Things to do with under-3s in London - soft play, city farms, sensory rooms and buggy-friendly parks where a nap or a meltdown won't derail the day.
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.
Discover Children's Story Centre · London
East London's award-winning arts centre brings stories to life through imaginative play zones, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops. Children step into different story worlds, from enchanted forests to outer space. Every corner encourages reading, creativity, and dramatic play.
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.
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 and Gardens · London
While the main Horniman is in your directory, the aquarium deserves special mention as a separate paid experience. Explore British coastal waters, Amazon rainforest, and coral reef tanks. The new underwater-themed design immerses visitors in different aquatic habitats.
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.
Little Angel Theatre · London
A beloved puppet theatre in Islington staging professional shows for babies through to older children throughout the year. An intimate and magical experience.
London Transport Museum · London
In Covent Garden's historic market building, this museum lets children clamber aboard vintage buses, trains, and trams. Interactive exhibits explore how London moves, with simulators, play zones, and costumed staff. The gift shop is every Thomas-loving toddler's dream.
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.
Merlin Entertainments · London
Walk through shark tunnels and discover thousands of marine creatures at the South Bank aquarium. The penguin feeding sessions are especially popular with young children.
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.
Victoria and Albert Museum · London
This Bethnal Green treasure houses one of the world's largest collections of childhood objects, from Victorian dolls to modern video games. Interactive galleries let children explore play across the centuries. The museum recently reopened after a major refurbishment with brand-new family-friendly spaces.
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.
Victoria and Albert Museum · London
This completely reimagined museum in Bethnal Green celebrates design and creativity for young people. Three galleries explore play, imagination, and design skills through stunning objects and hands-on activities. Everything is touchable, climbable, or interactive.