Ah, the summer holidays. Weeks of endless possibilities, beautiful sunshine, and… the inevitable chorus of “Mum, Dad, I’m bored!” Don’t panic. If you are looking to survive (and actually enjoy) the school holidays without breaking the bank or driving yourself up the wall, we have mapped out the perfect, stress-free family day out at Castle Quay, Banbury.
From high-energy thrills and nostalgic arcade games to budget-friendly eats and cultural pop-ups, here is your ultimate game plan for a full day of crowd-pleasing fun.
10:00am – Reach New Heights at The Light
Kick off the morning while everyone still has plenty of energy! Head straight over to The Light on the waterfront, which opens early at 9:00 AM during the school holidays.
Your first stop? Adventure Climb. This isn’t just any climbing wall; it features 26 unique climbs across three distinct zones, perfect for kids (aged 4+) and brave parents alike. Race each other on the “Face-Off” walls or tackle the 10-metre bouldering section. Sessions last 80 minutes, giving you plenty of time to tire the kids out.
11:30am – High Scores, Bowling, and a Cheeky Drink
Once you’ve unharnessed, skip over to The Light’s massive entertainment zone. This is where everyone wins:
Send the kids off to the retro arcade to battle it out on modern favourites and classic machines. While they are busy chasing high scores, adults can escape to the beautiful Greenhouse Terrace for a much-deserved, relaxing drink.
Regather the crew and lace up your bowling shoes! Keep the competitive holiday spirit alive with a full family game of bowling.
1:00pm – A Pizza Express Feast
If you want guaranteed empty plates, head to PizzaExpress. Even better, they have an incredible summer holiday offer running: you get one free Piccolo meal (including dough balls, a main, dessert, and Bambinoccino) for a child under 12 for every full-price adult main purchased when dining in. It’s a delicious way to keep the lunch bill beautifully low!
2:30pm – Brickworks, Boats, and Toys
The afternoon is all about exploring the rich culture and history right on Castle Quay’s doorstep.
The Brickworks Exhibition at Banbury Museum: Head over to the museum to marvel at the incredible Brickworks exhibition from the 18th July. It’s going to be a fantastic, creative experience for Lego lovers of all ages, packed with awe-inspiring builds that will inspire your own mini-builders at home. Don’t forget to book your tickets.
Tooley’s Boat Ride (Saturday Special): If you are visiting on a Saturday, you are in for a real treat. Head out to the canal and hop aboard a historic boat ride at Tooley’s Boatyard for a relaxing glide along the water.
Stock Up at The Entertainer: Before you head home, make a vital pit stop at The Entertainer. It’s the perfect place to stock up on pocket-money toys, board games, and craft kits to keep the kids thoroughly entertained for the rest of the holidays.