Museums in Gloucestershire on DAYoutWITHtheKIDS.co.uk

If you know of any other great museums and galleries in Gloucestershire which aren't listed on DAYoutWITHtheKIDS, please get in contact with us, so we can add them to the website and share the fun places to go with other children - thanks a lot

Family Days Out in Gloucestershire

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Gloucester Waterways Museum

Gloucester

Gloucester Waterways Museum Delve into the fascinating world of Gloucester's Victorian docks at this museum and meet the people and wildlife of our wonderful waterways. Discover impressive facts about the ingenious engineering of the waterway system and explore home life aboard a narrow boat. Plenty of hands on fun and interactive displays.

Dean Heritage Centre

Dean

Dean Heritage Centre Explore the museum and open air forest site to discover the secrets of the Forest of Dean. Try our range of family craft activities including mask making, wood rubbings and woodland cottages. Follow the trail and uncover the heart of the forest. Visit the Forester’s cottage and meet his animals.

Cotswold Motoring Museum

Bourton-on-the-Water

Cotswold Motoring Museum Fun packed indoor museum covering motoring right through the 20th Century. Brum lives here and this is where he was filmed. He loves having his photo taken so don't forget your camera! Throughout the museum there are quizzes, feely boxes, building games, brass rubbings, old fashioned toys and dressing-up boxes!

Nature in Art

Gloucester

Nature in Art The world's first museum dedicated to art inspired by nature. Children can see and touch sculptures, make brass rubbings, play in the play area, visit the ponds and outdoor sculpture garden plus looking at different art.

Oakham Treasures

Bristol

Oakham Treasures - one of the largest privately owned museums of retail and farming history in the UK, Whether you are 8 or 80, you'll be fascinated by this vast and unique collection of memorabilia from the last century. There really is something for everybody, from the thousands of items in the historic stores, to the impressive display of vintage tractors and farm equipment.

Corinium Museum

Cirencester

Corinium Museum Visitors can trace the story of the Cotswolds from Prehistory to the late 19th Century, with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and a wealth of precious artefacts. There are animated and practical games, and audio-visual screens to bring the past to life for everyone from schoolchildren to grandparents.

Kingswood Heritage Museum

Warmley

Kingswood Heritage Museum An exciting museum inside the 18th Century brass mill at Warmley, with its icehouse and windmill tower - and the gardens nearby, with grottoes, echo pond and huge statue of Neptune.

Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery

Gloucester

Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery Among the spectacular collection are archaeological finds, fine and decorative arts and natural history specimens representing Gloucester’s rich heritage.

At-Bristol

Bristol

At-Bristol One of the UK's largest and most exciting science centres! At-Bristol has over 300 interactive exhibits, live science shows and a Planetarium: great value fun for all the family!

Bristol City Museum Under 7s Gallery

Bristol

Bristol City Museum Under 7s Gallery Younger visitors can tell stories in the crystal cave, act out a performance on stage, bring stories to life using puppets, make a pot or try the animuddle game: just some of the activities for your child to enjoy in their own mini-museum.

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Bristol

Bristol Zoo Gardens A visit to Bristol Zoo Gardens is an adventure into an exciting animal kingdom, all set within 12 acres of beautiful grounds and award-winning gardens

Horseworld

Whitchurch

Horseworld Ideal for any horse lovers out there - including grooming, interactive museum, nature trail and loads more

International Centre for Birds of Prey

Newent

International Centre for Birds of Prey Three flying demonstrations with commentary, every day. The Centre caters for school visits, and is renowned for its expertise in education, conservation and training. Courses in falconry and photography are available. Shop, cafe, education facilities, attractive gardens and picnic areas.

WWT Slimbridge Centre

Slimbridge

WWT Slimbridge Centre See, feed and learn about the world's largest collection of exotic, rare and endangered ducks, geese and swans, and it is the only place in Europe to house all six species of flamingo. See our otters, beaver, water voles and shrews. Take a trip down our 1 kilometre canoe trail. Youngsters will love playing in our outdoor wet playground called welly boot land.

