The summer hols are here! And with over a month off, keeping young minds entertained every day is a huge task.
Thankfully, we’ve put together some things to do and days out that are sure to prove fun and educational, with some great stories to go back to school in September.
Marvellous Museums
Contrary to popular belief, museums aren’t musty, dusty buildings for old fossils and fuddy-duddy dinosaurs; they’re an excellent day out, especially for the kids!
Oxford is packed with some brilliant museums, offering everything from immersive storytelling to prehistoric dinosaur-era discoveries. They’re also rolling out a Jurassic-themed line-up of events for the summer holidays to keep the kids thoroughly entertained.
The Story Museum
Hop into the pages of your favourite book at the Story Museum!
A magical world of traditional tales, fantastical fables and contemporary classics, the Story Museum is a hands-on exploration of literature from far and wide, guaranteed to unleash your inner big kid as soon as you step inside.
Head into the Galleries to discover the Whispering Wood’s secrets before moving on to the Enchanted Library to choose your own adventure.
The Story Arcade is home to virtual narratives and video games galore. Young gamers can get stuck in on custom-built arcade machines to try out open-world RPGs and pixelated classics, as well as featured games created by the brilliant minds at the museum.
For kiddos 5 and under, Small Worlds is a patchwork amalgamation of pretty picture books and rhyming tales. Story Guides are on hand to tell tales and sing songs throughout the five themed zones. Throughout July and August, they’ll sharing stories about Minibeasts and Adventures by land, sea and air.
This summer, the Story Museum are hosting a few different events to make your visit even more special.
From 2nd June to 31st August, the museum’s Summer Trail is setting off in the Enchanted Library. Included in your ticket to the Galleries, the trail takes children on a path to find a few classic characters enjoying the summer sun, because even storybook heroes deserve a holiday. Little ones can also craft a special picnic basket to take home.
Comic Club is back on 25th July. Be sure to book your tickets to join cartoonist and author Neill Cameron in developing comic-making skills and have fun while doing it! Neill’s worked on popular hits, such as Mo-Bot High and Tamsin and the Deep, so you know you’re in good (and very doodle-capable) hands. The 90-minute session is intended for children ages 8 to 10, while Comic Club Plus, running the same day, offers the same brilliant teacher and techniques, just tailored to older kids.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to The Story Museum by bus, click here.
Ashmolean Museum
A palace of art and history, the imposing Ashmolean Museum sits with its iconic Greek columns and soft, honey-coloured façade on Beaumont Street, promising a very grand day out. Britain’s first public museum, the Ashmolean is a treasure trove of global wonders from around the world, like the Abingdon Sword, the Shrine of Taharqa and works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Da Vinci.
With family-friendly exhibitions, interactive exhibits and free entry, the Ashmolean proves to make an excellent afternoon out with the family.
On until November, Restoring Rome: Roman Oxfordshire Coins Display dives into the astonishing hall of Roman coins discovered since 1997. Some 360,000 Roman coins have been found, with around 15,000 of those unearthed right here in Oxfordshire. This exhibit shows off some of the star finds for kids and grown-ups to marvel at. From a copper Nero found at Dorchester to the golden Henley Hoard, there’s absolutely loads to see and learn about Roman Britain.
Every Saturday, the museum hosts a Hands-on coins activity for visitors aged 7 and over to handle ancient cash for themselves. Helpful volunteers will guide little hands through key details and what they mean. Who knows? You may leave with a brand-new numismatist on your hands (and possibly a sudden interest in metal detecting holidays).
For young environmental enthusiasts, or those wanting to teach the kids more about the world, look no further than Ashmolean NOW: Soma Surovi Jannat. The fifth instalment of the NOW exhibition series, this exhibit shows off the works of Bangladeshi artist Soma Surovi Jannat, who draws her inspiration from the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest on the planet, and the environmental changes threatening its delicate ecosystem. Explore the stunning orange-gold displays and learn more about a faraway biome of life in the first solo exhibition of a Bangladesh-based artist in the UK.
