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Family days out in Chester are a great idea. This compact city in the north-west of England is within easy reach of Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales and Cheshire, and is packed with interesting things to do for all age groups.

Whether you fancy getting the children out in the fresh air or are planning to take cover during your adventures, this post covers 10 of the best things to do in Chester with kids. 

While some of these family days out in Chester are paid activities, others won’t cost you a penny. Which leaves you more money to spend when you get to the ice cream farm or go shopping.

Here are 10 ideas for great days out with kids in the Chester area.

10 of the best things to do in Chester with kids

The Roman Garden

Chester’s Roman Garden pays homage to the city’s past – but there’s no need to tell the kids that. Instead, pack a picnic, pray for sunshine and you’ll be all set for one of the top family things to do in Chester.

If your Key Stage Two kids are currently learning about the Romans, the relics found here can really bring the facts to life. There’s a reproduction Roman heating system as well as remains of former structures, plus an original section of the city walls.

The gardens can be found close to the amphitheatre and River Dee, and the fact that admission is free makes this ideal for those seeking cheap things to do in Chester. 

Chester Zoo

The zoological park tops many a list of family days out in Chester – not least because it’s one of the finest in the whole of the UK. Join around 2 million annual visitors (not all at once, thankfully) during your visit to the zoo in Chester with the kids. 

Expect to spend at least several hours wandering around as you discover this top pick among Chester attractions  – it’s best to set a whole day aside for your visit if you can. 

With a range of exotic creatures including endangered species and the Asiatic Lion Habitat area to see – plus wealth of information available on conservation projects in far-flung destinations like the Philippines and Indonesia. The zoo is definitely one of the most educational and ​​fun things to do in Chester. 

Read more of our posts about Chester Zoo –

Chester Zoo in the Rain

Chester Zoo in Winter

A-Z of Chester Zoo

River Dee

The banks of the River Dee are a lovely place for a stroll, or you could take to the water by booking a boat trip if you like. Chester sightseeing doesn’t come much more relaxing than this!

It’s fun to spend your time looking out for the local wildlife, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way for a well-deserved ice cream. 

During a sunny summer’s day in particular, the river is a lovely place to be and there are some attractive buildings overlooking the water too.

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The Meadows

While you’re in the river area, why not pack a picnic to take to The Meadows? This vast open space follows the curve of the River Dee, and is a quiet spot in which to spend some time within easy reach of the city centre.

You might get to see local rowers practicing their sport as they glide smoothly over the water’s surface – and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. 

There are plenty of paths to follow and you may pass some interesting buildings along the way. It’s worth taking a look at the suspension bridge while you’re in the area too. It’s just a short stroll from The Meadows and is also a top pick among Chester things to see. 

Chester Treasure Hunt Trail

This self-guided tour around Chester takes you past all the city’s key sights while you try to uncover the exact position of the buried treasure.

The two mile route is circular and sets out from The Cross. As you progress you are given clues to solve, based around key places to visit in Chester. Cash prizes are up for grabs should you manage to solve them. 

To make the most of the trail you will need to purchase a printed or PDF version of the guide, and this can include clues delivered by text message if you get stuck. 

Grosvenor Park

There’s no shortage of green spaces in this picturesque city, and pretty Grosvenor Park is one of the finest to be found anywhere. Which is exactly why it deserves a top spot on any Chester what to do list. 

With a Green Flag award to its name, Grosvenor Park is situated just outside the Roman city walls and has lots of well-kept lawns for kids to tire themselves out on. 

This riverside Victorian park is Grade II registered, and has a miniature railway and plenty of children’s play equipment to keep young family members busy. 

Chester canal

The River Dee isn’t the only major body of water in the city. Wandering along by the canal is another of those Chester things to do that needn’t cost you a penny.

The path that runs along by the water is often used by locals for walking from the suburbs into town, so it can be a great place for people watching. 

A number of pubs are conveniently located by the canalside, so it’s easy to stop off for a hot chocolate in winter or an ice cold drink during summer when little legs get tired.  

Chester Roman amphitheatre

To make the most of one of the top places to visit in Chester you really need to exercise a little imagination – which is precisely why it’s ideal for kids. This is because only a section of the entire structure has been excavated. 

Learning all about the Romans is also a key part of the school curriculum, so it’s a great way to breathe life into history while igniting their interest in times gone by. As well as what they mean for the people of today.

Seeing the amphitheatre really brings home how important this north western city was during Roman times – and it’s also free to visit.  

The Ice Cream Farm

Next on this list of Chester top 10 attractions is a delectable, edible treat – the Ice Cream Farm. It’s not only about the sweet treat, either: other attractions at this popular place include farm animals and play parks.

The site includes a number of areas, from Daisy’s Garden to Rocky Road, Strawberry Falls and Gemstone Cove. 

Around 50 flavours of ice cream are sold and the farm is free to enter. That said, you will need to pay for activities and thus a Play Pass may offer better value for money. 

Read more about the Ice Cream Farm here

Countess of Chester Country Park

If you’re looking for places to go near Chester rather than in the city centre, the Countess of Chester Country Park is ideal. 

On a site approaching 20 hectares you may spot wildlife such as kingfishers, herons, kestrels, woodpeckers, colourful butterflies and even toads, and can also explore the memorial forest.

Parking is provided at the site, or you can cycle or walk there via the Chester Greenway path. Once at the park, look out for the five totem poles which have been carefully concealed among all the greenery.

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