Birdland Park and Gardens

Bourton-on-the-Water

Birdland Park and Gardens Birdland is a natural setting inhabited by over 500 birds from around the world, including the only King Penguins in England and over 50 aviaries of parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, toucans, touracos, pigeons, ibis and many more. New Nature Trail 'Marshmouth Reserve' and a covered area with graphic story of the egg and What is a bird,inc a soft play area.

Blue Reef Aquarium

Bristol

Blue Reef Aquarium Indoor aquarium on Bristolâs harbourside, With over 40 displays, and 7,000 animals, you can spot sharks, rays, clownfish, seahorses, fearsome piranhas, jellyfish and many more. View the shipwreck, the underwater viewing tunnel, visit the fantastic IMAX 3D Cinema, where you feel as though you are swimming with whales and dolphins!

Cotswold Falconry Centre

Moreton In Marsh

Cotswold Falconry Centre Birds of prey are constantly showing off their skills at this amazing centre, where the breeding and conservation of birds of prey is of paramount importance. Many different types of birds of prey are on display here, including eagles, hawks, owls and falcons.

Avon Valley Adventure Wildlife Park

Bristol

Avon Valley Adventure Wildlife Park Families will enjoy a mix of adventure fun and animal interaction all set in the lovely river based country side. Where endless adventures makes a great day out.

Sandford Parks Lido

Cheltenham

Sandford Parks Lido The lido is a great day out in the heart of Cheltenham, on the edge of the Cotswolds. It is a children's paradise with slides, a children's pool and a paddling pool. Our 50 metre pool is also an ideal place to train, two lanes are reserved most days. Open in the spring to autumn.

GL1

Gloucester

GL1 in the heart of Gloucester has something for everyone, from warm swimming pools with wet’n’wild fun sessions and special parent & toddler times to trampoline lessons and after school or holiday sports and swimming courses.

Kingswood Leisure Centre

Staple Hill

Kingswood Leisure Centre Large indoor pool with one, three and five meter diving boards and a creche available on site.

Wotton Pool

Wotton Under Edge

Wotton Pool Heated outdoor pool.

Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool

Cirencester

Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool Heated outdoor pool with toddler's paddling pool and hot showers for after. Open May to September.

Stratford Park Leisure Centre

Stroud

Stratford Park Leisure Centre Outdoor and indoor pools, various sporting opportunities. Outdoor pool open May to September.

MagicLand

Cirencester

MagicLand We have all sorts of slides, including wave slides and a 70 ft astra slide, the largest in Gloucestershire. We are also proud to present the first cannon arena in the Cotswolds. This area contains four pneumatically powered cannons that allows you to shoot foam balls at various targets including the other visitors!

Wacky Warehouse - Strawberry Field

Evesham

Wacky Warehouse - Strawberry Field - the usual Wacky Warehouse scenario - you have a rest which the kids run themselves to a standstill on the play structure - lovely!!

Go Bananas Indoor Softplay Centre

Stroud

Go Bananas Indoor Softplay Centre - lots of different areas to play, with slides and ball pits and even has a death slide?!

Playzone Indoor Adventure Play

Gloucester

Playzone Indoor Adventure Play - filled with slides, ball ponds, climbing area and obstacles, there is a separate area for 2-4 year olds.

Cheeky Monkeys Indoor Soft Play Centre

Bristol

Cheeky Monkeys Indoor Soft Play Centre Inflatable soft play Jungle for climbing, hiding and bouncing with ball pits, slides, puzzles, animal shapes etc and various other soft play accessories. We also have a baby corner.

Jump Indoor Playcentre

Bristol

Jump Indoor Playcentre Jump proudly provides the largest indoor soft play centres in the Uk. Catering for ages 0-12, children love Jump because it's an adventure every time; adults love Jump for it's friendly staff and safe environments. From ball pits and slides to inflatables and football pitches we have something for everyone!

Castaways Indoor Play

Bristol

Castaways Indoor Play Kids can explore the two levels of the purpose built play system, which include ramps, a slide and lots of random spongy shapes and places to hide. There’s also a ball pit which is another great place to hide from Mum or Dad.

