Summer holidays are nearly here - the time of the year the kids have been looking forward to all year and the time a lot of parents dread.
"What on earth do I do to entertain my kids?!" is the question many parents ask themselves as Summer break is fast approaching.
I did some research so you don't have to - and here is a list of my top 5 picks of interesting and fun things to do in Oxfordshire for your entire family.
1. Themed Treasure Trails
Recommended age: 6+ Admission/fee: £6.99 per guide
We are all guilty for spending way too much time indoors on our electronic devices. Treasure Trails are a great way to get outdoors and enjoy fun packed adventure while entertaining your kids and your inner child.
Become a family of secret spies, detectives or treasure hunters for the day and explore Oxfordshire cities, towns and countryside from a new perspective. There are 20 different treasure trails to choose from in Oxfordshire, each featuring a new unique adventure and mission for you to complete. Solve a mystery, find a treasure or stop a villain from destroying a city!
More information, locations and the mission guides can be found on www.treasuretrails.co.uk/what-to-do/oxfordshire/
2. Crocodiles of the World
Recommended age: all ages
Admission/fee: £8.95 per adult, £6.50 per child (3-16 years old), under 2s admission is free. Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £27.00
Do your kids love crocodiles, alligators and lizards? There is no better place for them than Crocodiles of the World in Brize Norton, UK's only crocodile zoo. If your over 5 year olds are brave enough, they can even experience holding a baby alligator!
More information can be found on their website: https://www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk
3. Millets Farm
Recommended age: all ages
Admission/fee: various
Millets farm has so many different activities available that every family member will be able to find something they'll enjoy. From petting farm to corn maze and pick your on fruit and veg, Millets farm has something for everyone.
More information can be found on their website: https://milletsfarmcentre.com
4. CS Lewis Nature Reserve
Recommended age: all ages
Admission/fee: free
Explore the beautiful Oxfordshire nature and see where CS Lewis got inspired to write Narnia. Beautiful nature woodland walk and tranquil pond with dragonflies, toads and aquatic plants is a perfect place for a relaxing walk with the kids and ideal place for a small family picnic. Who knows, maybe this still, magical place will inspire you to write your very own best selling children book!
More information can be found on the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust website: www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/cs-lewis-nature-reserve
5. Oxford Wet n Wild aquapark
Recommended age: 6+
Admission/fee: £20.00 per person
When the sun is sizzling and you feel like you want an adrenalin filled day out by the water where your kids can spend all their excess energy, Oxford Wet n Wild aqua park may just fit the bill. With plenty of activities and slides, this will surly wear out even the most energetic kiddos so you can enjoy a well deserved glass of wine in peace in the evening after a long day at the water park.
More information can be found on their website: www.oxfordwetnwild.com
I hope you found this blog post helpful and that you will enjoy amazing, adventure filled Summer.
And if you are still struggling to find activities to make this Summer memorable and fun, why not book a fun outdoor family session with me? I make my family outdoor sessions relaxed and fun, allowing kids to be kids and explore the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, while capturing some beautiful, natural portraits of your family. Make this Summer a one to remember.
You can learn more about my outdoor family sessions here.
Please note that The Second Star Photography has no affiliation to any of the places/companies mentioned in this article. I have included them in the blog post based on my personal opinions and experiences.
Do you have any tips for family trips around Oxfordshire? Share them in comments below and inspire other parents!