5 interactive-parks-and-museums-in-Oxfordshire-ideal-for-a-family-weekend
April 11, 2025
Oxfordshire isn't just about prestigious universities and historic landmarks. It's also a region full of fascinating attractions for the whole family, where education meets fun and nature meets culture. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through five unique destinations that will make your family weekend full of unforgettable memories and valuable experiences. From interactive museums to picturesque gardens and parks, each of these places offers something unique for both children and adults. Get ready to discover the mysteries of nature, immerse yourself in a world of stories and get active in nature. Here are our carefully selected five places that are sure to delight every member of the family and make your stay in Oxfordshire full of fun, knowledge and shared adventures.
Ad
Fascinating museums for young and old explorers
Start our journey with two exceptional museums that are sure to spark the curiosity and imagination of children and adults alike.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a true treasure trove of knowledge about the natural world. It is a place where natural history comes to life before your eyes. Huge dinosaur skeletons, mineral collections and fascinating exhibits from around the world will make the time spent here pass unnoticed. Importantly, the museum offers many interactive elements so children can literally touch history - from stroking a bear's fur to studying the texture of a snake's skin.
Parents will appreciate the fact that admission to the museum is free, making it ideal for a family outing without straining the budget. It's worth planning at least two hours for the tour to fully enjoy the richness of the exhibits. The only downside may be the expensive parking in the area, so consider alternative means of transportation.
Another item on our list is The Story Museum - a place where the magic of stories becomes reality. It's not just a museum, but a real journey through the world of literature and imagination. Interactive exhibitions allow children (and adults!) to literally enter the world of their favorite books. Here you can walk through the closet to Narnia, visit the 'rabbit hole' of Alice in Wonderland or sit on the sofa of the Snowman.
The Story Museum is a paradise for story lovers of all ages. Children will love the opportunity to dress up as fairy tale characters and participate in interactive games. Parents, on the other hand, will appreciate the creative approach to learning to read and developing their imagination. The museum is friendly to people with different needs - it offers ear muffs for noise-sensitive children and good facilities for wheelchair users.
Comparing the two museums, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History offers a more traditional but equally fascinating approach to science, focusing on the natural world and the sciences. The Story Museum, on the other hand, focuses on creativity and immersion into the world of literature. What both places have in common, however, is an interactive approach to education and the opportunity to actively participate in the exhibitions.
It's worth noting that both museums enjoy high visitor ratings - Oxford University Museum of Natural History has an impressive 4.8 rating, while The Story Museum boasts a 4.5. Whichever place you choose, you can be sure that an unforgettable educational adventure awaits you there.
Green oases of tranquility and activity
After an exciting journey through the world of science and literature, it's time to relax and be active in nature. In this part of our family adventure through Oxfordshire, we will visit two unique places that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature and fresh air.
Oxford Botanic Garden is a true gem among botanical gardens. Founded in 1621, it is the oldest botanical garden in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. It's the perfect place to relax after a hard day's sightseeing while learning something new about the plant world. The garden offers a variety of landscapes - from traditional English gardens to exotic greenhouses full of fascinating plants from far-flung corners of the world.
Children will be delighted by the collection of insectivorous plants, and the whole family will surely be interested in the Greek garden. This is a great opportunity to talk to the little ones about ecology, botany and the importance of plants in our lives. Note the beautifully arranged flowerbeds and picturesque paths, which are just asking for a family walk.
The price of admission to the botanical garden is about £5.45 per adult (as of 2023), and children under 5 get in for free. This is a reasonable price for the opportunity to spend a few hours in such a charming place. It's worth remembering to book admission in advance, especially during the summer season.
For those who want more space and physical activity, Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park are ideal. This sprawling city park offers many activities for both children and adults. You'll find playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts and even a mini-train that runs on summer Sundays!
The park is the perfect place for a family picnic or active outdoor activities. Children will be delighted to observe a variety of waterfowl and other animals. It's also a great opportunity to teach the little ones the basics of ornithology or urban ecology.
Importantly, admission to the park is free, making it an ideal place to relax without straining the family budget. However, it's worth remembering to bring your own provisions, as dining options in the park can be limited or relatively expensive.
Comparing the two sites, Oxford Botanic Garden offers a more structured and educational experience, ideal for families interested in botany and history. Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, on the other hand, is a more casual space, perfect for families who prefer active recreation and outdoor fun.
Both places enjoy high visitor ratings - Oxford Botanic Garden has a rating of 4.5, and Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park an impressive 4.6. Whichever place you choose, you can be sure to spend time in a beautiful, green environment, perfect for family relaxation and education.
Cultural journey through the ages
To conclude our family adventure around Oxfordshire, we suggest a visit to a place that combines elements of all the previous attractions - Pitt Rivers Museum. This is a remarkable anthropological museum that is sure to fascinate both children and adults.
Pitt Rivers Museum is a true treasure trove of world culture and history. Founded in 1884, the museum collects fascinating artifacts from all over the world, from prehistoric tools to modern works of art. What sets this museum apart is the way the exhibits are presented - instead of the traditional geographical or chronological division, the exhibits are grouped thematically, allowing for fascinating comparisons between cultures and eras.
For children, a visit to the Pitt Rivers Museum is like traveling through time and space. Here they can see real Egyptian mummies, masks from various world cultures, and even the famous collection of reduced heads from the Amazon (although parents should assess whether this exhibit will be too frightening for the little ones). The museum offers many interactive elements that allow children to touch history, from trying on replicas of historical costumes to exploring the textures of different materials.
Importantly, admission to the Pitt Rivers Museum is free, making it accessible to families of all budgets. The museum enjoys an extremely high rating of 4.7, a testament to its popularity among visitors.
Comparing the Pitt Rivers Museum with the other attractions we visited, one can see that it combines elements of all the previous places. Like the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, it offers a fascinating journey through history, but this time focusing on culture and anthropology. Like The Story Museum, it allows immersion into different worlds and cultures. And with its extensive collection of plants and artifacts related to nature, it also relates to the themes present in the Oxford Botanic Garden.
The Pitt Rivers Museum, however, stands out for its unique approach to exhibit presentation, making it a fascinating place for people of all ages. It's the perfect place to end a family weekend in Oxfordshire - allowing you to take stock and combine all the experiences of the previous attractions.
To summarize our tour of Oxfordshire's five interactive parks and museums, it's worth noting that each site offers unique educational and entertaining experiences. From the fascinating natural world at Oxford University Museum of Natural History, to the magical world of literature at The Story Museum, to relaxing in nature at Oxford Botanic Garden and Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, to a cultural journey at Pitt Rivers Museum, each of these places has something unique to offer.
It's worth noting that most of these attractions offer free admission, making them accessible to families of all budgets. They also all enjoy high visitor ratings, a testament to their quality and popularity.
When planning a family weekend in Oxfordshire, consider visiting all of these sites for a diverse, educational and exciting experience for you and your children. Whether your children are interested in science, literature, nature or culture, they will find something to enjoy in Oxfordshire. Remember, the most important thing is spending time together and creating unforgettable family memories!
Similar articles
Ad