11 Great Things to Do in Bath With Kids

You’ll love exploring Bath’s ancient Roman Baths where steaming hot springs have bubbled for 2,000 years! Climb Bath Abbey’s 212 steps for amazing city views, then head to Royal Victoria Park for playgrounds and picnics. Meet adorable animals at Bath City Farm, stroll through Prior Park’s beautiful gardens, and feed ducks at Victoria Park pond. Take river cruises, walk scenic trails, and discover interactive museum exhibits that bring history to life. There’s so much more adventure waiting for your family!

Explore the Ancient Roman Baths

Step into one of the world’s best-preserved Roman sites, and you’ll discover an incredible 2,000-year-old bathing complex that once buzzed with ancient Romans socializing, conducting business, and seeking healing from the natural hot springs.

Your kids will be amazed by the massive Great Bath, where over a million liters of 46°C spring water still flow daily! You’ll explore different temperature rooms – the caldarium (hot bath), tepidarium (lukewarm), and frigidarium (cold bath) – just like Romans did nearly 2,000 years ago.

Don’t miss the fascinating curse tablets, where Romans complained about stolen sandals and jewelry! The complex features stunning decorative mosaics and imported marbles that showcase Roman artistic achievement and wealth.

The temple dedicated to Sulis Minerva shows how Celtic and Roman cultures blended together perfectly.

Climb Bath Abbey Tower for Stunning Views

After exploring the ancient baths below, you’ll want to climb Bath Abbey’s magnificent tower for breathtaking bird’s-eye views of this beautiful Georgian city!

The 161-foot tower requires conquering 212 steps via a spiral staircase, but the 360-degree panoramic views are absolutely worth it.

Your 45-60 minute guided tour includes fascinating stops at the historic bell chamber with ten ancient bells, plus glimpses of centuries-old graffiti carved into the walls. The bells are particularly special for change ringing, with the massive tenor bell weighing an impressive 33 cwt.

Play and Picnic at Royal Victoria Park

Once you’ve taken in those spectacular views from above, head to Royal Victoria Park where 57 acres of gorgeous green space await your family’s adventures!

This historic park, opened by Queen Victoria herself in 1830, offers everything kids need for an epic day out.

The children’s play area is absolutely packed with fun – climbing nets, aerial runways, swings, slides, and even sand excavators! While the little ones burn energy, you can set up a picnic on the sprawling lawns beneath the stunning Royal Crescent.

There are BBQ areas if you fancy grilling, plus picnic tables scattered throughout. The park is open 24/7 with no admission fees, making it perfect for flexible family visits.

Don’t miss the beautiful Botanical Gardens with duck ponds and flower-filled paths. The park also features crazy golf, tennis courts, and a skateboard park for older kids!

Meet Farm Animals at Bath City Farm

Just fifteen minutes from the city center, Bath City Farm offers your family an authentic countryside experience where kids can get hands-on with adorable farm animals! This historic 37-acre working farm lets children meet miniature Shetland ponies Dougie and Dougal, playful pygmy goats, fluffy sheep, and chattering chickens.

You’ll love watching your little ones’ faces light up when they feed the animals with £1 feed bags.

The farm’s completely free to visit, though donations help keep this brilliant charity running. Beyond animal encounters, there’s a children’s playground, woodland trails, and weekend activities like Saturday club. This remarkable farm has roots stretching back before the Doomsday Book, making it a truly historic location for your family adventure.

The on-site cafe serves tasty meals and treats, making it perfect for a full day out. Open Tuesday through Sunday, it’s an unforgettable farmyard adventure!

Wander Through Prior Park Landscape Garden

When you’re ready to escape Bath’s bustling streets, Prior Park Landscape Garden offers your family a magical 18th-century wonderland that’ll captivate kids and adults alike!

Your little explorers will love following winding paths that reveal hidden treasures like grottos, follies, and cascading water features. The crown jewel is the stunning Palladian Bridge from 1755—one of only four worldwide!

Kids can burn energy on special children’s trails packed with fun activities, plus there’s an exciting musical playground. During school holidays, family programs keep everyone engaged.

You’ll spend about 1-1.5 hours wandering through this National Trust gem, spotting grazing cows and maybe wild deer. When you need a break, grab refreshments at the Tea Cabin at the lower entrance, which serves drinks, snacks, and ice cream.

Don’t miss the breathtaking views over Bath city from the scenic viewpoints—perfect for family photos!

Take a River Cruise From Pulteney Bridge

For over 50 years, Pulteney Cruisers has been whisking families away on magical one-hour adventures along the River Avon. Your kids will absolutely love this gentle escape from Bath’s busy streets!

You’ll board twin-decked boats that seat 70 people, complete with cafes, heated cabins, and sunny top decks.

The boats depart every 40 minutes from Pulteney Weir, cruising peacefully to Bathampton. While on board, your children can spot swans, herons, kingfishers, and maybe even otters!

The return journey features fascinating commentary about Bath’s history and architecture. You might even catch a glimpse of playful ducklings swimming alongside the boat during your scenic cruise.

