| Venue | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Freedog Swindon | Indoor | Arena, Clip 'n Climb, soft play |
| Link Centre | Indoor | Trampoline park, pool, ice rink, soft play |
| Vue Cinema | Indoor | Films – Regent Circus |
| Wyvern Theatre | Indoor | Panto, family shows |
| Lydiard Park | Outdoor | 260 acres, house, walled garden |
| Coate Water | Outdoor | Lake, splash park, play area |
| Swindon & Cricklade Railway | Outdoor | Steam train trips |
Source: Venue websites
Key Information
- Indoor adventure
- Freedog Swindon – Arena, Clip 'n Climb, soft play
- Trampoline & leisure
- Link Centre – trampoline park, soft play, ice rink
- Outdoor & heritage
- Lydiard Park, Swindon & Cricklade Railway
- Cinema & theatre
- Vue Cinema Swindon, Swindon Arts Centre, Wyvern Theatre
Freedog Swindon
Freedog Swindon is a large indoor adventure park with activities for all ages. It includes:
- Freedog Arena – Ninja runs, traverse wall, slide tower, Crystal Maze-style Strike Arena challenges
- Clip 'n Climb – Indoor climbing with auto-belays
- Interactive Sports Pitch – Netball, football, and other games
- Soft Play – For younger children
- Toddlers – Dedicated sessions for little ones
There's a café serving coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and pizzas, plus free parking and Wi-Fi. Book online at freedogswindon.com. Party packages and after-school clubs available.
Trampoline parks
The Link Centre in Westlea (Whitehill Way, SN5 7DL) has a trampoline park as part of its leisure complex. It's run by Better (GLL) alongside the swimming pool, gym, soft play, and ice rink. Active Reality – a full-body VR arena – is also at the Link Centre, with multiplayer games for ages 9+. You can book Active Reality tickets in advance. Booking is usually required for trampoline sessions – check Better's Link Centre page for sessions and prices.
For more on the Link Centre, see our guide to leisure centres and swimming in Swindon.
Vue Cinema Swindon
Vue Cinema Swindon (Vue Swindon) is at Regent Circus in the town centre. Multiple screens showing the latest blockbusters and family films. Check myvue.com for Vue Swindon showtimes, tickets and releases. Perfect for rainy-day cinema trips.
Theatres and arts venues
Swindon Arts Centre and the Wyvern Theatre host family shows, pantomimes, theatre and live music. Swindon Arts Centre offers a varied programme including children's events. The Wyvern Theatre in Theatre Square stages touring productions, panto, and comedy. Browse Swindon Arts Centre events and Wyvern Theatre events for what's on. See our guides to Wyvern Theatre Swindon and Swindon Arts Centre for more.
Shaw Ridge Leisure Park
Shaw Ridge Leisure Park at Whitehill Way (SN5 7DN) is West Swindon's main leisure destination. It brings together:
- Adventure Point – Multi-activity destination for families
- Restaurants and bars
- Health and fitness facilities
The park is on the same estate as the Link Centre, so you can combine a visit with the trampoline park, soft play, or ice rink. Visit shawridgeleisurepark.co.uk for the latest offers and opening times.
Lydiard House and Park
Lydiard Park in West Swindon combines historic Lydiard House with extensive parkland. There are formal gardens, a lake, woodland walks, and a children's play area. The Coach House Tea Rooms and Forest Café are popular stops. The house runs tours and events – check the council website for details. Parking charges apply. See our full guide to Lydiard Park & House and parks and green spaces in Swindon for more outdoor options including Coate Water and Stanton Park.
Farms and animal attractions
Roves Farm near Sevenhampton offers Meet & Feed the Animals, tractor rides, Pets Corner, adventure play, and toddler time. A full day out for primary-age children. Studley Grange Craft Village & Butterfly World has a butterfly house, craft village, and café – check their website for opening times and prices. Dinomania – the award-winning dinosaur show – visits Swindon (Grange Leisure Centre) each year; you can book Dinomania tickets in advance.
Indoor adventures and escape rooms
Jungle Parc at Lydiard Park offers treetop adventure courses for different ages – the Adventurer course suits 7–14 year olds. Further afield, Go Ape has treetop challenge courses across the UK, including sites within an hour or two of Swindon. Museum of Computing in Theatre Square has hands-on vintage computers and games – ideal for tech-curious families. For group activities, Co-Decode and Incarcerated run escape rooms in Swindon – book in advance.
Theme parks and attractions further afield
Within about 1–2 hours of Swindon you'll find some of the UK's best family attractions. Alton Towers, Warwick Castle, Cadbury World, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham are all popular day trips. Booking tickets in advance often saves money compared with buying at the gate.
What's your favourite family day out in Swindon?
More family ideas
Other family-friendly options include the STEAM Museum (railway heritage), the Swindon & Cricklade Railway (heritage steam and diesel trips), Museum & Art Swindon (free admission), and Coate Water and Stanton Park for outdoor play and walks. For a budget-friendly round-up, see our free things to do guide. Save on days out with our Deals & Vouchers. For events and activities, browse What's On.
Save on attraction tickets
Theme parks, zoos, and family attractions – compare prices and often save vs gate prices.
Compare attraction ticketsInformation correct as of February 2026. Opening hours, prices, and facilities can change. Always check individual venue websites before visiting. Some activities require advance booking.