24 Hours for the Whole Family in Chester
Escaping to Chester can be fun for the whole family. There are plenty of family friendly activities, eateries and places to stay in the city. Skip the crowds by visiting during the week or make a weekend out of your visit.
Things to Do
Chester Zoo has been rated the best zoo in the UK and 3rd in the world. It has also been recognised the UK’s top attraction outside of London. See over 35,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens.
For some educational fun, visit the Grosvenor Museum where you can learn all about Cheshire’s fascinating history. Throughout the museum there are a range of interactive models, screens, dressing up and activities to add to the enjoyability of any interests.
Storyhouse is a multi award-winning theatre, library, restaurant and cinema located in the heart of Chester. They have a dedicated children’s section full of inspiration for all ages. On the weekend they have family friendly screenings where you can watch kid friendly films at a discounted price.
Explore the city of Chester with a Roman soldier as your guide with the Roman Tours. This 90 minute tour starts at the Visitor Information Centre and takes you through the city centre to the Roman Gardens and ends in the Amphitheatre. On this interactive tour you will learn about Chester’s Roman history and what life was like during the Roman era.
Get a different view of the city with a trip down the River Dee on ChesterBoat. Sail along the river in their 30-minute city cruise which leaves every half hour from The Groves. You can also use Chester Boat Hire to hire row boats, paddle boats, or motor boats which are perfect for family fun on the River Dee.
Take a self-guided Treasure Hunt through Chester with The Chester Treasure Hunt Trail. Download and print your Trail booklet from the Treasure Trails website with this unique route for exploring Chester which will have you solving clues along the route through the city.
Step onto the historic Rows of Chester and enjoy a little artsy fun at Pictura Studios. Get in touch with your creative side with a choice of pottery painting, decopatch, canvas painting or clay sculpting. If you don’t feel very creative, check out Pictua’s art gallery which highlights art from local artists and students.
Explore the gory story of medicine through time at Sick to Death. Learn and laugh in a gross but family fun attraction. Sick to Death is a history of medicine attraction in Chester city centre, on the historic rows and within a 16th Century church. It offers a playground of plague with a smatter of splatter & a chance to poke into the medical past in a fun, interactive & unique learning experience.
The DEVA Roman Experience will take you on a voyage back through time 2000 years ago to Roman Britannia where the fortress of DEVA Victrix is welcoming visitors from far and wide. Join our legion and help us expand our mighty roman empire.
Through a meticulously designed set, let the talented ensemble of characters immerse your senses in the Roman bath house, market street, and amphitheatre as you watch the drama unfold as Gladiators fight it out to the death!
With 7 actor led shows, special effects, cutting edge projection mapping and REAL archaeology on site will you adjust to the Roman way of life or remain a measly pleb in the ways of the emperor?
Family Friendly Dining
Little Owl is a family-friendly pub with a large variety of food to choose from including the daily specials board which features up to 25 dishes selected by their chef as well as an incredible children’s menu. As an added bonus, relax with a drink while the kids enjoy the outdoor play area.
Indulge in American style BBQ at Hickory’s Smokehouse located on The Groves with a view of the River Dee. At Hickory’s their youngest diners are considered VIK’s, Very Important Kids! They believe kids make the atmosphere at their restaurants and try to offer a fun range of activities for them. There is a safe outdoor area for playing with yard games, they offer table top activities like colouring pages and there is even a cinema room with the latest kids film to keep them entertained!
Family struggling to agree on what type of food to eat? There is a something for everyone (including the little ones) at Chester Market. Make the whole family happy with a variety of food options, Thai by Thai, burgers from NiceBites to seafood from the Sandbar Seafood Shack everyone in the family can enjoy their favourite meal. Parents can even grab a drink from the bar. After your meal indulge in delicious sweet treats from The Pastry Pédaleur.
Where to Stay
Chester offers several family-friendly hotels that provide both comfort and convenience for families visiting the city. The DoubleTree by Hilton Chester is another excellent choice, with family rooms, a large outdoor space, and an indoor pool to keep the little ones entertained. It also boasts a great location near the city centre, making it easy to explore Chester’s sights.
Spend the night in the centre of the city at Crowne Plaza. Rated family friendly, Crowne Plaza is a wonderful place to spend the night with the family while staying centrally located. There are numerous amenities to enjoy during your stay, including an indoor pool.
Situated in the heart of Chester, minutes from the River Dee and the vibrant and chic boutiques in the city, Oddfellows is a profoundly unique hotel which will capture your imagination and shape the way you travel. And just minutes from the city centre is Rowton Hall Hotel, nestled in secluded grounds this historic and grand hotel has a relaxed, friendly feel that makes everyone feel welcome.
With a variety of options, Chester’s family-friendly hotels ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for families of all sizes.
Need more inspiration for your family break to Chester & Cheshire? Make sure to check out our Family Breaks homepage for all the best bits of family fun including attractions, accommodation and restaurants!
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