Get-outside family days in London - parks, gardens, nature trails and outdoor adventures to make the most of a dry afternoon.
Enable Leisure and Culture · London
This supervised adventure playground lets children build dens, climb structures, and play with loose parts in a safe environment. Trained playworkers support creative, risky play. It's wonderfully old-school and refreshingly different from typical playgrounds.
Battersea Power Station · London
The newly opened Battersea Power Station has free interactive installations, riverside walks, and child-friendly dining all in one striking riverside location.
Haringey Council · London
This free museum in a Tudor manor house tells local Tottenham history through interactive exhibits. The surrounding park offers playgrounds, a café, and lovely grounds for picnics. Ghost stories and historical reenactments make weekends particularly engaging.
Southwark Council · London
A large free adventure playground in Southwark with zip lines, rope courses, and climbing frames suitable for a wide age range. A firm favourite with local families.
Coram's Fields · London
A unique seven-acre park in Bloomsbury that adults can only enter with a child. Includes farm animals, sandpits, paddling pool, and play areas for all ages.
London Borough of Bromley · London
This historic Victorian pleasure ground features life-size dinosaur sculptures from the 1850s on an island in the lake. The huge playground includes a dinosaur-themed area and the fantastic new skateboard zone. The park combines heritage, play, and wide green spaces.
The Royal Parks · London
A magical free playground in Kensington Gardens centred around a wooden pirate ship. Perfect for younger children with plenty of sandpits and climbing structures.
Southwark Council · London
This beautiful Victorian park offers boating on the lake, an excellent café, and a fantastic playground with zip wire. The flat paths are perfect for learning to cycle, and bike hire includes family cycles and buggies. Ancient trees and flower gardens add to the charm.
Transport for London · London
Soar above the Thames on London's only cable car, connecting the O2 Peninsula to the Royal Docks. A short but memorable ride with brilliant views across the city.
Islington Council · London
This hidden wildlife oasis near Arsenal tube station offers meadows, woodlands, and ponds full of birds and insects. The ecology centre runs nature activities and pond-dipping sessions. It's a surprising wild corner in urban North London.
The Royal Parks · London
Stand on the Prime Meridian, roll down the famous hill, and explore the free park with stunning views of Canary Wharf. Combine with a visit to the Cutty Sark nearby.
Hackney City Farm · London
This thriving community farm in Haggerston offers close encounters with rare breed animals, donkeys, and chickens. The organic café serves excellent food, and the pottery studio runs workshops. It's a genuine working farm with a warm community atmosphere.
City of London Corporation · London
This vast ancient parkland offers woodland walks, swimming ponds, and stunning London views from Parliament Hill. Families can fly kites, spot wildlife, explore hidden trails, and enjoy one of London's most natural green spaces. The playgrounds scattered across the heath suit all ages.
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea · London
This elegant park combines woodland trails, formal gardens, and a beautiful Japanese Kyoto Garden with peacocks roaming freely. The adventure playground is excellent, and the park's varied landscapes make every visit feel different. Summer opera in the ruins adds magic.
Horniman Museum · London
A quirky free museum in Forest Hill with a famous overstuffed walrus, live aquarium, and lovely gardens. One of London's best kept family secrets.
Hounslow Urban Farm · London
This community farm in West London offers hands-on animal encounters, pony rides, and seasonal activities like lamb feeding. Children collect eggs, groom ponies, and learn about farm life. The organic café uses produce from the farm's gardens.
The Royal Parks · London
A free water play area in Hyde Park that's perfect for toddlers and young children on warm days. Easy to combine with a picnic on the grass nearby.
English Heritage · London
This elegant Georgian mansion on Hampstead Heath's edge houses Old Master paintings in stunning rooms. Children enjoy the sweeping grounds, woodland walks, and large playground. Summer concerts on the lawn are magical family evenings.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · London
World-famous botanic gardens with the Treetop Walkway and Children's Garden.
ZSL London Zoo · London
Home to over 700 species from gorillas to penguins, London Zoo is a full-day adventure for animal-loving families. The new Land of the Lions is a highlight.
Mudchute Association · London
Britain's largest urban farm sits on the Isle of Dogs with dramatic Canary Wharf skyscraper views behind grazing llamas and goats. Children feed animals, collect eggs, and explore 32 acres of park and farmland. The riding stables offer lessons and pony experiences.
London Legacy Development Corporation · London
The transformed Olympic site offers adventure playgrounds, waterways, gardens, and sports facilities. Children scramble over the Tumbling Bay playground's timber structures or splash in the water play area. The park connects to the Copper Box Arena and Lee Valley VeloPark.
The Royal Parks · London
London's largest Royal Park feels like true countryside, with over 600 free-roaming deer, ancient trees, and wide open spaces. Families cycle the Tamsin Trail, spot wildlife, and enjoy some of the capital's best autumn colours. The Isabella Plantation is a woodland garden wonderland in spring.
Ruislip Lido Railway Society · London
A miniature railway runs around the edge of Ruislip's lake through woodland. The 12-inch gauge track and authentic steam and diesel locomotives delight train-loving children. Combined with the beach, playground, and woodland walks, it's a proper West London day out.
Southbank Centre · London
This riverside arts complex runs year-round family festivals, concerts, and workshops alongside free outdoor spaces for skateboarding and games. The Wonderground festival garden and weekend markets add to the buzz. Even just wandering the riverside terraces feels special.
Thames RIB Experience · London
A high-speed rigid inflatable boat ride along the Thames past iconic landmarks. Exhilarating for older kids and teenagers who want something beyond a standard river cruise.
Historic Royal Palaces · London
Explore 1,000 years of history, see the Crown Jewels, and meet the famous Beefeaters. Older children are gripped by the stories of executions and royalty.
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust · London
This award-winning 105-acre wetland reserve in Barnes brings incredible wildlife to the city. Children explore boardwalk trails, watch otters play, and get close to rare birds in different world wetland habitats. The adventure playground and discovery centre make it educational and fun.