Family-Friendly Bath: Top Activities for Kids and Parents
Bath may be famous for its Roman ruins and elegant Georgian architecture, but it’s also a fantastic destination for families. With hands-on museums, lush parks, and engaging walking routes, this UNESCO World Heritage city blends learning with fun —...
by Pass the Keys Bath
|Holiday Let Management
|Bath
|Vacation rental
|Kids
|Family friendly
|Things to do
|Short Term Rental
|20 May 2025
Bath may be famous for its Roman ruins and elegant Georgian architecture, but it’s also a fantastic destination for families. With hands-on museums, lush parks, and engaging walking routes, this UNESCO World Heritage city blends learning with fun — ideal for children of all ages and their parents. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or staying a bit longer, this guide highlights the top family-friendly things to do in Bath, from historic landmarks to creative play spaces.
1. Royal Victoria Park
Where: Weston Road, Bath BA1 2NQ
Why It’s Great for Families:
This 57-acre park is one of Bath’s best-loved outdoor spaces and a must-visit with kids. It features a huge adventure playground with climbing frames, zip lines, slides, and a splash area during the warmer months.
What to Expect:
Pack a picnic or grab ice cream from a nearby café. There’s also a botanical garden and mini golf course, making it easy to spend a half or full day here.
2. Bath City Farm
Where: Kelston View, Bath BA2 1NW
Why It’s Great for Families:
Free to visit and run by a local charity, this 37-acre working farm is home to pigs, goats, chickens, and more. There’s a play area, nature trails, and seasonal events for children.
What to Expect:
Interactive animal encounters, farm-fresh café treats, and open space for little ones to explore safely.
3. The Roman Baths
Where: Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LZ
Why It’s Great for Families:
One of the UK’s top historic attractions also caters to kids with special activity trails and costumed characters who bring Roman history to life.
What to Expect:
Children receive activity booklets and audio guides tailored to their age group. Expect around 1.5–2 hours to tour the site.
4. The Museum of Bath at Work
Where: Julian Rd, Bath BA1 2RH
Why It’s Great for Families:
This museum cleverly presents 2,000 years of Bath's working life with hands-on exhibits, making history tactile and fun for younger visitors.
What to Expect:
From Victorian engineering to recreated workshops, there’s lots to touch and see — including vintage cars, tools, and even a recreated cabinetmaker’s shop.
5. Bath Abbey
Where: Bath BA1 1LT
Why It’s Great for Families:
More than just a beautiful place of worship, the Abbey runs family-friendly tower tours that offer panoramic views over Bath.
What to Expect:
Climb 212 steps to the top and see the clock mechanism, bells, and fan-vaulted ceilings. Children over 5 can join the tours.
6. The Holburne Museum & Sydney Gardens
Where: Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB
Why It’s Great for Families:
This elegant museum offers free entry to its permanent collection and often hosts kid-friendly workshops. Next door, Sydney Gardens — one of the UK’s oldest pleasure gardens — has playgrounds and open green spaces.
What to Expect:
Creative drawing sessions, family trails, and seasonal craft days plus picnic opportunities in the gardens.
7. Bath Boating Station
Where: Forester Road, Bathwick BA2 6QE
Why It’s Great for Families:
Hire a rowboat or punt and enjoy a peaceful paddle along the River Avon. Great for kids who enjoy a little adventure.
What to Expect:
Life jackets provided. Trips range from 30 minutes to an hour, with lovely riverside views and occasional wildlife sightings.
8. No.1 Royal Crescent
Where: Bath BA1 2LR
Why It’s Great for Families:
Travel back in time to a Georgian townhouse where costumed guides and interactive rooms help children imagine life in the 18th century.
What to Expect:
Period rooms, children’s activity trails, and seasonal storytelling events make this a charming visit for families.
9. Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Where: 19 New King St, Bath BA1 2BL
Why It’s Great for Families:
Science-loving kids will enjoy learning about William Herschel, who discovered Uranus from this very house. Fun for budding astronomers!
What to Expect:
Telescopes, stargazing displays, and educational workshops that are family-friendly and informative.
10. The Egg Theatre
Where: Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET
Why It’s Great for Families:
Bath’s dedicated children's theatre stages captivating performances year-round, from puppetry to musical storytelling.
What to Expect:
Small-scale productions perfect for young audiences, with comfy seating and engaging performances for toddlers to teens.
Where to Eat with Kids in Bath
-
Boston Tea Party (Kingsmead Square): Laid-back café with a great kids’ menu.
-
The Green Rocket Café: Family-friendly vegetarian/vegan options.
-
The Scallop Shell: A top spot for fish and chips with a nautical theme kids love.
-
Beyond the Kale: Tasty smoothies and fresh lunches in Green Park Station — with space for buggies.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Family Stay in Bath
Bath may be known for its grandeur, but it's also a warm, walkable and welcoming place for families. With a mix of educational fun, green spaces, and interactive museums, it’s easy to fill a weekend (or more) with memorable experiences that entertain both kids and grown-ups.
If you're planning a short-term stay with all the comforts of home, consider booking your accommodation through Pass the Keys, a trusted property management company that partners with local hosts to offer family-friendly, fully equipped homes across Bath. Whether you're after a townhouse near the Roman Baths or a quiet cottage by the park, Pass the Keys makes your stay in Bath as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.