The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
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Planning a day out with a baby or toddler in London is a great way to make your head spin. However, sometimes staying the house or just pootling to the coffeeshop on the corner can start to give you cabin fever. And we think kids are never too young to experience a little bit of culture.
So we’ve teamed up with baby expert, Melinda Nicci, CEO of Baby2Body for her amazing tips…And don’t forget Kevin Bishop‘s golden rule: never attempt to take a buggy on the tube at rush hour!
What it is: A world-famous zoo nestled in Regent’s Park, London Zoo is home to thousands of animals and packed with interactive exhibits, walk-through habitats, and underwater viewing areas.
Why Kids Love it?: From cheeky monkeys to playful penguins, kids will love exploring the animal kingdom up close. The Animal Adventure play area is a highlight, letting little ones burn off energy while grown-ups relax nearby. Another great one for toddlers learning to speak. Walk around with them or push them in the buggy and ask them what they see. This is a great place as an alternative to your usual walk around the park. You can also hire buggies and children’s scooters are allowed as long as they are supervised. Kids under 3 go Free!
KidRated Tip: Don’t miss the walk-through enclosures like the Butterfly Paradise and Land of the Lions – they’re unforgettable! Make sure you stop by the Animal Adventure zone! Designed to feature low barriers, it allows little animal lovers to come up-close with porcupines, mongooses and other curious animals. Not to mention, there’s a play zone and water play area, as well! And if you’re planning more than one visit, a Zoo membership is fantastic value, giving you access to both London and Whipsnade Zoos all year round.
Battersea Park Zoo
If London Zoo is a little much, it does get busy at peak times, or if you’re a South Londoner and the thought of trekking that far north is too much for you, the children’s zoo in Battersea Park is ideal. Small enough to not tire out little legs, but still hosting a great range of species. There’s also an adventure playground and a cafe.
What it is:
Nestled in the heart of scenic Battersea Park, this charming children’s zoo combines a vibrant mix of wildlife and interactive fun, making it one of London’s most family-friendly attractions. From exotic animals to farmyard favorites, it’s a must-visit destination for little adventurers and curious minds.
Why Kids Love it?
The brand-new Family Farmyard Fun experience lets kids get hands-on with adorable animals like goats, pigs, and donkeys. Young explorers can hand-feed farm animals, create enriching activities, and even earn a personalized certificate! Add zookeeper talks, exciting play areas, and plenty of chances to learn about conservation, and you’ve got a perfect family day out.
KidRated Tip:
Book the Family Farmyard Fun experience for an extra-special adventure – your little ones will love the zookeeper caps they get to take home! And don’t miss the chance to meet the emus and rabbits or burn off energy in the play zone after exploring the farmyard. Perfect for kids aged 3 and up!
Dad, Cassady and Donkey at Kentish Town City Farm
What are they: City farms are the perfect escape from urban life, bringing a slice of the countryside to the heart of London. With adorable animals like lambs, piglets, goats, chickens, and even alpacas, these farms offer kids the chance to get up close to nature and learn about where their food comes from.
Why Kids Love it?: Who doesn’t love feeding a friendly goat or seeing fluffy lambs in the spring? From watching reindeer at Christmas to petting chickens, geese, and other animals all year round, these farms are packed with hands-on experiences kids adore. Plus, many farms have play areas and seasonal activities like pumpkin picking or animal-themed crafts.
KidRated Tip: Plan your visit around seasonal highlights – spring for lambs, Christmas for reindeer! And the best part? Many city farms are free, making it an affordable adventure for families. Always check ahead for opening times or special events, and if you have little ones who need extra help, the staff are usually happy to assist.
Top Picks: Use our definitive guide below to explore London’s 15 amazing city farms, from Hackney City Farm to Surrey Docks Farm, and discover a family day out that combines fun, learning, and nature – all without leaving the city!
London Transport Museum, an official K-Rated attraction © Diane Auckland Fotohaus
A couple of years ago, Nick Knowles tweeted us to ask where he should take his two year old for a London day out and Twitter almost broke with the number of our followers yelling The London Transport Museum!
With loads of family workshops, the All Aboard Family Play Zone (ages 0-7) and of course the subject matter: trains and buses, there’s hardly a parent in London who hasn’t taken their kids here at some point!
What it is: One of the world’s greatest museums, the British Museum in Bloomsbury showcases over two million years of history, art, and culture from around the globe. Its iconic Great Court and world-famous artifacts, like the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian mummies, make it a must-visit destination.
Why Kids Love it? The museum is a treasure trove for curious minds, with plenty of hands-on family activities, interactive trails, and themed backpacks to borrow. Kids will love exploring ancient civilizations, from the secrets of the pharaohs to the marvels of the Roman Empire.