Hop Skip and Jump

Kingswood

Hop Skip and Jump A special play and support centre for children with special needs and their families.

Riverside Leisure Club

Bristol

Riverside Leisure Club Includes Mayhem: a giant 4 storey high soft play area incorporating a bouncy castle, ball ponds, slides and much more. Also houses a heated indoor pool.

Tiny Tearawayz Soft Play Limited

Bristol

Tiny Tearawayz Soft Play Limited All about the little ones having fun in a safe and clean environment. The parents can see their little ones at all times and after a coffee house standard cappuccino or latte, can join in before freshly prepared hot and cold snacks and meals.

PlaySpace

Bristol

PlaySpace Has seven different play zones, all carefully designed to challenge and stimulate children aged from 0 to 10 years. Includes a huge multi-level soft play structure with giant wavy slide and a separate baby area.

Rimandos Soft Play Coffee Lounge

Bristol

Rimandos Soft Play Coffee Lounge A CCTV covered play area for the under 5s, with age appropriate features and plenty of soft surfaces for them to bounce off.

Uglybugs Softplay

Bristol

Uglybugs Softplay Bright and colourful adventure softplay for the under 5s, with fun features and age appropriate challenges in a safe and comfortable environment.

Portico Play

Bristol

Portico Play Come with your under 5s and enjoy the play kitchens, the dressing up, the steering wheels, the magnetic wall and lots more.

Boing

Bristol

Boing Indoor play facility for the under 5s, with messy play, building section, and custom built soft play structure within sight of the cafe tables. Designated nursing area.

Berkeley Castle

Berkeley

Berkeley Castle is England's oldest inhabited castle and most historic home. Over 24 generations of Berkeley's have transformed a savage Norman fortress into a truly stately home full of treasures. Come and learn about murder, intrigue and mysterious events at the castle.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton

The Clifton Suspension Bridge The Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel provides spectacular views over the pretty Avon Gorge. It’s a great place to walk across and see how high you are above the traffic and the river. Feel and see it move with the traffic !

Clearwell Caves Ancient Iron Mines

Coleford

Clearwell Caves Ancient Iron Mines An impressive natural cave system, mined for over 4,500 years to form some of Britain's most atmospheric and intriguing underground mine workings. Nine caverns, geological and mining displays throughout. Excellent shop and café. 'A great underground experience for all the family!'

Sudeley Castle

Winchcombe

Sudeley Castle - offers families the ideal day out with something for everyone. As well as the many regular attractions such as the adventure playground, exhibitions and pheasantry, Sudeley also hosts a number of family events throughout the year. Look out for the Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Happenings.

Tyntesfield

Bristol

Tyntesfield Whether you're visiting for the first time, or coming back to see the progress, you'll be amazed by this unique conservation project.

Haunted and Hidden Bristol Walking Tour

Bristol

Haunted and Hidden Bristol Walking Tour Spooky fun history tour, best not for nervous children, or tired ones as the tour starts at 8pm! One of many fun family places to visit if you're looking for things to do in Bristol with kids.

Blaise Castle and Play Area

Bristol

Blaise Castle and Play Area Castle, museum, two age sectioned play areas and some truly beautiful woodland walks, this is a great day out for all age groups.

Clifton Observatory

Bristol

Clifton Observatory A natural cave with viewing platforms, unparalleled views over the local scenery and the only formal Camera Obscura in England.

Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre

Robinswood Hill

Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre - one of the best and longest outdoor artificial ski slopes in the UK. From skiing and snowboarding to tubing and 9 hole golf, there's something to do for everyone!

Bristol Ice Rink

Bristol

Bristol Ice Rink Family friendly skating rink with full programme of lessons and ice sports in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

The Warehouse Climbing Centre

Gloucester

The Warehouse Climbing Centre A fantastic, fun indoor climbing centre for the whole family to enjoy. Parties, fun children’s sessions from toddler to teenage plus family tasters so everyone can be involved. Come and try the growing sport of climbing.

