14 Places to Visit in Chester & Cheshire with Children Under 5

Take the opportunity to get out and explore Cheshire, it’s time to get planning those magical family days out and treat the little ones to some extra special fun across Cheshire! For those with the littlest ones, you may be wondering just where to go. Well look no further than our guide to where to visit with under 5s. And don’t worry parents, these attractions are fun for everyone involved and will make for some truly unforgettable days out.

BeWILDerwood

BeWILDerwood, located in Whitchurch in South Cheshire promises all sorts of wacky, weird and wonderful adventures. At BeWILDerwood it’s all about leaving the screens behind and getting out amongst the wilderness. This is easy and fun with a whole host of super slippery slides, extra-long zip wires, massive muddled mazes, huge rope bridges, magical treehouses, den building and lots, lots more. Based on the beloved book series by Tom Blofeld, BeWILDerwood offers fun for the whole family to get involved in as no matter how big or small you are, you’re encourage to run wild! And for the under 5s, there are special areas including Toddlewood on the Hill, Tiptoe Valley and mini zip wires called Twiggle Whizzers! Already getting rave reviews, BeWILDerwood is a must for little intrepid explorers and grown-ups alike. Also on weekdays in June and July (excludes school holidays, weekends and bank holidays) you can get tickets for just £10.50 with the new Toddlewood ticket! (1 adult and 1 child 3 years and under) Find out more and book here

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Your little ones may have explored the local area or even places further afield but now it's time for the final frontier… Space! And what better place to explore the vast wonders of the universe than Jodrell Bank Discovery centre. This UNESCO world heritage site is centred around the iconic Lovell Telescope and has had no small part in the history of space exploration. At Jodrell Bank they make all it accessible and most importantly of all, fun for kids to experience space and science through a range of fun-filled activities and displays. There’s plenty of room for the little ones to explore in the Jodrell Bank Arboretum and to expend some of the excitement of the wonders of the universe, there’s even a play area for your astronauts in the making to enjoy. What’s more, they have a wide programme of events taking place throughout the year with telescope talks, shows, hands-on craft activities and more! Find out more and book here

Tatton Park

There’s always a lot going on at Tatton Park, especially for the littlest ones. Across the 1000-acre site there’s plenty of space for the kids to roam free and get out amongst the wildlife (perhaps even spotting a deer or two). A firm favourite for the wee ones is The Farm, where across the 40-acre working site they can meet some new farmyard friends like sheep, horses, donkeys and pigs! There’s even an adventure playground with over 30 fun activities to enjoy. And for a bit of a treat make sure to visit the Stableyard for snacks and sandwiches as well as the Tuck Shop for the sweet-toothed! Find out more and book here

Gulliver’s World Resort

Gulliver’s World was imagined with families in mind. The perfect theme park for kids aged 2-13, there’s a whole lot going on for the little ones to enjoy. From Smugglers Wharf and Lilliput Land to Western World and Gully’s Cartoon Studios, there’s a whole host of rides, attractions and shows to spark some magical memories. And unlike other theme parks, Gulliver’s is designed for then littler ones, so you won’t be limited in any area of the park – kids can ride with an adult on many rides (great for the young at heart!). As well as great rides there’s a range of fun activities for the tots to enjoy including face painting, tractor training and a choice of play areas. This year you can see Dennis and Gnasher until September and during the summer you can get tickets for £20. Only a limited number of discounted theme park tickets have been released, available on selected dates throughout the summer holidays. Look forward to amazing rides including the new-look Wriggler coaster, the classic antelope and many more! Plus don't forget, there are also afternoon theme park tickets available from just £15pp. Find out more about Gulliver’s World here

Chester Zoo

It’s no surprise to us in Cheshire that Chester Zoo is the most visited UK attraction outside of London. The setting for the Secret Life of the Zoo and home to over 35,000 animals, Chester Zoo promises a fun-packed and thought-provoking day out. The little tykes can encounter a vast range of species from all corners of the globe from Two-toed Sloths and Dwarf Mongooses to African Elephants and Sumatran Tigers. To top this off, there are also regular displays and talks about your favourite creatures so you and the little ones can learn as well as enjoy. And if all the wonders of the natural world weren’t enough, there are also 125 acres of Zoological Gardens for the kids to run wild as well as the Treetop Challenge – a mini high rise adventure course with littler ones in mind. Conservation and education is at the heart of everything Chester Zoo does, so rest assured when you bring the little ones to Chester Zoo you’re supporting vital conservation and environmental work; the kids will surely leave as mini zoologists as well! Find out more here

Storyhouse

The cultural and creative hub of Chester, Storyhouse is a great way to entertain and inspire the young ones. This multi award-winning £37m theatre, library, restaurant and cinema offers a range of ways for kids to enjoy themselves. Take in a family friendly film in the cinema (and make sure to get some treats!); spend some time exploring the sprawling library including The Den and The Storytelling Room – special spaces for kids to enjoy complete with a whole host of kids’ favourite books; or why not get the kids involved in some of the wide range of regular arts and crafts activities on offer at Storyhouse as well as other activities and regular storytelling. Find out more about Storyhouse here

