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Things To Do In Swindon (Best Fun Things To Do For Family & Kids)

Published on March 19, 2026

Things To Do In Swindon (Best Fun Things To Do For Family & Kids)

Swindon is a culture-rich, family-friendly town with lots to see, do, and explore right on your doorstep. If you are looking for fun things to do in Swindon, you might be pleasantly surprised by just how much is on offer.

Swindon

Swindon sits right on the edge of the Wiltshire countryside, so you get the best of both worlds. Plenty of indoor options for when the weather isn’t great, and some genuinely beautiful outdoor spaces for the days when it is. A lot of the best things to do in Swindon are free or very affordable, which makes a big difference when you’re trying to keep everyone entertained without breaking the bank.

We’ve put this guide together to help you plan your next day out in Swindon. Whether it’s the school holidays, a rainy Saturday afternoon, or you’ve just moved to the area, there’s something here for you.

In this guide:

Best Museums and Heritage Sites in Swindon

Swindon has a long industrial history, particularly around the Great Western Railway. The town’s museums do a brilliant job of bringing that story to life. Museums are a great way to spend time together as a family whilst learning something new, so let's take a look at some of the best options in Swindon.

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway

STEAM is renowned for being one of Swindon’s most popular family attractions, and it is easy to see why this is the case. Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II listed building that was once one of the main facilities for Great Western Railway, the museum tells the story of the people who built, ran, and travelled on the GWR.

What makes STEAM so great for families is how interactive it is. Children can have a go at driving the steam train simulator, work the signals in a traditional GWR signal box, and get up close to full-size locomotives. It’s the sort of place where kids end up learning without even realising it, which is always a good sign. To keep things fresh, STEAM hold many different events and special exhibitions throughout the year. Be sure to check their event schedule before planning your visit.

Key Information

Here's what you need to know before you visit.

Museum & Art Swindon

Nestled in the heart of town, Museum & Art Swindon is another brilliant activity for families. The best part? Entry is completely free! Here you can explore art, history and culture, with a range of fascinating collections. From dinosaur fossils and Roman artefacts to modern art and local history displays that trace Swindon’s story over the centuries, there really is something for everyone. It is great to have somewhere in Swindon where families can connect with the local area's history and culture, all under one roof.

Throughout the year, the museum often runs workshops and drop-in sessions that are designed to keep younger visitors engaged. Museum & Art Swindon is indoors, so it is a strong option on rainy days. You can comfortably spend a couple of hours without anyone running out of things to look at.

Key Information

Here's what you need to know before you visit.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces in Swindon

Enjoying Swindon’s parks and outdoor spaces is another enjoyable thing to do in the town. Beyond the fun and fresh air, it is a great wellbeing option, helping to get the whole family outside and active whilst promoting a healthier, happier lifestyle. The town is regularly thought of as one of the greenest in England, with country parks, nature reserves, and historic estates spread right across the borough. Getting outdoors as a family doesn’t need to be complicated, and Swindon makes it easy. Check out a couple of our favourite outdoor spaces to explore:

Coate Water Country Park

Coate Water is one of the most popular family destinations in Swindon, and it has something for everyone. If you are looking for varied activities and a day packed full of fun, Coate Water Country Park is the place to visit. At its centre is a 56-acre reservoir, surrounded by walking paths, wildflower meadows, and woodland. The fun doesn’t stop here, though. There’s a children’s play area, diving platforms, a splash park that’s perfect for warm days, crazy golf, and even a miniature railway that runs on Sundays!

For more tranquil walks and relaxed days out, you can explore the woodlands and lakeside walks - many of which are level and surfaced, making them suitable for wheelchair users. The nature trails are a lovely way to spend time together as a family. A part of the park is also designated as a nature reserve, with bird hides situated so you can get a better view of the wildlife. You can bring a picnic, use the BBQ areas during the summer, or stop by the cafe for a drink and a snack.

Key Information

Here's what you need to know before you visit.

Lydiard Park

Located a few miles from the town centre, Lydiard Park is another must-visit outdoor space in Swindon. Lydiard Park is a 260-acre historic estate, and it is one of those places that feels special every time you visit. With a beautifully restored walled garden, woodland trails, a children's play area, and wide open fields, there is plenty of space for a picnic, a kickabout, or simply letting the kids run and explore. The Forest Café and Coach House Tea Rooms are on hand when everyone needs a break.

At the heart of the park is Lydiard House, a Grade I listed mansion that families can explore as part of their visit. If the weather turns, it is worth a visit - head indoors and explore the restored state rooms, with beautiful architecture, original furnishings, and family portraits that stretch back hundreds of years.

Key Information

Here’s what you need to know before you visit.