Go Ape! Forest of Dean

Lydney

Go Ape! Forest of Dean Go Ape is the UK's No.1 Forest Adventure. Take to the trees and speed down zip slides. They’re part of an exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings; all set high above the forest floor.

Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf

Bristol

Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf Two great 18 hole adventure golf courses - dare you to putt your way through our jungle course, complete with the live active volcano?

Pedalabikeaway

Coleford

Pedalabikeaway Start of traffic-free marked trail and single/downhill tracks for serious mountain biker. Bikes for all ages and abilities. Local information, maps, toilets and showers available. Cafe and shop for cycle spares. Bike wash. Groups welcome. Guides on request.

Motion Ramp Park

Bristol

Motion Ramp Park Motion is the South West’s leading indoor skatepark, consisting of a large warehouse containing a selection of quarter pipes, jump boxes and beginner ramps suitable for a whole spectrum of abilities.

Bristol Bowlplex

Bristol

Bristol Bowlplex Bowling is the perfect activity for any occasion whether it's a family get together, birthday party or special treat during the school holidays. We are the ideal all weather venue with much more than just bowling. So, can we interest you in The Great Indoors?

Tenpin Gloucester

Gloucester

Tenpin Gloucester Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!

AMF Hollywood Bowl Cribbs Causeway

Bristol

AMF Hollywood Bowl Cribbs Causeway Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!

JDR Karting

Gloucester

JDR Karting The junior circuit is ideal for 4-12 year olds. This is a separate track and is smaller than the main track, which enables lower speeds to be maintained in order to improve safety.

Team Sport Bristol

Bristol

Team Sport Bristol From ages 8 up kids' sessions and parties are a great way to have fun and let tomorrow's budding stars shine. Kids are fully briefed and taught how to handle their specially adapted kart before they even touch the circuit.

Stow on the Wold Treasure Trail

Stow on the Wold

Stow on the Wold Treasure Trail Looking for a fun and interesting way to explore Stow on the Wold? Don't just wander around aimlessly, do a Treasure Trail! These fun treasure hunts will teach you fascinating facts about the area and show you some beautiful scenery, solving an intriguing mystery at the same time.

Bourton on the Water Eye Spy Mission

Bourton on the Water

Bourton on the Water Eye Spy Mission Follow the Trail of Pictures, Solve the Clues and See the Sights as you and the children have fun exploring the town in your own time and at your own pace. The Trail is 1.5 miles long and passes through the park for a chance to pause and play too.

Cotswold Farm Park

Cheltenham

Cotswold Farm Park is full of fun activities, which can be enjoyed whatever the weather. In our PLAY BARN, the ride-on battery operated tractors and self-propelled roller racers are a big hit for our 3-12 year olds, whilst outside for our younger visitors, the pedal tractors give toddlers a chance of tractor driving too.

Lawrence Weston Community Farm

Bristol

Lawrence Weston Community Farm Provides a range of innovative and exciting, educational, social, environmental, economic and recreational activities; plus the animals besides.

St Werburghs City Farm

Bristol

St Werburghs City Farm Provides high quality educational, recreational and environmental services and resources within a working farm. Kids can get up close with some of the animals, and they have regular events and activity days.

Windmill Hill City Farm

Bristol

Windmill Hill City Farm The Farm provides an excellent opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about farming and to become actively involved in the production of their food. Animals on the farm include a variety of goats, sheep, pigs and poultry.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Toddington

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway The GWR is asteam and diesel heritage railway in the English Cotswolds. Since 1981, the volunteers have restored over 10 miles of line, together with platforms, buildings, steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock. In addition to a scheduled service, GWR hosts a number of galas and enthusiasts’ events throughout the year, including our popular Santa Specials.

Dean Forest Railway

Lydney

Dean Forest Railway A heritage railway featuring an 8 mile round trip into the historic Forest of Dean. The sights, sounds and smells of a steam train are magical to kids of all ages! The railway hosts events especially for kids – Days Out with Thomas, Easter Bunny Hunt, Halloween and Santa Specials.