Take inspiration from the objects and artwork on display to take home with you, and have a go at creating some pieces of your own to create some truly unique art to brighten up the fridge!
On 18th July, why not head over to the Ashmolean Museum for the Festival of Archaeology 2026. Free for all ages, the festival is inspired by the Shaped by Nature season at the museum. Kids can dig into the world of flora and fauna, getting creative with crafts, storytelling and live demonstrations of collections from across the museum. Create a unique botanical pen for the new school term, have a go at weaving a masterpiece and discover the smells of the past. It’s a free drop-in event running throughout the day and makes a great addition to an afternoon at the museum.
Also on 18th July, pop into the Western Art Print Room at the Ashmolean for Let’s Draw Together. Yet another free family activity, but be sure to book tickets for this one to secure your places. Visitors can get involved here with even more naturalistic inspiration to enjoy and create works of art. Best suited to kids and grown-ups who enjoy a quieter, calmer environment, staff are on hand to guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have about what you’re seeing and doing. The Print Room houses works too fragile to keep on permanent display, so visiting promises a special opportunity to see sketches and works by some of history’s most prolific artists.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to the Ashmolean Museum by bus, click here.
Museum of Oxford
Back in the 70s, there was a need for a museum that specialised in Oxford’s long and prominent history. The Museum of Oxford was the answer to that call! With both permanent and temporary displays to see, the museum documents life in Oxford from prehistoric settlers to modern life today.
Also known colloquially as MOX, the museum is home to heaps of activities and things to do for young visitors to enjoy and get stuck into. Gallery Trails explore the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Choose a theme, from marmalade adventures to hidden hares, and set off exploring the museum. Pick a new theme on your next visit to see the collections all over again in a brand-new way.
Explorer Backpacks are available at the museum shop, and each one is filled to the brim with fun sensory activities to try out as you walk around. The Dig Pit lets kids become little archaeologists and uncover hidden objects, while the Capes Counter is on hand to zhuzh up the style of visitors of all ages.
On select dates throughout July and August, the Museum of Oxford will be hosting Hands-on History! Handle special artefacts from the city’s past and learn even more about Oxford’s story. Unearth ancient Saxon secrets, or play with Fisher-Price phones as you learn about each object’s history and how it came to be.
Spread the Joy: Marmalade Stitching celebrates the jammy history of Sarah Cooper and the 1874 recipe that took the world by storm. Throughout 23rd July, kids will work on a hessian canvas to create their very own marmalade-inspired artwork while they learn all about the history of Paddington Bear’s favourite sandwich filling, and how it influenced both the local area and beyond. Tickets can be purchased online, and booking in advance is recommended to secure your place.
For kids who enjoy beats over a jam, MOX’s music-themed crafting session might just be the ticket. Paper Sounds: Music Inspired Crafting gives kids aged 5 to 11 the tools to listen to music in a whole new way and create art based on what they’re hearing. On 6th August, join the guys at MOX to listen to the music associated with Oxford and use paper to bring the sounds to life. You can even take the skills you learn home with you and make art based on the whole family’s favourite tunes!
The summertime Fam Jam is back at the Museum of Oxford! On 27th August, take the little ones aged 5 and under to dance, play and create at the museum. Older siblings are welcome too, so why not make it a full-family dance party? Show off your best dance moves as you boogie and have fun. With disco lighting and loud music, ear defenders are provided for sensitive ears, and a quiet space will be available for anyone feeling a little overwhelmed.
If you’re visiting the museum, why not try purchasing a combo ticket with City Sightseeing Oxford? Just buy your tickets online or in person, and when you’re on your bus tour, hop off at stop 7 to explore the city’s history at the museum.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to the Museum of Oxford by bus, click here.
Science Oxford
Just because it’s the school holidays doesn’t mean the learning has to stop, and you need to look no further than Science Oxford to prove it! A centre dedicated to enjoyable learning, Science Oxford aims to inspire their visitors through family fun, community and hands-on programmes.