Indoor Activities and Entertainment in Swindon

When the weather has other plans, Swindon has a great range of indoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. We have already covered a couple of our favourite museums, which are perfect for a rainy afternoon, but if you are after something a bit more adventurous, there is plenty on offer. There are lots of fun things to do in Swindon, whatever the forecast - here are a couple of the best options.

Rockstar Adventure

Rockstar Adventure is a bit of a local legend in Swindon, host to a range of fun activities under one roof. There are Clip ‘n Climb walls with varying levels of difficulty, an Adventure Arena with assault-course-style challenges, and a soft play area for younger children. It is a strong option for families looking for something active and exciting to do together.

Climbing is available for children aged five and above. It is a fantastic way for younger ones to build confidence, stay active, and try something new. The Soft Play Arena is for children aged two and above, making it ideal for families with toddlers who want to join in on the fun. The Adventure Arena is fun for all ages, but is designed for ages five and over. There are loads of different challenges to explore here, including the Ninja Courses, Warped Wall and Slide Tower. With so much to choose from, it is easy to spend a full day here without anyone getting bored.

Key Information

Here’s what you need to know before you visit.

Hollywood Bowl Swindon

Hollywood Bowl Swindon is a good option for families looking for a fun, relaxed activity that everyone can enjoy together. With 22 lanes, bumper rails for younger bowlers, and lightweight balls for smaller hands, it is a relaxed and inclusive activity where nobody needs to be an expert. There is also an arcade area with games and prize machines, which is always popular with children. Food and drinks are available on site, so you can easily turn a game of bowling into a full family day out. There are often deals available if you book online or visit during off-peak times, making it a solid option for a fun afternoon without spending too much.

Key Information

Here’s what you need to know before you visit.

Free Things To Do in Swindon

Family days out don’t always need to come with a price tag. Beyond some of the examples we have already covered, Swindon has a good range of free activities and spaces that are well worth exploring. Here are a couple of our favourite options:

Town Gardens

With flower gardens, towering trees, a bandstand, an aviary and a quaint pond, it is a lovely spot for a stroll with the family. It is not the kind of place where you will spend the whole day, but it is the perfect space to unwind and enjoy some fresh air together. A walk through the gardens, a coffee from the on-site café, and maybe a browse around the independent shops in Old Town afterwards. Sometimes the simplest outings are the most enjoyable, and Town Gardens is a great reminder of that.

Key Information

Here’s what you need to know before you visit.

Swindon Central Library

Swindon Central Library is a good resource for families in the local area. Beyond the books, the library runs a regular programme of free activities for children, including reading sessions, creative workshops, and other events. It is a warm, welcoming space where children of all ages can explore their interests, get creative, and meet other families. If you are looking for something free and engaging to do with the kids, it is always worth checking what's on at the library.

Key Information

Here's what you need to know before you visit.

Shopping and Dining in Swindon

Every family day out eventually involves finding somewhere to eat. Swindon has plenty of family-friendly options when it comes to dining, but one spot in particular brings shopping, food, and a great day out together in one place.

Swindon Designer Outlet

Swindon Designer Outlet is housed in the beautifully converted Grade II listed buildings of the former Great Western Railway Works - right next to the STEAM Museum! With over 100 stores offering well-known brands at discounted prices, it is a brilliant spot for picking up bits for the family without paying full price.

For families, the dining options are a real highlight. There are over 15 restaurants and cafés on site, including Pizza Express, Wagamama, Five Guys, and Nando’s. There is nothing wrong with treating the family to a nice meal out now and again - and having plenty of choice makes it easier to find something everyone is happy with. With the STEAM Museum right next door and a children’s play area on site, you can easily combine shopping, a meal, and a museum visit into one full day out.

Key Information

Here’s what you need to know before you visit.

Local Support and Services for Families

Swindon is home to a range of services and organisations that support families and young people across the community, from youth clubs and sports programmes to family advice and wellbeing services.

For families with children or young people who might benefit from mental health support, BeU Swindon offers a free service for those aged 5 - 18 (or up to 25 with SEND). You don't need a diagnosis, and there are no waiting lists. Whether your child needs someone to talk to, is going through a difficult time, or you would like some guidance as a parent or carer, BeU Swindon is here to help. You can find out more or make a referral through the BeU Swindon website.

Plan Your Family Day Out in Swindon

From railway museums and country parks to climbing centres and free galleries, there really are plenty of fun things to do in Swindon for families and kids. The best family days out don't always need to be big or expensive. A walk around Coate Water, an afternoon exploring a museum, or a simple trip to the park can be just as memorable as anything else. Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. Keeping active, trying new things, and simply spending time together are all great for your family's wellbeing.

If you are ever stuck for ideas, bookmark this guide for future use. There is always something worth trying in Swindon, and you might just discover somewhere that becomes a new family favourite.

Further Reading

Mental health is a journey, not a destination. Through sharing our stories and experiences, we build understanding, reduce stigma, and remind each other that no one has to face their challenges alone.

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