Kids under five travel free, while ages 5-15 pay just £5.

Arrive 20-30 minutes early during summer for the best spots.

Your family will enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, and unforgettable riverside views!

Enjoy the Adventure Playground and Zipwires

Why settle for ordinary playgrounds when Bath offers extraordinary adventure experiences that’ll have your kids racing from zip lines to climbing frames all day long? Royal Victoria Park’s 57-acre adventure playground delivers thrills for every age group. Your little daredevils can soar across zip lines while younger ones explore inclusive play units designed for children with disabilities.

The skateboard area keeps older kids entertained for hours.

For nature-loving families, Rainbow Woods offers wooden structures, rope swings, and den-building areas in a former quarry setting. Don’t miss the magical Bath Skyline Elf and Fairy Trail, where kids hunt for 15 fairy doors during a 400-meter woodland adventure. If your family enjoys more active pursuits, Victoria Park also features a miniature golf course perfect for friendly competition.

With climbing frames, traverse ropes, and stepping stones throughout, these playgrounds transform ordinary afternoons into unforgettable adventures.

Feed the Ducks at Victoria Park Pond

Nothing beats the simple joy of watching ducks paddle across Royal Victoria Park’s tranquil pond while your kids giggle at their underwater diving antics.

You’ll spot colorful male Mallards with their distinctive green heads alongside brown female ducks, plus majestic Canada Geese gliding gracefully across the water.

Duck feed dispensers are conveniently located near the pond, making feeding time hassle-free.

Your children will love watching Mallards dabble on the surface, dipping their heads underwater to hunt for tasty treats.

The pond’s surrounded by vibrant flowers that attract butterflies and dragonflies, while reeds provide perfect nesting spots for various bird species. Keep an eye out for the impressive Canada Geese, which are actually the largest geese in the world and can live for over 30 years.

After recent rainfall refilled the pond, ducks and waterfowl have happily returned to this beloved historical park feature, ensuring your family visit will be memorable.

Walk the Bath Skyline Trail

After enjoying the peaceful pond at Royal Victoria Park, you’ll discover Bath’s most spectacular adventure awaits high above the city. The Bath Skyline Trail offers families breathtaking panoramic views across this historic Georgian wonderland.

This 6-mile circular walk takes 3-4 hours, but don’t worry – there’s a shorter 3-mile option perfect for younger explorers.

You’ll pass incredible landmarks like Sham Castle, Prior Park Landscape Garden, and ancient Iron Age forts. The National Trust’s yellow arrows guide you through woods, fields, and scenic viewpoints. Families can enjoy the children’s play area within the woods at Claverton Down.

While some sections include steep steps and inclines, adapted areas accommodate wheelchairs.

Start from Bathwick Hill or walk 25 minutes from Bath Abbey. Pack snacks, wear sturdy shoes, and prepare for approximately 12,000 steps of unforgettable family adventure above England’s most beautiful city.

Discover Interactive Museum Exhibits

Once you’ve worked up an appetite for discovery on the Skyline Trail, Bath’s incredible museums will captivate your family with hands-on exhibits and interactive adventures.

The Roman Baths transforms ancient history through children’s audioguides and costumed characters who bring stories to life. Kids can follow special trails while engaging with hands-on activities throughout the site.

At the Victoria Art Gallery, children enjoy free entry and art trolleys packed with crafts. The portrait trail turns viewing into an exciting treasure hunt through masterpieces.

The Herschel Museum offers space-themed fun with Lego building areas, astronomy quizzes, and creative activities. Located in the house where Uranus was discovered, this museum connects Bath’s astronomical heritage with engaging hands-on learning.

Meanwhile, No.1 Royal Crescent lets kids experience Georgian life through dress-up costumes and interactive games in the Servants Hall.

Each museum provides trails designed specifically for young explorers.

Relax in the Parade Gardens

Where better to unwind after exploring Bath’s fascinating museums than in the city’s most beloved green space? Parade Gardens offers two-and-a-half acres of pure relaxation right in Bath’s heart, with stunning views of Pulteney Bridge that’ll have you reaching for your camera.

Your kids will love the summer entertainment at the Victorian bandstand, where brass bands perform and children’s activities keep little ones engaged. Pack a picnic or grab treats from the charming on-site café – cream teas are a must! Rent deck chairs during summer months and let the children explore the fascinating statues scattered throughout the grounds. The gardens also host summer concerts that create a magical atmosphere for families to enjoy together.

The award-winning flower displays create a colorful backdrop year-round, while the preserved medieval mill foundations add educational intrigue to your family adventure.

The Sum Up

You’ll create amazing memories exploring Bath with your kids! From splashing around ancient Roman ruins to climbing abbey towers, there’s adventure waiting around every corner. Don’t forget to pack snacks for your park picnics and bring some bread for the ducks. Whether you’re discovering interactive museums or strolling through beautiful gardens, Bath’s got something special for every little explorer. Get set for an unforgettable family adventure!