On Saturdays, Science Oxford open its doors for Family Days. Kids and grown-ups can explore, discover and play with exciting experiments and interactive exhibits. Families can work together to create award-worthy animations, create flying wonders at the Air Table and have a crack at creating a massive magnetic ball run, all great opportunities for adult to pretend they’re “helping” while actually taking over and getting stuck in themselves.
You can also head outside and explore 15 acres of wild woodlands and ponds. Pick up an Explorer Backpack to see what wildlife you can spot as you venture along the Nature Trails, then splash into science with the Water Lab to experiment with all things aquatic!
On 18th July, fidget enthusiasts aged 5 to 9 can get stuck in with Flubber, Rubber and Slime. Kids will go full-on gooey mode as they discover all about the brilliant world of plastics and polymers while getting hands-on with every nice, new carpet’s worst nightmare – slime! The session isn’t just about stretching and folding the playground’s favourite toy; children will also learn about things like tackling pollution, understanding the world around them and taking part in some crazy experiments too!
Head back outside on July 25th for Flower Power Prints. Kids will have a blast hunting for materials while learning about the different types of trees and leaves inhabiting the woodlands. Create magical colour-changing teas that taste just as good as they look, then have a go at creating stunning works of art out of plants in the traditional Japanese art of Hapa Zome.
On 8th August, ponds become the ideal playground for curious minds. Young underwater experts can get stuck in with a round of Summer Pond Dipping at Science Oxford. Children will learn all about the lifecycles of what lives in their local ponds, using magnifiers and microscopes to take a closer look at the inhabitants.
If you work up an appetite while getting your science on, Emira’s Kitchen is open every Saturday, serving up a menu of superb sandwiches, crowd-pleasing cappuccinos and sweet treats that really take the (lemon drizzle) cake!
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Science Oxford by bus, click here.
Go Outdoors!
Speaking of ponds and all things outdoorsy, Oxfordshire is packed with brilliant places to explore once you’re ready to swap the lab coat for a little fresh air. Pretty gardens, lively livestock and more are ready to greet budding outdoorsmen and women with the outdoor world in the summer sun.
Waterperry Gardens
Just a stone’s throw from the city centre lies the rolling, ornamental landscapes of Waterperry Gardens. Made famous as the home of Beatrix Havergal’s School of Horticulture for Ladies, the gardens are now open for the public to come and explore for themselves. Kids can wander along the pathways and stop to sniff the roses as they watch nature spring to life in the summer sun. Maybe they can even use some skills they’ve picked up on a previous day out?
Just across from the Tea Shop at Waterperry lies their Children’s Play Area. Kiddies can burn off some excess energy on slides and climbing frames, while grown-ups can watch on from the safety of the café. With delicious sandwiches, cakes and afternoon teas on offer, you can sit back and fuel up without having to worry about the kids feeling unsettled; just let them run about and have fun! Just be sure to keep a cold drink at the table for them to pop in and cool off in the summer heat.
Waterperry Gardens offer a couple of year-round trails that families can join to explore the 20 acres of carefully manicured lawns, orchards and garden beds. The Philosopher’s Trail leads you to some of garden’s more curious statues and features, while giving you a glimpse into the ethos of the gardens and the charity that owns the estate. Meanwhile, the Tree Trail follows the path of 22 historic, exotic and medicinal trees. Choose from either a quick 15-minute jaunt or a 45-minute meander to learn all about these arboreal monoliths. To follow either path, simply collect a leaflet from the Gift Barn and off you trot!
From 11th July to 6th September, the seasonal Summer Orienteering Butterfly Trail will be available for children to explore. Using a compass and special instructions, kids must follow a trail map to spot hidden Butterflies, flitting about the garden. Each one found will be marked off with a commemorative sticker, and once you’ve found all that you can, head back over to the Garden Shop to claim your prize!
Shiver me timbers! Salty seadogs and swashbuckling corsairs should weigh anchor and sail over to the Amphitheatre on 1st August for Treasure Island. When young Jim Hawkins finds a treasure map at the Admiral Benbow Inn, he finds himself surrounded by pirates, mysteries and the high seas. This action-packed adventure is fun for the whole family, and kids who’ve heard the story before will be sure to love getting immersed in a live version of this hearty shanty of a show. Savvy?
