Bath is more grown-up than most family-holiday cities, but there's plenty for children. The Roman Baths is a hit and under-6s go free, the Victoria Art Gallery is free, and Royal Victoria Park has a large free adventure playground. Add the American Museum, the Herschel astronomy museum and the children's Egg Theatre, and you've a proper family break. Here are six of the best, with what's free and what to book.
One thing to know up front: Thermae Bath Spa is adults-only (16+), so it's not an option with younger children. Everything below is.
1. The Roman Baths
Photo: romanbaths.co.uk
Abbey Churchyard. The big one, and surprisingly engaging for children with the audio guide (there's a version for kids). Under-6s go free, family tickets are available, and it's mostly indoor. Book a timed morning slot. ££.
2. Royal Victoria Park adventure playground
Off Royal Avenue. Free. One of the best free adventure playgrounds in the region, plus the Botanical Gardens and huge open lawns for running about. The go-to when you need to burn off energy for nothing (outdoor, so weather-dependent).
3. Victoria Art Gallery
Photo: victoriagal.org.uk
Bridge Street. Free for the permanent collection (charge for special exhibitions). A compact, manageable gallery by Pulteney Bridge, good for a short cultural stop that won't test young patience.
4. American Museum and Gardens
Photo: americanmuseum.org
Claverton Manor, on the edge of the city. A hands-on museum of American history and folk art with lovely grounds, open Tuesday to Sunday from mid-February to the end of December. Good for a half-day out of town. ££.
5. Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
New King Street. The small townhouse where William and Caroline Herschel discovered the planet Uranus, now a museum, open Tuesday to Sunday. A cheap, quirky stop for space-curious children. £.
6. The Egg Theatre
At the Theatre Royal, Sawclose. Bath's dedicated children's theatre, with Saturday shows plus half-term and holiday programmes and workshops for ages roughly 2½ to 18. Ticketed; check what's on when you visit.
The honest alternative
You can keep a family day almost free: Royal Victoria Park's playground and the Victoria Art Gallery cost nothing, and a walk over Pulteney Bridge to see the weir, or a stroll along the canal, entertains younger ones for free. Save the Roman Baths and the American Museum for the paid highlights. For a wet day, note that most of these are indoor bar the park.
For older children who've outgrown the playground, Bath also has adventure golf right in Royal Victoria Park, cheap park tennis courts from £6 an hour, and, a short drive out, proper karting and paintball.
FAQs
What is there to do in Bath with kids?
Family highlights include the Roman Baths (under-6s free), Royal Victoria Park's free adventure playground, the free Victoria Art Gallery, the American Museum and Gardens, the Herschel astronomy museum and the Egg children's theatre. Note that Thermae Bath Spa is adults-only (16+).
Is the Roman Baths good for children?
Yes. There's a children's version of the audio guide, plenty to see around the Great Bath, and under-6s go free with family tickets available. It's mostly indoor, so it works on a rainy day too. Book a timed morning slot.
Can children go to Thermae Bath Spa?
No. Thermae Bath Spa has a minimum age of 16, so it's not suitable for younger children. For a family water experience you'd need to look elsewhere; the Roman Baths (a museum, not a pool) is the child-friendly Bath thermal attraction.
What free things can you do in Bath with children?
Royal Victoria Park's large adventure playground and Botanical Gardens are free, the Victoria Art Gallery's permanent collection is free, and walking to Pulteney Bridge and the weir or along the canal costs nothing.