KidRated Tip: Don’t miss the museum’s free family activity weekends! They include crafts, storytelling, and live performances that bring history to life in a fun, memorable way.
What it is: One of the world’s greatest museums, the British Museum in Bloomsbury showcases over two million years of history, art, and culture from around the globe. Avoid the crowds around the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marble and spend time in the quieter rooms. Drop into one of the free Little Feet sessions for under 5s. These sessions offer opportunities for creative play, making and exploring.
Why Kids Love it?: The museum is a treasure trove for curious minds, with plenty of hands-on family activities, interactive trails, and themed backpacks to borrow. Head off to the galleries to practise counting, look for colours and spot some shapes with one of the free under 5s trails. There’s a dedicated backpack for under 5s with tools and tips to help them make the most out of their visit.
KidRated Tip: Don’t miss the museum’s free family activity weekends! They include crafts, storytelling, and live performances that bring history to life in a fun, memorable way.
Dilys loved her visit to the Horniman
Full of all kinds of bizarre artefacts, the Horniman holds great weekday activities for preschoolers. The gardens are also perfect for exploring toddlers. And it’s FREE!
What it is: Situated in Forest Hill, the Horniman Museum is a unique blend of anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments. Its stunning gardens and aquarium add to the appeal, making it a fantastic day out for families.
Why Kids Love it?: With its famous stuffed walrus, interactive galleries, and hands-on activities, the museum offers endless opportunities for discovery. The outdoor musical instruments and animal walk in the gardens are especially popular with kids. On Tuesdays, join lively sessions for Under 5s and their carers. Storytellers change every week, with enchanting stories from around the world, songs and a whole lot of Horniman fun, created with very young children and their carers in mind. Tickets cost £2.50, accompanying adults free.
KidRated Tip: Take a picnic to enjoy in the gardens, and don’t forget to visit the aquarium, where kids can marvel at jellyfish, seahorses, and exotic reef fish. Their Hands on Base is open on Saturdays mornings for fun sessions that will explore different themes using objects from our handling collection.
Uniqlo Tate Play
The Tate Modern has a free programme of playful art-inspired activities for families that comes highly recommended. More things for families to see and do are always unveiled during school holidays, as well as free workshops and creative materials on offer during term time. Accessibility is good around most of the building so it’s totally fine to bring a buggy and the baby changing rooms are pretty good too.
What it is: Located on London’s Southbank, Tate Modern is a world-famous art gallery showcasing contemporary and modern art from the 1900s to today. It’s free, though some exhibitions require a ticket, and it’s packed with exciting things for families to discover.
Why Kids Love it?: It offers a fun and creative environment where kids can explore art through interactive installations, games, and family-friendly events. From the digital sketch pads at Tate Draw to imaginative activities like recreating art poses or guessing games in the galleries, it’s a place where art feels approachable and exciting.
KidRated Tip: Don’t miss the UNIQLO Tate Play events – they’re free and perfect for hands-on creative fun! And if you need a break, head to the Level 3 Espresso Bar for a Pick and Mix kids’ lunch. Keep an eye out for playful artworks like Yayoi Kusama’s vibrant installations – they’re always a hit with younger visitors.
Little Angel Theatre
This Puppet Theatre puts on all kinds of plays for young ones. Grown-ups can appreciate the real artistry in the puppetry while the babies can be enthralled by the lovely stories brought to life.
They also run participation activities such as their Saturday Puppet Club, Crafty Kids Club and Youth Theatre, and regular Kids Fun Days and holiday clubs.
The Lyric Hammersmith is great for kids of all ages. Sign up to their mailing list to be the first to hear all about their great children’s offering. Be aware that each production has a different age limit, but there are generally a few things for babies and toddlers.
Check out their ‘Little Lyric’ page to find the best event for your child. You can filter what kind of event, age and when you’d like it to be. Past events have been Frankenstein for Kids, Eggs On Legs and Thumbelina!
via polkatheatre.com
The Polka Theatre caters for kids aged 0-13 so some shows are for older kids but there are also events specifically for babies. They also present Toddler Performances of some shows.
Our recommendation: The Paper Dolls (11th Dec – 5 Jan) for ages 3-6. This production is back for a limited 4 week run after such great response from the first one. The website is also very clearly labelled making it easier to find the best show for you and your young family.
Artsdepot
There’s almost always something on here for children aged 3+. Their venue incorporates a 395 seat theatre, 148 seat studio theatre, Creation Space (research lab), gallery, drama, dance and art studios, free children’s playspace, café and bar. Book now for The Gruffalo (22nd Oct – 27 Oct).
Amy in the Summer Book at the Unicorn Theatre
Another clear website to help you find the right performances for under 4s. (Look in the XS category). There are shows just for babies as well as programmes for toddlers. The Unicorn Theatre, a short walk from London Bridge is also one of the coolest theatre buildings in the UK for all ages.
