The Ultimate Day Out with Kids in Chester

Few cities in the UK offer as much variety for families as Chester. From world-famous wildlife attractions and Roman history to riverside parks, playgrounds and family-friendly restaurants, Chester packs a remarkable amount into its compact, walkable city centre.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a family day out during the school holidays, Chester offers plenty of activities to keep children of all ages entertained from morning to evening.

The best part is that many of the city’s most popular attractions are located within a short distance of each other, making it easy to create a full day of adventure without spending hours travelling between locations.

The Ultimate Day Out with Kids in Chester - Chester Taxi Services

Morning Adventure at Chester Zoo

No family visit to Chester would be complete without spending time at the world-famous Chester Zoo.

Welcoming millions of visitors every year, Chester Zoo remains the UK’s most visited zoo and one of the leading conservation attractions in Europe. Covering 128 acres, it is home to more than 35,000 animals representing hundreds of species from around the world.

Children can come face to face with elephants, giraffes, lions, penguins, rhinos and orangutans, while learning about the zoo’s important conservation work.

One of the highlights for families is the Islands zone, where visitors can experience immersive habitats inspired by South East Asia. The popular Lazy River Boat Trip offers a relaxing way to explore part of the exhibit while giving tired little legs a welcome break.

Families visiting with younger children may also appreciate the wagon hire available near the entrance, making it easier to cover the zoo’s extensive grounds.

The zoo’s beautifully landscaped gardens add another layer to the experience. Throughout the year, seasonal planting, themed gardens and wildlife habitats create plenty of opportunities to pause between animal encounters.

Top Tip

Arrive as close to opening time as possible. You’ll avoid the busiest queues and have a better chance of seeing many animals when they are at their most active.

Recommended visit time: 9:30am to 1:00pm

Lunch in Chester City Centre

After a busy morning exploring the zoo, it’s time to head into Chester city centre for lunch.

For many families, Bella Italia remains a reliable choice. Located close to the famous Eastgate Clock, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for families and a menu that caters for a wide range of tastes.

Children can enjoy favourites such as pizza, pasta and meatballs, while parents can choose from a broader Italian-inspired menu. The restaurant also provides vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, making it a practical choice for families with dietary requirements.

Alternative Lunch Option: Chester Market

Families looking for greater variety should consider visiting Chester Market.

The modern market hall has become one of Chester’s most popular food destinations. Its relaxed communal seating allows parents and children to choose food from different vendors and eat together.

Whether your children prefer wood-fired pizza, burgers or noodles, and parents fancy tacos, Thai food or artisan coffee, everyone can find something they enjoy.

Recommended lunch time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Afternoon History Walk Around Chester

One of the great advantages of Chester is that many historic attractions can be explored on foot.

Following lunch, head towards the iconic Eastgate Clock.

Often described as the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben, the Eastgate Clock sits above the original entrance to the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix. It remains one of Chester’s most recognisable landmarks and a must-have family photo opportunity.

From here, you can join sections of Chester’s Roman walls. Dating back nearly 2,000 years, they form the most complete city walls in Britain and offer elevated views across the city.

Walking the walls gives children an opportunity to experience Chester’s Roman heritage while burning off some post-lunch energy.

A short stroll away you’ll find the magnificent Chester Cathedral.

The cathedral welcomes visitors throughout the year and offers an impressive mix of architecture, history and family activities. Children are often fascinated by the medieval features, stained-glass windows and hidden corners waiting to be explored.

If The Weather Turns

British weather doesn’t always stick to the plan.

Fortunately, Chester offers excellent indoor alternatives.

Families with younger children often enjoy the interactive Deva Roman Experience, where Roman Chester is brought to life through immersive exhibits and guided experiences.

Older children and teenagers may prefer Sick to Death, a quirky attraction inspired by the history of medicine. Fans of Horrible Histories-style humour will find plenty to enjoy.

Recommended visit time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Late Afternoon Fun at Grosvenor Park

After a day of sightseeing, it’s time for children to let off some steam.

Located close to the River Dee, Grosvenor Park remains one of Chester’s most loved family destinations.

The award-winning Victorian park features wide-open lawns, mature trees, ornamental gardens, and a fantastic children’s play area.

Families can follow nature trails, explore the landscaped gardens or enjoy some downtime while children make the most of the playground.

One attraction that continues to delight younger visitors is the seasonal Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway. Operating during weekends, school holidays and additional summer dates, the railway offers short rides around part of the park and remains a favourite family tradition.

Keep an eye out for Billy Hobby’s Well, historic monuments and the many pathways leading towards the River Dee.

Don’t Miss The Ice Cream Boats

As you make your way towards The Groves, look out for Chester’s famous floating ice cream boats.

Moored along the river, these colourful barges have become something of a Chester tradition and provide the perfect afternoon treat after a busy day exploring.

Recommended visit time: 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Family Dinner By The River

After a packed day, few places are better for a family meal than Hickory’s Smokehouse.

Located close to the River Dee, Hickory’s has earned a reputation as one of Chester’s most popular family restaurants.

The American-inspired menu features burgers, ribs, steaks, barbecue dishes and children’s favourites, while the family-friendly atmosphere makes it particularly appealing for visitors with younger children.

Booking Tip

Hickory’s is exceptionally popular, especially during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

With full stomachs and tired children, you’ll know you’ve had a successful family day out.

Recommended dining time: From 5:45pm onwards

Getting Around Chester With Children

Chester is relatively compact, but family days out often involve tired legs, pushchairs and plenty of bags.

If you’re visiting during peak periods, Chester’s Park & Ride services remain one of the easiest and most affordable ways to access the city centre. They remove the stress of navigating busy city centre traffic and searching for parking spaces.

For journeys between attractions, hotels, restaurants and transport hubs, Chester Taxis provide a convenient alternative to driving and parking.

Our DBS-checked and fully licensed drivers operate throughout Chester and Cheshire, helping families travel comfortably between destinations. Larger groups can also make use of our 8-seater minibuses, while our wheelchair-friendly vehicles ensure everyone can enjoy a day out in the city.

Whether you’re travelling from your hotel to Chester Zoo, heading into the city centre for lunch, or returning home after dinner by the River Dee, we’re available throughout the day to help keep your family adventure running smoothly.

Making The Most Of Your Visit

One day in Chester is rarely enough.

Between Chester Zoo, Roman history, riverside walks, parks, restaurants and family attractions, there’s more than enough to fill a weekend or longer break.

Before visiting any attraction, it’s worth checking opening times and special events online, particularly during school holidays and seasonal periods.

With a little planning, Chester offers one of the best family days out in the North West, combining education, entertainment and outdoor adventure in a city that has been welcoming visitors for nearly two thousand years.

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Things to Do in Chester