From the 7th to the 16th of August, the gardens will be welcoming back their annual Waterperry Opera Festival. While on the surface an opera festival may not seem like every kid’s cup of tea, there’s a plethora of workshops, musical adventures and things to do that’ll keep children of all ages entertained.
On select dates throughout the festival, kids can head over to the Orangery to take part in Craft Workshops. Themed around the classic tales of Peter Rabbit, little ones can get stuck in with arts and crafts, creating special animal ears inspired by the critters in Beatrix Potter’s award-winning stories. Why not pop your new ears on before heading over to the Garden Glade for Peter Rabbit’s Musical Adventure? Join Peter as he squeezes himself under the garden gate, dodging Mr McGregor and exploring the veggie patches, all while learning some valuable lessons along the way. Kids are sure to be entranced with the story, all while listening to Haydn’s vibrant string quartets, performed live to help them get truly immersed. An exciting new way to introduce young minds to classical music, little ones are sure to be humming their favourite tunes while hopping about for the rest of the summer holidays!
When visiting Waterperry Gardens, from 13th July to 30th August, Oxford Bus Company will be running a shuttle bus service between Thornhill Park&Ride, Wheatley and the gardens, making it even easier to visit during the summer holidays!
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Waterperry Gardens by bus, click here.
Millets Farm Centre
If animals and agriculture are more your thing, look no further than Millets Farm Centre! A hub for shopping, livestock, and play for over 70 years, Millets is absolutely a local favourite for visitors young and old.
Have a meander down the Animal Walkway to bleat and greet the livestock that call the farm home. Ducks have a quacking time swimming in the pools, and pygmy goats trot about, climbing their play area like daring explorers! Be sure to say a special hello to Lulu and Pumpkin, a pair of friendly donkeys on loan from Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary.
Sprouts Play Barn is an award-winning, bookable soft play for kids to run around and explore to their hearts’ content. Tackle the humongous play frame, slip down the 4-lane wavy slide and tap out some earwormy tunes on the floor piano. The play barn also offers role-play at the mini farmers markets, sports courts and more, giving kiddos the chance to learn and grow, while having an absolute bucket of fun! Be sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out; it’s the perfect spot for a pocket-money treat.
Work together or sabotage the competition, on Millet’s tee-rrific Farmyard Adventure Golf course. Just outside of Sprouts Play Barn, this 18-hole farm-themed adventure is jam-packed full of obstacles to challenge players of all ages! The course itself is a whistle-stop tour of the history of Millets; from farming heritage to record-breaking achievements. Play for fun or go full tournament mode and try to hit a hole in one!
Every year, Millets open up their Maize Maze, an all-day day adventure for families to enjoy some summertime fun. From 18th July, visitors little and big can take on three a-maize-ing mazes, garden games and more. Ride on a tractor, excavate the sand pit and see if you can set a record on the obstacle course. There’s so much to see and do, and with wristband entry, you can come and go as you please throughout the day, though you may want to take more than one to explore everything on offer.
If you’re needing to cool off from the heat of the summer sun, then from 25th July, Millet’s Slip n Slide will be open for 6 weeks, bringing the UK’s biggest slides to you! With 60 minutes of unlimited access, both kids and grown-ups can glide along a whole bunch of courses and unwind on some water-fuelled fun.
Once your session’s wrapped up, a fully stocked bar serving up slush puppies (yes, they’re still going strong), churros, and proper meals is on hand to help you refuel before heading out to explore everything else Millets has to offer.
For the theatrically inclined, kids can join the Little Starts Musical Theatre this summer for LSMT Holiday Club – The Jungle Book. Aimed at those aged 5 to 16, kids will work with professional coaches to learn new skills like singing, acting and dance for five days, before performing two magical shows for their friends and family. For under 5s, special half-day sessions are available with a dedicated Juniors Coach. Build confidence, learn something new and make friends and memories that will last a lifetime!
If you’ve got a budding petrolhead in the family, Millets has not one but two automotive events revving into action this August.