Seating area of the cafe just outside the Princess Diana Memorial Playground
Located in the North West corner of Kensington Gardens, the Diana Memorial Playground is just about the best playground in the world. The large ship at its centre is a sight to behold.
There are various toys and sculptures dotted around to inspire creativity and plenty of seating for parents. The pirate ship itself has its own beach, which only adds to the sense of adventure! There are tepees to play in and a sensory trail, which is part of an overall design to bring less able and able-bodied children to play together, sharing in discovery and growing in confidence.
Not to be confused with the Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, but go there too, who doesn’t love paddling in fountains on a hot day?
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The Tumbling Bay Playground features rock pools, sandpits, tall treehouses, and wobbly bridges, as well as slides, swings and plenty of space to run about. Pleasure Gardens Play Areas have gigantic red rocks form challenging climbing frames up to broad slides, with oversized swings and a giant sandpit that means waiting your turn isn’t an issue.
Waterworks fountain is another feature of the Olympic Park. With 195 individually controlled jets of water, this fountain is a firm favourite for visitors of all ages. Stand between the snaking pathway of the fountain and you will find yourself in a labyrinth of computer-controlled walls of water. At night, when the shrieks of soaked visitors die down, the fountain lights up with a colourful neon glow.
A visit to the Olympic Park great for toddlers and babies. The park is very accessible for buggies. Though it’s best to avoid on days when West Ham are playing at home.
Southbank Centre
Super accessible for buggies and packed with fun things for all the family to enjoy. It’s impossible to be bored when visiting the Southbank Centre. They have loads of specific under 5s events on their website including, Gong Babies, FUNharmonics, Circus 1903 and Dragon Babies.
There are also loads of great baby and toddler-friendly restaurants like Giraffe.
Having a Swim. Photo: Alasdair Muir
Located in Stratford, Discover is where stories come alive. There is storytelling for under 3s, and a newly renovated story world and story garden. Perfect for little ones with fledgeling imaginations.
Day passes cost £6.50. There are two floors of immersive play spaces called Story Worlds and Story Gardens. Your day pass will give you access to these, as well as, the garden and cafe.
At the moment they have an amazing exhibition on every day until Jan 5: The Tiger Who Came to Tea. £1.50 in addition to your day pass. An immersive exhibition, for all ages, of the world of Judith Kerr’s creations – The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog the Forgetful Cat.
Barbican Centre
The Barbican often holds baby and toddler-friendly (free!) events. Plus there is plenty of room to roam around. At the cinema, there are monthly parent and baby screenings.
They have a Squish Space (16 April 2019 – 31 March 2020) which is a sensory play area for children under 5.
Kids eat free! – One child under 12 eats free for every adult ordering a main meal
Read more about how to get cheaper cinema tickets here.
The Electric on Portobello Road – Julia Bradbury loves their Electric Scream screenings for parents and babies.
Along with the Barbican here are some other cinemas with parent and baby screenings.
Grooving to the Monski beat
Monski Mouse is a DJ and Mum with quite a story (check out her website to know more). Monski Mouse launched her signature parents and children’s dance event, Baby Disco Dance Hall in 2012 at the Adelaide Fringe in a sold-out debut season. it has gone on to tour 14 cities across the UK and Australia.
Her baby discos can be found in London, Brighton and Edinburgh. The mix of retro classics, contemporary pop and nursery appeals to both parents and babies.
courtesy of bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk
The 2 to 4-hour party people put on discos all across London and the UK. They’re an independent, grassroots music and events crew of seasoned ravers and parents that put on family raves with all the freedom and excitement of a mini-festival, right in the heart of cities and towns across the UK.
If you see an event near you, buy in advance as these tickets fly off the shelves.
Here’s one strictly for the summer months but it’s good to know there are some great water fountain locations that are perfect for kids to splash around in while you can keep one eye on them as you bask in the sun. Don’t forget to pack some shade, some sunscreen, towels, a change of clothes and of course a picnic – it’s a free day out remember!
South Bank Centre – Although, your kids probably won’t realise, Jacob Hein’s aquatic structure Appearing Rooms is actually an interactive art installation. The jets send walls of water high into the air creating ‘rooms’. So if you time your entrance correctly you can actually go inside them and remain completely dry.
Top Tip: You can use the numerous toilets in the South Bank Centre as a makeshift changing room.
Others include
Granary Square
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, Hyde Park
More London
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford
Merchant Square, Paddington Basin
John Madejski Garden Fountains at the V&A
Again, if you combine this visit with a trip to one of the museums in the vicinity you’ve got a very fun, free day out.
Clink Prison Museum
Matilda the Musical
