Cheltenham is bursting with fun things for families to do, from sporty activities like adventure golf and inflatable obstacle courses to inspiring cultural attractions.
SoGlos rounds up 15 of the best things to do with children in Cheltenham, with ideas to keep everyone from the youngest to the oldest kids entertained.
Adventure golf at Mr Mulligans
Challenge your brood to score a hole in one at Mr Mulligans adventure golf in The Brewery Quarter.
With two themed 18-hole courses taking families through the ancient world of Canopy Creek, complete with dinosaurs, then deep into the depths of Neptune's Mist — not to mention electro-darts, shuffleboard, pool, ping pong tables and even a karaoke room — there's hours of fun to be had.
See a show at the Everyman Theatre
Theatre-loving little ones will love the chance to see a show at Cheltenham's spectacular Everyman Theatre.
Its packed programme features touring West End shows and homegrown productions, as well as its showstopping annual pantomime. From Angry Birds to King Arthur and Robin Hood, there's plenty to look forward to in 2025.
Get a strike at Hollywood Bowl
Hit the lanes at Hollywood Bowl for some nostalgic family fun, with tenpin bowling and loads of arcade games with prizes up for grabs. There are ball ramps and lane bumpers available on every lane to help the littlest family members enjoy the fun, too.
Choose one, two or three games back-to-back, or opt for a game, food and drink deal.
Solve the puzzles at Escape Hunt
An ideal activity for older kids, Escape Hunt challenges visitors to one of five different escape experiences at its Brewery Quarter venue.
From following Alice down the rabbit hole, facing off with the Daleks to an MI6-inspired challenge to take down the Nazis armed only with intelligence, the whole family will have to work together to solve the clues before the clock runs out.
Take a stroll around Pittville Park
With a huge adventure playground, complete with zipwire and aviary, right next door to the iconic Pittville Pump Room and lawn, Pittville Park is a fantastic place for little ones to let off some steam.
While the kids clamber over climbing frames, see how high they can get on the swings and meet the resident birds, grown-ups can enjoy a coffee from the on-site cafe. There's even a boating lake, so you can row, row, row a boat across the lake during spring and summer, too.
Admire the artwork at The Wilson
Great for thoughtful little ones, The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum hosts touring exhibitions as well as a year-round collection that features art, furniture, textiles and historical artefacts.
Named after Antarctic explorer, Edward Wilson, kids can learn all about his adventure to the South Pole; discover the history and heritage of the Arts and Crafts Movement and its links to the Cotswolds; and take part in regular workshops, trails and artist-led holiday clubs during the school holidays.
Clamber around at The Play Farm
Boasting Cheltenham's biggest soft play frame, The Play Farm promises hours of fun for the littlest members of the family.
Parents can enjoy a coffee or two while their toddlers climb, scramble and slide around the colourful play area, which hosts regular Disco Tots and sensory-friendly sessions, too.
Ride a steam train at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Take a trip through the picturesque Cotswold countryside on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway for a family day out with a difference.
Hop on board at Cheltenham Racecourse and ride all the way to Broadway — jumping on and off at stations in Gotherington, Winchcombe, Hayles Abbey and Toddington along the way, with lots to see and do at every stop.
Catch a family film at Cineworld
Grown-ups pay kids' prices with family tickets at Cineworld, with 23 per cent off a Family Special snack bundle including popcorn, drinks and munchboxes, too.
There are also regular Movies for Juniors screenings of classic family favourites, with tickets costing just £3.99 for adults and little ones.
Dive in at Cheltenham Lido
Take the kids for a dip at the newly renamed Cheltenham Lido. The 50-metre heated outdoor pool is the ultimate summer day activity that'll make little ones feel like they're on holiday.
As well as swimming, sliding and splashing around, the lido also hosts aqua fun inflatable sessions, dog swims, paddleboard yoga and lots more — not to mention outdoor theatre and outdoor cinema in its four-acre grounds.
Bounce around at Jumpin' Fun
Offering 12,000 sq ft of inflatable mayhem, Jumpin' Fun is a must-visit for active and adventurous kids.
With a Total Wipeout-style inflatable obstacle course, mega slide, ball pit and a huge air bag to jump on, it's a great way to burn off some energy on rainy days. The centre offers dedicated Toddler Time sessions for little ones, too.
Get creative at Paint It Yourself Pottery
Creative kids and their parents will love having a go at painting their own colourful pots at Paint It Yourself Pottery.
From mugs, plates and plant pots to ceramic animals and ornaments, there's plenty of options – and the design is entirely up to you.
Go rock climbing at Boulders
Boulders indoor climbing centre is an ideal rainy day activity for active kids, where they can have fun and learn a new skill.
It offers one-hour, instructor-led sessions where kids aged seven to 17 can try climbing for the first time, as well as term-time courses for beginners and improvers – plus holiday clubs, too.
Make a splash at Leisure At Cheltenham
Ideal for kids aged six and under, Leisure at Cheltenham's splash pad provides one-hour sessions where kids can splash about to their heart's content.
A great way to increase their confidence in the water, the centre also has a teaching pool which offers family fun sessions designed for children under eight.
Tackle the ninja obstacle course at Funky Warehouse
Active kids can test their agility at Funky Warehouse, with a whole host of challenges to tackle.
From toughing it out through the ninja obstacle course to reaching new heights on its 22 trampolines, this fun family attraction is sure to tire out even the most energetic kids!