On 9th August, the MG & Classic Car Charity Picnic rolls in with everything from beloved classics to unusual automotives on show. Spend the morning perusing some seriously flashy motors, before swinging by the Farmhouse Kitchen for a spot of breakfast, then head out to explore the rest of the farm. Plus, with all proceeds going to Prostate Cancer UK, it’s a day out for a good cause.
Then on 15th August, it’s the turn of the Italian Automative Show, showcasing 100 years of iconic Italian marques. From speedy Ducatis to luxury Lambos, kids of all ages can marvel at their favourite die-cast replicas in full-size glory!
All aboard! Woolsey’s Miniature Railway is chugging into the station at Millets Farm on 22nd and 23rd August. Little locomotives will be steaming along the tracks, transporting passengers along mini rails, all for a good cause. As you go round and round, you’ll be supporting SSNAP, a local charity that supports families whose babies are receiving care at the JR Hospital, as well as funding vital medical equipment and training.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Millets Farm Centre by bus, click here.
Heritage Favourites
Oxford is home to heritage galore. With grand homes that once housed historic figures, mammoth monuments and community-shaping industries, our heritage has shaped not just our area but our community too. Many of these sites are available for you to visit and explore for yourself, with things to see and do during the summer holidays.
Didcot Railway Centre
If your little stationmasters loved the mini railway at Millets, why not head over to Didcot to see a bigger version?
All the way back in the 19th century, the Great Western Railway found the need to build themselves a shiny new maintenance depot, and Didcot was chosen as the location. Over 100 years later, in 1967, the Didcot Railway Centre opened its doors to the public, a living museum of all things GWR. From trains that chugged along the tracks during Queen Victoria’s day, to the star of Queen’s Breakthru’, there’s heaps of things to view while at Didcot Railway Centre.
On 22nd and 23rd August, Brick Adventures are heading to the Railway Centre for a brick show like no other. Carefully crafted robots and faithful locomotive recreations are on display to marvel at, with the centre mapped out in Lego. Both at-home builders and little trainspotters are sure to be inspired to have a go at creating their own builds, and with entry to the event included in your admission to the Railway Centre, you’re essentially getting two days out in one!
On select dates throughout the holidays, Didcot Railway Centre will be hosting its Discovery Days. With no trains running, these days provide the unique chance to get up close and personal with these historic railcars for yourselves. Stroll through the engine sheds, explore some of Brunel’s experiments and get hands-on in the Signalling Centre, just like real-life controllers. Kids can dress up as proper train people, and make tracks in the outdoor play area, all while getting a behind-the scenes look at these magnificent machines.
On other select dates, get your tickets and head to the platform for Steam Days. Mind the gap as you hop aboard the demonstration lines for unlimited rides on some of the museum’s steam trains. Listen out for the iconic chugging noise as you clickety-clack along the tracks on this unique chance to enjoy a proper old-fashioned train journey. You’ll also be able to peek inside the restoration workshops, where the team at Didcot Railway Centre lovingly restore rusty or dilapidated carriages and brings them back to their former glory, as well as maintaining their current fleet.
The Didcot Railway Centre consists of over 21 acres of living heritage and railway history, and after exploring it all, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite! While you’re more than welcome to bring along your own picnic basket, the Engine Shed Café is open for you to enjoy. Serving up a trainload of tasty meals, cakes and takeaway options, there’s sure to be something to appeal to even the most discerning tastes.
Be sure to remember to swing by the Shop on your way out too. Filled to the caboose with souvenirs galore, it’s a great spot to find the next show-and-tell highlight or pick up a pocket money delight!
By the way, Didcot Railway Centre is also dog friendly for hounds that love choo-choos as much as their chew-chews!
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Didcot Railway Centre by bus, click here.
Blenheim Palace
Back in 1704, the Battle of Blenheim saw General John Churchill triumph against the French and Bavarians in the War of Spanish Succession. As a reward, the Crown rewarded him with a plot of land in Woodstock and the funds to build a rather grand “thank-you” present, and so Blenheim Palace came to be. A stunning example of the short-lived English Baroque architecture, Blenheim has been home to Prime Ministers, political summits and artistic exhibitions, arguably the most famous of which involved an 18-carat gold toilet, valued at £4.75 million, which was stolen and never recovered. A truly royal flush.