Perrygrove Railway and Treetop Adventure

Coleford

Perrygrove Railway and Treetop Adventure The steam train for all ages- and all weathers! A charming railway in the Forest of Dean where friendly staff welcome you. Fun for children in our Treetop Adventure and Indoor Village with secret passages - treasure boxes are hidden here! 4 stations, each with paths to walk through ancient woods and solve the riddle of the Gale Stone. Lots of picnic tables outside and under cover

Bristol Aero Collection

Cirencester

Bristol Aero Collection A museum on an airfield with 100 years of transport and aviation history from the Bristol Aeroplane Company covering Bristol tram, bus and lorry to aircraft, helicopters, engines, missiles and rockets. There's a Concorde cabin mock up and display with model room, kids' Activity Zone and videos showing historic flights.

Cotswold River Cruise

Cotswolds

Cotswold River Cruise Private and public hire cruise boats offering different sizes and services for every occasion. Self drive hire facilities also available. Pre booking essential.

Brunels SS Great Britain

Bristol

Brunels SS Great Britain Step back in time when you board Brunel’s ss Great Britain. Discover the true stories behind the ship that changed the world Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on board for Victorian passengers and crew. Descend under water below the glass ‘sea’ to discover the world’s first great ocean liner.

Avon Valley Railway

Bristol

Avon Valley Railway This attraction takes young and old back to the trains of yesteryear. Your train will be pulled by a restored steam engine and you can enjoy food and drink in a restored carriage. Not forgetting special trips aboard Thomas the Tank Engine and Santa Steam Specials during the year.

Bristol Ferry Boat Co

Bristol

Bristol Ferry Boat Co Family friendly boat trips, many varying themes and lengths so suitable for all age groups if you choose wisely.

Bristol Packet Boat Rides

Bristol

Bristol Packet Boat Rides Cruise around Bristol's historic harbour and on the Avon from Avonmouth to Bath, stopping at waterside pubs and tea gardens with entertaining commentary.

Broadway Tower Country Park

Broadway

Broadway Tower Country Park - spectacular views,, a restaurant, a Red deer enclosure, country walks, picnic sites and wildlife & wildflowers in season

Puzzlewood

Coleford

Puzzlewood - a unique and magical destination in the Forest of Dean. You can explore meandering pathways that take you through a spectacular wonderland of deep ravines of mossy rocks, over wooden bridges and through fantastic tree and rock formations. There is an outside playground and an indoor maze. Plus animals and wild fowl. Traditionally made willow maze.

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Coleford

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a four-mile trail with sculptures inspired by the forest, trees and wildlife. There are various play structures along the way for the kids to play on.

Prinknash Bird and Deer Park

Gloucester

Prinknash Bird and Deer Park - is set in a wooded valley once the hunting lodge of the Abbots of Gloucester and King Henry VIII. The park has been landscaped to resemble an 18th century park with traditional follies enhanced by beautiful birds and animals. You will see over 50 peacocks and waterfowl, golden pheasants, love birds, the fishpond, fallow deer, song birds, crown cranes, black swans, and African Pygmy Goats.

Westonbirt The National Arboretum

Tetbury

Westonbirt The National Arboretum The arboretum provides a natural playground. Discover stepping stones, balancing beams and den building areas. Pick up a trail from the Great Oak Hall or download one at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-families

Hengrove Park

Bristol

Hengrove Park Great new development opened in 2009 with lots of the latest play equipemnt, sand and water play area, skate park for boarders and bmx-ers, and jungle play in a 11m high dome

Batsford Aboretum

Moreton-in-Marsh

Batsford Aboretum Visit the Cotswold's secret garden for 55 acres of walks in magical Japanese settings.

Cotswold Country Park and Beach

Cirencester

Cotswold Country Park and Beach Play park with large kids' and toddlers' play areas, BBQ pits and picnic areas, bike and boat hire - also hosts Head4Heights: a treetop assualt course for the 8+s.

University of Bristol Botanic Gardens

Bristol

University of Bristol Botanic Gardens A beautiful garden filled with a huge diversity of plants, including many exotic species set in inspirational displays. One of many fun family places to visit if you're looking for things to do in Edinburgh with kids.

