1 / 6Somerset packs an incredible amount into one county for families, from show caves deep in the Mendip Hills to hands-on aircraft museums, big-name zoos and legend-soaked hilltops. Whatever the weather and whatever your children's ages, here are the best days out with kids in Somerset, with tips to help you plan a smooth family trip.
🎟️See things to do in Somerset on GetYourGuide →Wookey Hole Caves
Spectacular show caves in the Mendip Hills paired with a large all-in family attraction park including Dinosaur Valley, adventure golf, a 4D cinema, mirror maze, indoor soft play and a circus. One ticket unlocks a full day out: a guided cave tour plus dinosaurs, soft play, arcades, adventure golf and seasonal circus shows keep kids of all ages busy whatever the weather. You'll find it at Wookey Hole, near Wells.
Cheddar Gorge & Caves
Britain's biggest gorge with dramatic cliffs, plus Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave, a Museum of Prehistory, a cliff-top walk, a lookout tower and the Jacob's Ladder steps. Kids love the underground cave adventure, climbing Jacob's Ladder, the clifftop walk with far-reaching views and the cinematic and prehistory experiences included on the day ticket. It's in the village of Cheddar.
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Europe's largest collection of naval aircraft, with over 90 aircraft, an immersive aircraft carrier experience and the first British Concorde on display. Children can climb aboard Concorde, walk the flight-deck carrier experience, watch real helicopters take off from the viewing galleries and burn off energy in the soft play and outdoor play areas. Find it at Yeovilton.
The Helicopter Museum
The world's largest dedicated helicopter collection, with over 80 rotorcraft, an interactive zone, a film theatre and 'Play Copter'. The hands-on interactive zone, a play helicopter kids can climb into, a children's play area and all-weather undercover displays make it an easy family day out near the M5. It's in Weston-super-Mare.
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
A 100-acre zoo and farm home to African elephants, white rhino, giraffes, lions, meerkats and bears, with free keeper talks throughout the day. Big-name zoo animals plus farm animals, play areas and regular keeper talks give families a full day of animal encounters in the Somerset countryside. You'll find it at Wraxall in North Somerset.
Puxton Park
An award-winning 40-acre family activity park with an animal petting zone, sky trail, mini-railway, indoor soft play, ball pits and a water play area. Purpose-built for younger children, with animals to feed, a miniature train, soft play, ball pits, a sky trail and water fun all in one place. It's at Hewish, near Weston-super-Mare.
Glastonbury Tor
A landmark National Trust hill topped by the medieval St Michael's Tower, with sweeping views across the Somerset Levels. It's a free, energy-burning walk up to a mysterious tower steeped in Arthurian and Avalon legend, with huge views at the top that kids enjoy for the climb and the stories. Find it in Glastonbury.
Tips for a family day out
- Check opening times and seasonal events before you travel, as attractions like Wookey Hole's circus shows and keeper talks run to set schedules.
- Layer up and pack sturdy shoes for the caves, gorge and Tor, where it can be cool underground and blustery on the tops.
- Mix an indoor and outdoor option so you have a wet-weather backup, such as pairing Glastonbury Tor with the nearby caves.
- Book bigger paid attractions ahead where you can to save time queuing on arrival.
- Several sites cluster around Weston-super-Mare and the Mendips, so you can pair two easily in one trip.
FAQs
What is the best day out in Somerset for kids?
It depends on their ages and interests. Wookey Hole Caves and Cheddar Gorge & Caves are brilliant all-day, all-weather options, while younger children love Puxton Park and Noah's Ark Zoo Farm.
Are there free days out with kids in Somerset?
Yes. Climbing Glastonbury Tor is free, offering a memorable walk, a historic tower and huge views across the Somerset Levels.
What can we do in Somerset on a rainy day?
The Fleet Air Arm Museum, The Helicopter Museum and the indoor sections of Wookey Hole all offer plenty of undercover activities to keep families busy whatever the weather.
🎟️ Top things to do in Somerset
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