For little legs that can seemingly run for miles, Blenheim Palace Adventure Play is a brilliant option. Kids can dive into tunnels, bridges and cargo chambers for hours of fun and excitement. Adventure Play Guides are on hand to help, and a specially crafted Toddler Zone is available for littler visitors.
Just off the Adventure Play and beyond, children can join book and TV favourites Pip and Posy on a magical adventure full of colour, surprises and play. Become a Rainbow Treasure Hunter and hop, bop and clip-clop through giant carrots, bridge slides and more as kids search for the treasure at the end of the rainbow. Keep an eye out for all the rainbows along the way, and don’t worry if you get a bit turned around! Pip, Posy and their friends are about ready to lend a helping hand.
Ever made like Winnie the Pooh and indulged in honey? Head down to the Walled Garden at Blenheim to see it being made! They’ve partnered with Rowes Honey to create The Hive, teaching us all about the real buzz around our favourite sweet treat. An interactive space, kids can get stuck in while learning. Find out all about the lifecycle of bees and their vital role in the ecosystem while crafting their very own bees, then climb the steps to observe the real thing dancing about the Palace’s Potager Garden.
Also in the Walled Garden lies the home of another winged friend. The Butterfly House was renovated in 2024, and houses a huge range of fluttering butterflies for families to admire. Both visitors big and small should watch out for the striking wings of butterflies from both the UK and further afield, with each lush ecosystem carefully crafted to match their natural environments, with brightly coloured flora and fauna to frame it all. If you see a plate of exotic fruits lying around, hang about for a moment, and you may even see them come to feed.
From 11th August to 1st November, Blenheim is going prehistoric. Partnering with artist Jay Jay Burridge and the Oxford Museum of Natural History, Dinosaurs Are Forever brings five Megalosaurus back to life. Back in the day, miners in Stonesfield began uncovering massive bones, too large to belong to any living creature known to man. Years later, in 1822, geologist James Parkinson referred to these fossils as Megalosaurus. Little did he know, he had just identified the very first of a group of creatures that would later be known as dinosaurs.
To this day, Megalosaurus fossils have only been found in Oxfordshire, and Dinosaurs Are Forever aims to celebrate our ancient, local scaly friends with a brand-new exhibition. Non-traditional museum reconstructions have been created with advanced modern materials and fully articulated skeletons. These synthetic interpretations are dotted about the trees, ready to greet visitors young and old, and they’re on display for the very first time.
If you’re planning a visit to Blenheim, why not book your tickets through us? If you visit our Visitor Information Point or Gloucester Green Travel Shop, you can book your Blenheim Palace tickets at a discounted rate.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Blenheim Palace by bus, click here.
Oxford Castle Prison
Originating all the way back to 1071, Oxford Castle Prison has a varied and, at times, twisted history. From locked-away empresses and Civil War sanctums to ghostly monks and notorious acts of divine intervention. Today, Oxford Castle Prison is open to the public to explore and tour throughout the year.
Step back into 1,000 years of history on a Guided Tour of Oxford Castle Prison. Your expert guide is a former resident of the castle, who’ll teach you all about the history of the site. Listen to tales of crime, punishment, power and legend as you explore ancient crypts and desperate cells. Ascend the twisting 101 steps of St. George’s Tower for panoramic views of the city and be sure to have your mugshot taken at the end for a unique souvenir.
Valiant heroes and chivalrous defenders, come one and all for Knight School! Between 27th July and 28th August, don your armour and ready your weapon as you prepare to embark on a noble quest. Children visiting Oxford Castle Prison are invited to join Sir Robert D’Oyly, the original builder of Oxford Castle, and train as one of his most trustworthy knights in the art of medieval battle. Young squires will learn how to handle a sword, practise safe combat techniques, try their hand at archery, jousting and other essential knightly skills. At the end of the day, each little crusader will be ceremonially knighted and given their very own (wooden) sword to take home with them.