Old Down Country Park

Bristol

Old Down Country Park An ideal attraction to bring the whole family. From woodland walks, animal encounters. birthday parties, the adventure playground, the giant bouncy pillow, a café selling delicious treats and the farm shop selling gifts for everyone: it really is a day out to remember and we are open all year round!

Brandon Hill Park

Bristol

Brandon Hill Park Does not boast a great many facilities, but is an excellent place to spot and even feed the huge number of squirrels the area supports.

Dame Emily Park

Bristol

Dame Emily Park Facilities include a dog-free playground for the under 10s together with a zip-wire for older children; five a side football and basketball courts and a Permitted Graffiti Wall, plus it's right next to the Deane Lane Swimming Pool.

Felix Road Adventure Playground

Bristol

Felix Road Adventure Playground Indoor and outdoor play with a wide range of good quality equipment and plenty of free play space. The outdoor seating is nicely shaded. Children must register on arrival.

Gloucester Apollo

Stroud

Gloucester Apollo Enjoy all the latest releases at Stroud's Apollo Cinema surrounded by first class comfort and superior technology

The Paint it Yourself Pottery Co.

Cheltenham

The Paint it Yourself Pottery Co. Ceramic Cafe in Chelenham - great idea if you are looking for family days out in Gloucestershire especially if the weather is bad.

Glazydayz Pottery

Ledbury

Glazydayz Pottery Paint Your Own Pottery - Great fun for kids, relaxing for adults. Choose from over 400 items - the biggest choice of any studio in the Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Gloucestershire area. Indoor kids' play area, plenty of free parking right outside our door, refreshments available

Flying Saucers The Painting Pottery Cafe

Bristol

Flying Saucers The Painting Pottery Cafe Bristol's largest and only dedicated Painting Pottery Cafe. We've over 100 pottery items to choose from and sit and paint, and once fired, the items are fully usable. It's perfect for capturing baby's footprints or toddler's handprints, or just letting kids of ALL ages make their own colourful masterpiece.

Pick a Pot and Paint in the Cotswolds

Cirencester

Pick a Pot and Paint in the Cotswolds A family friendly ceramic studio based in a charming piazza of shops and boutiques in Stableyard, Cirencester. A perfect activity that both children and adults can enjoy together.

Bourton Model Railway

Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton Model Railway Housed in a period farmhouse, established over 25 years a spectacular Model Railway Exhibition and traditional toyshop situated right in the centre of the picturesque Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water.

Forest Model Village

Aylburton

Forest Model Village Hidden beneath a shady woodland canopy is an enchanted glade full of humour, history and entertainment.

The Old New Inn Model Village

Cheltenham

The Old New Inn Model Village The Old New Inn is known all over the world for the fascinating model village in its garden. Built by an earlier inn owner and a small team of local craftsmen during the early thirties, the Village is a 1/9th replica of Bourton-on-the-Water, built from the local Cotswold stone.

Cattle Country Adventure Park

Berkeley

Cattle Country Adventure Park has a whole range of activities and many animals to see. Two huge barns house giant slides and loads of soft play equipment. Outdoor activities include Britain's biggest jumping pillow, a 14m climbing net, a giant castle, trampolines, ride on mini tractors, a mini train, a willow maze, a splash pool, mini golf and a boating lake to name just a few.

Thanks for all the great things to do and Museums and Galleries in Gloucestershire with kids you keep sending in.
Now the school half term is upon us are with winter and the christmas holidays fast approaching, we're trying to find as many fun things to do with kids as possible, especially cheap and free family friendly places to visit this year - theme parks, waterparks and swimming pools, museums, indoor playcentres and softplay for toddlers, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, aquariums, castles, steam railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, karting tracks, snowdomes, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, activity centres, ten pin bowling alleys and all the other best family tourist attractions, that you can visit at the weekend.

Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys with many historical and educational atractions listed

So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't shown above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people visiting on holidays and all the other children in Gloucestershire can enjoy the great day out as well.