Blakemere Village

Just outside Delamere you can find Blakemere Village. This unique collective is home to independent shops and activities, including Segway and award-winning Birds of Prey experiences, a craft workshop, children’s trails, plus some great food and drink for everyone to enjoy. There’s a lot to keep the under 5s entertained. A firm favourite for the little ones is The Playbarn – a stimulating indoor play centre where kids can burn off some energy while enjoying all the slides, ball pits and other fun stuff! What’s more, there are special areas for the littlest ones (under 3s) to enjoy as well as spots to relax and unwind for the parents. If you want to get creative there are tons of arts and crafts activities for the kids to get involved with from Cheshire Craft Workshop including pottery painting, or you can take a stroll through the nearby woodlands and enjoy the free outdoor adventure playpark. Find out more about Blakemere here

The Ice Cream Farm

Just outside Chester you can find a real sweet treat of a day out with the kids. The Ice Cream Farm is a real Cheshire favourite for kids and adults alike. This award-winning attraction has just about everything for the whole family to enjoy including even the littlest ones. With fun activities aplenty from the likes of Crazy Daisy’s Garden with lots of things to climb and explore, Honeycomb Canyon, with all sorts of sand and water play activities, and even mini diggers, you won’t be short of things to keep the kids entertained. And the crowning centrepiece to all of this fun? 50 flavours of ice cream and sorbets to tuck into to refuel after all this fun. Watch the kids’ faces light up when you tell them you’re going to the Ice Cream Farm! Find out more and book here

The Blue Planet Aquarium

Just a stone’s throw away from Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet you can find the wonders of the deep at The Blue Planet Aquarium. Home to more than 100 living displays and Europe’s largest collection of sharks, The Blue Planet is sure to fascinate, entertain and educate your little ones. You can come face to face with fearsome sharks in one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world, explore the mysterious Coral Cave and meet the beautiful range of Tropical Reef fish, Rays and Puffer Fish, and even take in the wonders of the Amazon in the Flooded Forest. Outside the kids can explore Pelican Cove – home to The Blue Planet’s collection of Dalmatian Pelicans, as well as the Pirate Playground with its shipwreck, slides, monkey bars and crocodiles! Find out more about The Blue Planet here

Anderton Boat Lift

For a fantastic family day out, visit Anderton Boat Lift and the FREE visitor centre. Find out how this amazing lift works and why it was so important. Bring a picnic and enjoy a play on the special boat lift themed playground with a bridge, control house and mooring area, cleverly using blue surfacing so children can pretend they're on the water.

From here you can follow the Nature and Discovery walking trail which heads into neighbouring Anderton Nature Park or you can be an Anderton Boat Lift Inspector for the Day with the Inspector's Trail. Find out more about Anderton Boat Lift here.

Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway, Chester

Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway is a 7¼” gauge railway located only a few minutes walk from Chester’s historic city centre within Grosvenor Park.

The railway, built in 1996 to commemorate the centenary of the Duke of Westminster’s railway at nearby Eaton Hall, is popular with young and old alike and has become one of Chester’s top tourist attractions.

They operate steam and diesel hauled trains, on a ¼ mile circuit around the lake in Chester’s Grosvenor Park.

Why not make a day of it and visit the park, nearby play area and the railway! Check here for times when the train is running! 

Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre

There's lots to see and do at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre. It's the only Shire Horse stud farm in the UK open to the public, with up to 30 shires to see during the stud season.

You can learn all about the Shire horse, from its history carrying knights in armour to the important studwork today, ensuring the future of this magnificent breed.

There is an opportunity to meet the horses up close and there are regular talks with a personal introduction to some of the Shires.

As well as the fabulous Shire horses there is a selection of British animals and birdlife both wild and domesticated including rare breeds.

You can wander around the various trails to meet the horses further afield, explore the Wildlife Watch Trail and Woodland area, browse around the gift shop with its unique country gifts and souvenirs, then visit the Lakeside Cafe which offers light lunches and cream teas. Find out more about Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre here.

The Crocky Trail

Discover a world of adventure at the Crocky Trail, the ultimate destination for families searching for unique things to do with kids in Chester. Experience legendary large drop slides, explore over a kilometre of thrilling trail featuring rope swings, mazes, and tunnels, and indulge in a variety of exciting rides right at the entrance, including the famous Titanic slide. The Crocky Trail offers an unforgettable day out for kids and adults alike, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for outdoor activities in Cheshire. Find out more about the Crocky Trail here.

Freedome, Cheshire Oaks

Freedome is a trampoline park offering a kick-ass, gravity-defying, mash-up of fitness and sport and full of fun. Featuring exclusive cutting-edge equipment, cool integration of digital technology and new, take-it-to-the-edge challenges, Freedome offers people accidental exercise while enjoying an exhilarating way to connect with friends and family. Take your toddlers (1 to 6yrs) to the Toddler Takeover so they can jump to their heart's content in a safe environment. You will have access to the main court, basketball lanes and huge inflatable for them to bounce, slide and climb on. £8 per adult and child. Find out more about Freedome here.