Looking for things to do in Windsor with kids? We live locally and have been visiting Windsor for years as a family, from castle visits and riverside walks to playgrounds, parks and rainy-day activities. Whether you’re planning a Windsor day trip from London, visiting Legoland, or just looking for easy family-friendly things to do, this guide brings together our favourite places for kids in Windsor.
Windsor is a brilliant destination for families, compact, walkable, full of history and packed with attractions for all ages. From a visit to Windsor Castle and the Long Walk, to river cruises and nearby fun days out, here are the best family-friendly things to do in Windsor, tried and tested by us.
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A map of the best things to do in Windsor with kids
Visit Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the most famous attraction in Windsor and one of the best places to visit in Windsor for first-time visitors. If you haven’t been before, it’s well worth exploring the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the grounds. You can also see one of the most amazing dolls’ houses in the world.
It’s a good idea to book your Windsor Castle tickets in advance to save time and skip the queue, especially in the summer. Even if you don’t want to buy a ticket, it’s still fun to walk around the outside of the castle and admire it from the High Street or the Long Walk.
Watch the Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle is a must-see for kids. It takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11am, when the guards march from Victoria Barracks up to the castle.
It is a very British tradition, which has been running since 1660. I have seen it many times and never tire of it.
Best spot: Watch from the High Street near the Queen Victoria Statue for a great view, even without a castle ticket.
Try the Windsor Escape Experience (for older kids and teens)
If you’re looking for things to do in Windsor for teens, the Escape Experience is ideal. With six immersive escape rooms to choose from, players work together to crack the clues and solve puzzles before the time runs out.
Spend the day at Legoland Windsor
One of the most fun things to do in Windsor for families, LEGOLAND Windsor is a theme park packed with rides, LEGO-themed attractions, shows, and interactive exhibits.
It’s a few miles outside the town centre and makes a fantastic day out for younger kids. My kids loved it when they were little and we even stayed overnight in the Legoland Resort Hotel, which was a real treat.
Try a Windsor Treasure Trail
One of the most fun family activities in Windsor is a Windsor Treasure Trail. We’ve done several as a family (including Wimbledon and Odiham) and they’re brilliant for getting children to explore and learn about the local history.
It’s a self-guided tour, so you can go at your own pace. Recently, the boys tried one of the Mystery Guides too, but these tend to be a bit more expensive.
Adventure Play at Savill Garden
Located just inside Savill Garden, Adventure Play is a brilliant new playground with treetop houses, climbing areas, tunnels, slides, and wooden walkways. You’ll need to book tickets in advance for a two-hour play session.
Sadly, for my two, it opened way after they’d outgrown playgrounds, though I’m sure they’d still love a go!
See the swans on the River Thames
Windsor sits right on the River Thames, and a riverside walk is one of the best free family-friendly things to do in Windsor. You’ll see plenty of swans, a symbol of royal heritage, but remember not to touch them and only feed them in the water.
Hop on a Duck Tour
The Windsor Duck tour is always a hit with children. The bright yellow amphibious vehicle takes you on a fun town tour before splashing down into the river. Tours last around an hour and include a live guide with plenty of interesting commentary.
This is a great option if you’re looking for unique things to do in Windsor with kids.
Take a riverboat trip
Another lovely way to enjoy the Thames is on a Windsor river cruise. You can choose from a short 40-minute trip or a longer two-hour return cruise. It’s a relaxing way to see Windsor from the water and ideal for families.
Explore Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park is perfect for families looking for free things to do in Windsor. There are loads of green spaces to run around, picnic spots, woodland paths, and plenty of deer.
If you have extra time to explore, venture out of Windsor to nearby Virginia Water Lake or Savill Gardens. Alternatively, head to Runnymede, a site of immense historical significance where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215.
Walk the Long Walk
Behind the castle, you’ll find Windsor’s iconic Long Walk, stretching from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue. As the name suggests, it is a long walk, so if you have younger children, you may prefer parking at one of the car parks which run parallel. Read our other family-friendly walks at Windsor Park.
Family-friendly attractions near Windsor
The Look Out Discovery Centre
The Look Out Discovery Centre near Bracknell is a hands-on science centre aimed at primary-aged children, with over 90 exhibits and interactive games. It’s perfect for a rainy day near Windsor with kids.
The Look Out playground
Outside the Discovery Centre is one of the best playgrounds in Berkshire.
Set in the woods of Swinley Forest, it has separate areas for infants, juniors, and inclusive play. Kids can explore the ship, climb the fort, or have fun in the den-making area. It is completely free and was one of the boys’ favourites when they were younger.
Swinley Forest is also great for cycling, and has a Go Ape Centre with Treetop Challenge, Forest Segway, and Axe Throwing.
Coral Reef Waterworld
Just 11 miles from Windsor, Coral Reef is undoubtedly the best indoor waterpark in the area.
Coral Reef is one of the most fun family attractions near Windsor and is suitable for all ages. Toddlers can enjoy the splash zone and pirate ship, while older children will love the five interactive water slides, lazy river, bubble pools, and erupting volcano.
Where to stay in Windsor with kids
If you’re planning a family break rather than a day trip, Windsor has some great family-friendly places to stay. Here are a few options that work well for different budgets:
Macdonald Windsor
Macdonald Windsor is on the High Street opposite the castle. It has family rooms, so is perfect for families who want a central location.
Holiday Inn Express
The Holiday Inn Express is a cheaper option with good reviews. It is a good family hotel, just 10-minute walk from the town centre.
Legoland Hotel Resort
If you’re going to Legoland with the kids, you might consider staying at one of the hotels or lodges. There are often deals, including a second day free in the theme park for free.
How to get to Windsor
By train
It is very easy to get from London to Windsor by train. Regular, direct trains from London Paddington or Waterloo take about 40 minutes. The Paddington train is faster and more popular.
There are two train stations, “Windsor & Eton Central” and “Windsor & Eton Riverside”. Visit national rail enquiries for details of times and prices.
From the station, you can easily walk to Windsor Castle or Windsor town centre.
By car
Windsor is easily accessible by car. You can take the M4 motorway from London in about 40 minutes.
There are plenty of pay and display car parks, but they get busy at the weekend and can be expensive.
By bus or coach
You can take the Green Line 702 from Greenline Coach Station, near Victoria station, London.
Alternatively, local buses run frequently from Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 to Windsor.
F&Q section
Is Windsor worth visiting?
Absolutely. Windsor is one of the best day trips from London, offering royal history, riverside walks, great shopping, and a fantastic royal park. It’s fairly small, which makes it easy to walk around and see lots in one day. Whether you’re visiting Windsor Castle or exploring Windsor Great Park, there’s plenty to enjoy.
If you’re staying for longer than a day, there are plenty of local attractions, such as Legoland, The Look Out, Coral Reef and easy day trips from Windsor.
How long do you need in Windsor?
A day is enough if you just want to see the castle, explore the town, and go to the river or park, but you would need two days if you plan to go to Legoland or one of the family attractions outside of the town centre.
Is Windsor a good day trip from London?
Yes. Trains from London Paddington and Waterloo take around 40 minutes, making Windsor one of the easiest and most popular day trips from London.
What are the best free things to do with kids in Windsor?
You can walk around the outside of Windsor Castle or watch the Changing of the Guard for free. Walking the Long Walk, exploring Eton, or doing a riverside stroll are also free and enjoyable.
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