This summer, from 22nd June to 22nd August, the annual Oxford Shakespeare Festival is returning to Oxford Castle Prison. With exciting performances and fiery twists, kids are sure to have fun and find a brand-new appreciation for the bard. Enjoy the fast-paced antics of Julius Caesar, the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, learn more about the history of poor Yorick and more! With older kids beginning to study Shakespearean classics in the coming year, why not get a start in helping them fall in love with his works in the way they were meant to be enjoyed. Besides, as the old adage goes, theatre is meant to be seen, not read.
Whether a noble knight or a budding thespian, if you’re planning to visit Oxford Castle Prison this summer, why not combine your ticket with a City Sightseeing Oxford bus tour? Simply purchase your combo ticket and join one of our open-top bus tours, then hop off at Stop 4 to head over to Oxford Castle Prison.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Oxford Castle Prison by bus, click here.
Theatrical Phenomenon
If, after visiting the Shakespeare Festival, you have a young, budding thespian on your hands, then why not head to the theatre? With creative workshops, educational shows and comedy hijinks, kids taking part will head back to school ready to take on their drama class with Oscar-worthy performances.
Oxford Playhouse
Opened back in 1923 by J. B. Fagan, the Oxford Playhouse has hosted some of the nation’s favourite names over the years. Rowan Atkinson, Ronnie Barker, Ian McKellen, Judi Dench and Maggie Smith are just a few of the popular faces who’ve graced the stage. The Playhouse often hosts local community performances, as well as touring productions, including yearly pantos at Christmas time.
From 15th to 18th July, kids’ favourite Horrible Histories 3D: Tudors & Egyptians hits the stage at the Oxford Playhouse. Each day features two shows: first up, Terrible Tudors. From horrible Henries and evil Elizabeths, hear all about the facts and lies that made up the Tudor era’s story with ear-wormy tunes and silly jokes to brighten the mood. Then it’s time for Awful Egyptians where kids and grown-ups will learn more about ancient Egyptian death, pyramids and Pharaohs in some horrible history, with all the nasty bits left in! Be sure to download the Education Packs from the Playhouse website when you go. While intended for schools, there’s loads of games, activities and fun facts for them to have a go at.
He’s not braggin’, but he’s a dragon! Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s classic story is flying to the stage at the Oxford Playhouse from 21st to 25th July. Join Zog at Madam Dragon’s school in a musical, accident-prone adventure as he works with a new friend to try and earn a gold star. The show is sure to be a roaring success for children and adults alike, with babies under 18 months going free.
If you’ve ever watched CBeebies, then you’re sure to know Nick Cope and his Popcast. Now coming to the Playhouse, Nick Cope’s Family Show is a musical, poptimistic delight with charming sing-a-longs and hilarious humour. Join the sell-out crowds to hear all your favourite hits in this brand-new family concert, fun for all the family.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to the Oxford Playhouse by bus, click here.
Creation Theatre
Celebrating their 30th year, Creation Theatre is Oxfordshire’s largest producing theatre company. Forever innovating, educating and inspiring children is at the heart of what the company does, whether performing online or on the stage, through clever workshops or reimaginations of classic tales. This summer, the Creation Theatre will be hosting a series of Summer Holiday Workshops for kids ages 7 and up to develop new skills and even have the chance to perform their talents for friends and family.
Three week-long workshops will be available for 7-to 11-year-olds, beginning on 20th July, 27th July and 3rd August respectively. First up is Make a Play in a Week – ‘Twelfth Night’. Children get the chance to spend the week fully immersed in the works of the world’s most famous playwright, developing skills and creating characters before the week culminates in an afternoon performance for their friends and family to enjoy. If you’re also planning on heading to the Shakespeare Festival at Oxford Castle Prison, this workshop is the perfect warm-up act.
Budding film star on your hands? Maybe the next Scorsese, or James Cameron? Make a Film in a Week with the Creation Theatre! The second in the weeklong workshop series, kids will work together to choose a classic story and turn it into a film. Young cinephiles will spend the week developing storyboards, writing scripts and shooting their very own short film.
