Family-friendly Walks in London
Planning a day out with the family? Here are some not-to-be-missed hidden gems that are perfect for the little ones.
If you want even more fun activities, our friends at Kidadl offer a super simple way to find and book amazing experiences for your family. Check out activities all around London that are recommended by other parents like you.
North of the city
1. Spitalfields city farm
If you’re in East London, what’s better than picking up some bagels before heading on a jaunt to Spitalfields City Farm to see some lovely animals? You’ll also find some picnic spots perfect for the family which even include a mini tree house. A great place to eat those delicious bagels.
Take the kids on a proper adventure and visit London Wildlife Trusts Woodberry Wetlands in Finsbury. You’re spoilt for things to do here - insect hotels and a cafe, lots of birds to spot and huge expanses of water unlike anything you’ll have seen on your way there!
Another Finsbury gem is Harringays Railway Fields Nature Reserve. With a small play area and plenty to see, including an insect hotel and river to walk along, it’s a great walk for kids. Make sure you check their opening times before you go.
A real classic, Regents Park has fountains, pathways perfect for pushchairs and scooters as well as lots to see and places to picnic in. The fountains are perfect on a hot summer's day! Kidadl have also collected a list of attractions near this walk that your kids will love. Check it out here.
Be prepared to be blown away, this place is stunning! With vast open wetlands to gaze out on and plenty to see for little ones, flat paths to push pushchairs along and a lovely on site cafe, we’d recommend making this a proper day trip. Head to the website for opening times and latest events.
This a real London gem, you’re still within zone 4 but you won’t feel like it. With plenty of footpaths and flat ground this walk is good for strollers and little legs alike. There’s plenty to see, with the River Ching as well as a Higham Park lake, meaning plenty of birds to spot. You’ll also stroll through a peaceful forest, and if you’re here in summer plenty of wildflowers. There’s not a lot of amenities on route so make sure you stock up by the station if you need any refreshments.
South of the river
7. Horiman Museum & Gardens
As well as a mini-aquarium and exhibits including a nature base inside the museum, the Horiman has beautiful gardens to explore as well as nature trails to go on and a small enclosed farm with Alpacas in, there is also a garden to wander through which grows lots of fruit and vegetables. With outdoor instruments to play on and good footpaths it makes for a great day out with kids. The cafe has some great food options and there’s also lots of lovely cafes and restaurants in Forest Hill which is just nearby.
With no ball games or dogs allowed, this park is perfect for letting young kids roam around. There’s plenty of space for a picnic or alternatively a lovely cafe to visit with kids. As well as a wonderful kid friend section in the National Maritime Museum there’s loads to see inside and out, including a spectacular view. There’s also a great sandpit and playground and if you’re lucky you might even spot some deer. Bring a picnic!
9. Surrey Docks Farm
Near the old docks, the Thames and Stave Hill (if you fancy an epic view), as well as some street food at Hawker House (open Friday & Saturday 5pm-12am), Surrey Docks farm is pretty well located and has a great onsite cafe as well. The time of year will affect which animals you can see, but Surrey Docks Farm looks after goats, cows, guinea pigs, ducks and chickens among more. Plenty for little ones to see!
Perfect walk for active kids! Tucked behind busy London Bridge you’ll find leathermarket gardens, which has a lovely playground for kids to use. Keep going and this jaunt will take you to Tanner Park, also equipped with a playground for little ones. You’re by Bermondsey street which has lots of lovely cafes if you’re peckish. Your final playground spot is at St Johns Church Park, which as well as a playground has a pirate ship! Yay! You can then walk on to city hall, which has fountains where kids can play when the sun’s out.
Bush park is beautiful and very well kept, meaning great footpaths for walks with prams or little legs. With rivers and lakes there’s plenty of ducks to spot, as well as woodland which means you can also spot of deer grazing!
12. Ladywell Fields
Naturally this walk contains a playground, perfect for kids to release some energy. It also has a bridge over the lovely Ravensbourne river, perfect for a game of poo sticks. You can also spot of ducks, butterflies and dragonflies.
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