Farm Park](https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/things-to-do/south-west/gloucestershire/cheltenham) is about 30 minutes from Cheltenham and worth every mile. Kids can feed lambs, meet rare breed animals, and explore outdoor adventure playgrounds. It's a proper working farm with an educational side — the kind of day out children talk about for weeks afterwards. Book online in advance during school holidays. ### Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway The [GWSR heritage railway](https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/things-to-do/south-west/gloucestershire/cheltenham) runs scenic steam train rides through the Cotswolds countryside. It's a hit with kids of all ages — there's something about a real steam engine that no iPad can compete with. Special event days (Thomas the Tank Engine, Christmas trains) sell out quickly, so plan ahead. ### Jet Age Museum A free aviation museum at Gloucester Airport, about 15 minutes from Cheltenham. It's volunteer-run and charmingly enthusiastic. Kids who like planes will love it. Kids who don't will still find the cockpit displays interesting for half an hour. ## Are Cheltenham's Festivals Good for Families? Very. Cheltenham hosts [five major festivals](https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/festivals/science-festival) throughout the year, and several of them have dedicated children's programming. The **Science Festival** (June 2–7 in 2026) is the standout for families. The Discover Zone in Cheltenham Town Hall is free, packed with interactive experiments and new technologies, and there's a separate mini zone for under-sevens. At least 60% of the festival's events are free, which makes a genuine difference when you're paying for a family. The **Literature Festival** in October runs a strong children's programme with author events, storytelling, and workshops. And the **Children's Festival** in May is purpose-built for younger audiences. Worth checking the [Cheltenham Festivals website](https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/) for specific dates and booking — the popular sessions fill up fast. ## Where to Eat with Kids in Cheltenham A day out is only as good as the lunch that goes with it. Cheltenham has plenty of [family-friendly places to eat](https://www.visitcheltenham.com/food-drink/restaurants/family-friendly/), beyond the usual high street chains. **The Wheatsheaf** and **The Plough** in Prestbury are both [pubs with proper beer gardens and play areas](https://www.cheltenhamrocks.co.uk/guides/family-restaurants-in-cheltenham) — the kind of places where adults can actually finish a conversation while kids run about. **Boston Tea Party** on the High Street does excellent brunch and has a dedicated children's menu for different age groups. And **The Coconut Tree** offers Sri Lankan street food with a kids' menu at £5.50 for a main, dessert, and drink — properly good value. For a one-stop family outing, **The Brewery Quarter** combines bowling, adventure golf, escape rooms, and several restaurants under one roof. It's not exactly independent Cheltenham, but it's convenient when you need options. Browse our full [restaurant guide](https://bestcheltenham.co.uk/restaurants) for more ideas — we score every restaurant honestly, no paid listings. ## Tips for a Family Day Out in Cheltenham **Getting around:** Cheltenham is compact. You can walk between most of the places mentioned here in 15-20 minutes from the town centre. If you're driving, the Regent Arcade and Beechwood car parks are the most central. **Best time to visit:** Festival season (March–July) gives you the most to do, but Cheltenham has character year-round. School holiday periods bring extra activities at the museums and parks. **Combining with the Cotswolds:** If you're visiting from further afield — Cheltenham is [two hours from London by train](https://www.mummytravels.com/things-to-do-in-cheltenham-with-kids/) — it pairs well with a day exploring Cotswolds villages like Bourton-on-the-Water or Stow-on-the-Wold. **If you're planning a longer stay:** Our guide to [spending a weekend in Cheltenham](https://bestcheltenham.co.uk/blog/weekend-in-cheltenham) covers where to eat, drink, and explore across a full two days. ## A Town That Rewards Families Cheltenham doesn't shout about being family-friendly — but it quietly delivers. Parks that kids actually want to play in. Museums you don't have to bribe them to visit. Festivals that treat younger audiences seriously. And enough restaurants with children's menus that you won't end up in a chain by default. Have a look at our [full attractions guide](https://bestcheltenham.co.uk/attractions) and [things to do](https://bestcheltenham.co.uk/things-to-do) listings for even more ideas. Everything's editorially scored — no sponsored picks, just honest recommendations from people who know the town.