The final option for weeklong workshops is Make a Play in a Week – ‘Peter Pan’. Similar to the first, but this time kids will set sail to Neverland, developing their skills as swashbuckling pirates and brave Lost Boys. At the end of the week, they’ll once again get the chance to show off their skills to family and friends in a special afternoon performance.
For shorter days out, the Creation Theatre also offer a series of one or two-day masterclasses, 12 of them, to be precise!
On 3rd August, kids aged 11 to 16 can elevate their filmmaking skills with the art of Stop Motion Animation. From traditional Claymation to working with Lego and paper, kids can have the chance to produce a series of short films to add to their growing portfolio. For younger kids, aged 7 to 11, the same workshop is available on 10th August.
Young designers and fashion-forward tots can get involved with the Costume Design workshop on 11th August. They’ll have a go at designing their own costumes and learn all about how clothing can contribute to the make or break of a show. On the same day, upcoming comedians and jesters can join a Writing and Performing Sketch Comedy class. Write and perform original material while breaking down the science and mechanics behind what makes good comedy, bridging the gap between funny ideas and a polished performance.
Mortals and monsters, deities and demigods, come one and all for Epic Myths and Legends. On 12th August, daring champions will reenact iconic fables, learning the arts of interactive storytelling and high-energy performance. Learn the craft of heroes and villains, goodies and baddies, while putting together their own mini performances. On the same day, older kids can get dive into a Physical Theatre and Devising masterclass, spending the day to learn the fundamentals of physical theatre, and how to work together as an ensemble to deliver bold performances.
Back on their Shakespeare kick, kids can turn the bard’s work into something entirely new with Make a Shakespeare Musical. This two-day intensive workshop teaches kids how to deconstruct the classics, rebuilding them with modern soundtracks and adapting them into something brand new. They’ll learn the arts of singing, dancing and acting before performing these never-before-seen pieces at the end of the second day. If they didn’t have a love for old Will before, they certainly will now!
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to the Creation Theatre by bus, click here.
Take a tour
It wouldn’t be a City Sightseeing Oxford blog if we didn’t take the chance to tell you all about our tours!
Our open-top Oxford bus tours take you on an 18-stop tour around the city, visiting places like Carfax Tower, the Radcliffe Camera and more! With 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off tickets, it’s the perfect way to see Oxford while avoiding sore feet and busy streets. Our tours also come with audio commentary; plug in and choose one of 14 different languages!
One option is to listen to Mia Cloo. Voicing our special kids’ commentary, Mia and her brother Dexter are on a special quest, and they need a young Oxford visitor’s help! Uncover the clue in the free Mia Cloo book to uncover a magical word and unlock a prize!
Every City Sightseeing Oxford bus tour ticket also includes access to the Oxford Uncovered Walking Tour. This 60-minute, fully accessible meander takes you through the city, discovering the secrets and hidden histories that call Oxford home. Kids are sure to love listening to the tales, as your knowledgeable tour guide keeps things up to date and interesting.
You can also combine your tour! When purchasing your tickets, either online or in store, why not also book yourself in for a river trip with Salter’s Steamers? Perfect for the summer months, take to the water and see the city from a whole new angle, all while travelling on one of their pretty, canopied boats. If you’re dealing with a future Oxbridge candidate, or Harry Potter enthusiast, combine your tour with entry to New College to see one of Oxford’s oldest colleges and where Harry, Ron and Hermione got up to many of their hijinks.
This summer, we’re also celebrating the return of our ever-popular Oxford Explorer’s Passport Trail. This year is set to be bigger than ever, with brand-new passports, more places to stop and exciting activities to enjoy. Simply collect your passport when visiting the Visitor Information Point, Gloucester Green or Carfax Tower to get started! Kids can fill out the front, then head off on a hop-on hop-off adventure, visiting key stops on the tour and throughout the city. Complete tasks and activities at each location to earn stamps, and collect them all to earn yourself a very special certificate to take home and display on your wall at home.
