What to do in Oxford city centre with a 4 year old with ASD.

[nappyaddict]

Have done a bit of googling and have so far some up with:

Open top bus
Punt/pedalo
River cruise
Walk along the river
Oxford Science Live
Oxford Natural History Museum
Oxford Castle

Are the last 3 any good/suitable for a 4 year old?

We love the natural history museum, it has stuffed animals and dinosaurs and quirky displays - my kids loved that stuff when they were that age, still do!

The Pitt Rivers Museum is my favourite (its kind of through the Natural History). Also for both museums the Parks are just next door, for some outdoor recovery time, now swings etc. but space to be noisy or quite.

Botanic Gardens?
I think you could walk along the river from there up towards University Parks (not sure of the exact route, but someone here will know :) ) and then across to Parks Road for the Natural History Museum (My 3.5yo loves it)

I haven't been to Oxford Science Live, but the Pitt Rivers (natural history museum) and Oxford Castle would be good for a 4 year old I think. I would also suggest university parks (near Pitt Rivers) for a bit of green space/quiet, as the city centre can get very busy. Have fun!

Haven't been to the castle yet, but apparently it's v good :)

Are you driving or on public transport?

On public transport, so we don't really want to go out of the city.

Pitt Rivers is a good suggestion (it has shrunken heads you know)

Down to the river/to the Parks for a walk

Climb St Mary's church tower (on the main high street) for good views at the top (you'll have to lift him up to see the views mind you)

Punting is harder than it looks - but you can get a student to do the hard work while you stop DS from falling in sit back and relax

I wouldn't take a 4yo to the castle - good place, but for a bit older I think.

If it's a weekend day you're visiting, try Modern Art Oxford, they have an art trolley for children.

Agree the Nat History and Pitt Rivers are well worth a visit.

Shrunken heads? Do tell me more!

In the Pitt Rivers museum, it's a bit freaky

They're quite hard to find though (PR is small, but it's a bit of a maze!). The entrance to the Pitt Rivers is at the back of the Nat Hist museum. Go down the steps, about a third of the way down the middle towards the totem pole (!!), and then turn to your right.

This is what it looks like inside :)

We went to the Botanic Gardens because it was free for us as DS is registered disabled. Don't think I would pay to go though. DS liked the fountain and the fish pond but that was about it.

He went on a boat trip with DP which he loved and walked along the river to a nice park/meadow area. We also went to a lovely pub called The Head of the River. Not much in the way of food but lovely to see overlooking the river in the sunshine. We did have to be careful though because there is no gate so we had to be very vigilant that DS didn't fall into the river.

On Mother's Day we went to a lovely pub in the city centre called The Crown (I think) We expected it to be expensive and busy but it was neither so we were pleasantly surprised.

We stayed at Holiday Inn Express at Kassam Stadium. I have stayed in Holiday and Premier Inns before with no complaints. However Holiday Inn Express is a bit more budget and similar to Travelodge. At least with Travelodge their 21 day in advance price is only 19 pound but Holiday Inn Express' 21 day in advance price was still 57 pound so a bit steep we thought. You do get a free continental breakfast but there wasn't much choice.

my daughter was too scared to go in the csatle as it was dark but did after a few minutes but wouldn't go up the tower. Other daughter loved it but couldnt go up tower as i ahd to stay with her sister! DD! also scared of pitt rivers as it was dark. All of them love natural history museum though and also the activities at the oxford museum in st aldates