Fun for families at Stowe

A mum pushes a child in a buggy with a little girl walking next to her on a path at Stowe. Beyond the path is a view of a lake and large Grecian style Palladian Bridge — A magical view for the family to discover at Stowe, the Cascade on the Eleven Acre Lake.

A girl leaps on a tree placed as a balance beam, her two sits balancing behind her with their father holding the youngest's hand to help. — Leap into an outdoor adventure at Stowe

Get the kids outdoors with acres of space to play and stretch their legs. Adventures await your family with so much to discover whatever their age: from the temples, lakes, wildlife and fun activities. We want you to play and have fun – leave your worries at the garden gate, forget you’re a grown up and join your children in a dream world of monumentally sized gardens and we guarantee a fun day out and a good night of sleep.

Family explorers

Every month there’s a different theme for your family to enjoy whilst having a go at some of the '50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾'. Borrow a free family explorer guide when you arrive or download it here to print and bring with you. Available daily throughout the month.

Wild Wednesdays

Get the kids closer to nature with activities varying each of the school holidays. £2 per child with normal admission applying. Booking online essential.

Tremendous trees - Family trail

Between 17 August and 9 September, the children can discover tremendous trees on a short trail perfect for little legs. It's a great way to introduce the kids to nature in a sensory way with only a little help, best of all there's a prize at the end! £2 per child, with normal admission applying, all proceeds help to restore the gardens at Stowe.

Play in the Labyrinth

Takes the kids to a shaded spot in the garden and discover a new play area to explore. Head to the very top of the Labyrinth, then turn to the right. You'll find a giant skittle alley with wooden abacus to keep score for a fun game of outdoors bowling. Walk further down the path to reveal the giant garden swing, perfect for family fun.

A young lady and old lady sit side by side on a giant wooden swing attached to a tree in the gardens at Stowe — Sometimes you can't resist the simple pleasure of a swing. Play in the Labyrinth at Stowe.

Toddler Tuesdays

On the first Tuesday of the month, drop by the cafe for toddler fun with activities. Every month there's a new theme based on the seasons to keep your little ones entertained. Find out what themes are coming up soon by clicking the What's on link above.

Hungry tummies

Our café, with indoor and outdoor seating, is the perfect pit stop for hungry families. Enjoy healthy, fresh meals, child’s portions, pick and mix children’s lunch boxes and tasty treats. Or picnic in the gardens or temples - just pick a spot. Find out more about the café.

Happy families

Relaxed environment
Bottle-warming facilities
Baby-changing facilities
Activity sheets throughout the seasons
Breast-feeding welcome
High chairs
Events throughout the year

Weather experts

Here are our top tips for embracing the outdoors whatever the weather at Stowe.

When the sun is shining, you'll find the wooded areas and temples a good place to rest and find some shade
The gardens are large. For fun days out with smiling kids at the end, bring sunhats, sun cream and bottles of water to stay hydrated. Plan a route to decide how far you'll go and choose rest stops along the way
To dodge rain showers, use the temples as shelters
Temples with shelter, some benches or to use for picnic spots are: The Lake Pavilions, Concord and Victory, Ancient Virtue, The Grotto, The Cascade (there are small nooks to sit in), Queens Temple, The Fane of Pastoral Poetry
You'll find seasonal items for sale in our shop if you've left something behind at home
Ice creams are on sale in the shop as well as the cafe, if you need a quick family 'pick me up'

What's on at Stowe

Step into a world of adventure trails and outdoors fun throughout the school holidays and weekends.

Make a date for the diary

Things that flutter by

Learn all about the world of butterflies and moths this August at Stowe. Take a peek or print it to bring along with you when you visit.

Download the guide now

Thank you

A year to make memories

Become a member when you visit Stowe and your money will help care for the gardens whilst you get to enjoy a whole year of family fun.

Membership could change your life

Stowe Buckinghamshire

More family fun at Stowe House

There's even more fun to be had this summer at Stowe. Head over and visit our friends at Stowe House to discover family events to keep your little ones busy over the holidays.

What's on at Stowe House?

Get the low down

If you're new to the 50 things challenge, want to find some inspiration for more places to visit and to take a look at the full list, open the door to a world of family fun here. Be sure to visit Boarstall Duck Decoy along your way, see you soon.