Seeking a family-friendly place in the UK? Chester is an ideal city to have with kids! Chester has a mixture of all kinds of attractions that appeal to all age groups with its historic beauty, thrilling rides, and enjoyable tours. Looking to get away for the weekend or on a proper holiday, you will find that many kid-friendly places in Chester will leave the children entertained and the adults stress-free. Take a Hop On Hop Off Chester tour to explore the city easily, enjoy riverside walks, visit interactive museums, and discover ancient Roman walls and gardens. Chester indeed positively puts the family on an exciting learning adventure.
Why Chester Is a Great Choice for Families
Chester is compact, walkable, and filled with green spaces—ideal for strollers and curious little explorers. From ancient Roman walls to interactive museums and scenic riverfronts, there’s always something to keep kids entertained. Many attractions are just a short distance apart, making it easier for families to explore Chester with children without the stress of long walks or complicated routes.
Top Kid-Friendly Places in Chester
1. Chester Zoo
A family visit to Chester cannot be complete without paying a visit to Chester Zoo. It belongs to the number of the largest and most popular zoos in the UK, home to more than 20,000 animals and interactive exhibitions, such as the Islands and Spirit of the Jaguar. Children are fascinated with the monorail and playgrounds, and adults will be able to admire the well-designed gardens and restaurants.
2. Storyhouse
The award-winning Storyhouse is a theatre, library and cinema all combined, and totally enchanted for families. It regularly conducts childrens theatre productions, family film shows and artistic workshops all through the year. It is one of the best indoors kids activities in Chester on a rainy day.
3. Grosvenor Park and Miniature Railway
When it is a good weather, go to Grosvenor Park. This is a lovely well kept Victorian park with plenty of open space, a brilliant playground and in summer the Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway, which is very popular with the little ones. Make a picnic or just get some ice cream in the cafe and enjoy a sunny afternoon outside.
4. Deva Roman Experience
Bring your children and learn about Chester s Roman history in an entertaining interactive manner at the Deva Roman Experience. This attraction reproduces Roman Chester with the help of smells, sounds, special effects in order to make history exciting to young visitors.
Best Indoor Activities for Rainy Days
Chester’s unpredictable weather won’t stop your family adventure. In addition to Storyhouse, you can check out:
Chester Cathedral Falconry & Nature Gardens – A surprising gem with bird shows and a reptile house.
The Ice Cream Farm (a short drive from the city) – Part dessert heaven, part indoor playground.
These options are perfect for when you need a mix of fun and shelter. Plus, many offer baby-changing facilities and cafes with kids’ menus—perfect for stress-free family time.
Explore Chester with Easy Tours and Transport
Families often worry about how to move around easily—especially with small children in tow. One of the most convenient ways to explore Chester’s top attractions is through a family-friendly transport option like a city sightseeing tour.
These open-top bus tours are great for:
Saving walking time between sights
Getting a fun, high-up view of the city
Allowing hop on/hop off flexibility by tourhopers, so you can explore at your own pace
It’s an easy travel option between Chester attractions and helps kids stay excited throughout the journey.
Bonus Tip: Keep your eye out for family ticket deals and combo offers with major attractions.
Itinerary Ideas: A Family Day in Chester
If you’re short on time, here’s a sample day plan:
Morning: Start at Chester Zoo
Lunch: Head to the city centre for family-friendly dining at The Botanist or Urbano 32
Afternoon: Ride a sightseeing bus or explore Grosvenor Park
Evening: End the day with a Storyhouse show or relaxing by the River Dee
This plan keeps travel minimal and experiences memorable—perfect for a family day trip or weekend stay.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Chester for Families
With so many kid-friendly places in Chester, you’ll never run out of things to do. Whether you're visiting for the history, the wildlife, or just a fun family getaway, Chester truly delivers. From open green parks and engaging museums to easy sightseeing tours, the city is tailored to welcome families with open arms.
So pack your bags, grab your little adventurers, and get ready to explore one of the UK’s most family-friendly destinations—Chester!
FAQs About Visiting Chester with Kids
1. What is the best way to explore Chester with children?
The Hop On Hop Off Chester bus tour is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the city with kids. It helps you avoid long walks, keeps the little ones entertained with open-top views, and lets you get on and off near top attractions like Chester Zoo, Roman Gardens, and Storyhouse.
2. Are there free things to do in Chester with kids?
Yes! There are lots of free family friendly things to do in Chester. You may stroll on the old Roman walls of the city, have a picnic at the Grosvenor Park or discover the banks of the river at the River Dee. Entry to Chester Cathedral is also free (donations welcome), and kids love watching the falconry displays in the cathedral gardens.
3. What’s the best time of year to visit Chester with kids?
The best time to visit with family is in spring and summer when the weather is favourable to visit the outdoor family attraction such as the zoo and Grosvenor Park. Mentioned above, Chester also has a lot to offer indoors, with venues like Storyhouse and the Deva Roman Experience making it an excellent choice of a school holiday or bad-weather weekend, as well.
