The Best Places to Visit with Young Children Near London

Planning a day out with young children can feel like organizing a military operation—timings, snacks, toilets, nap times, and constant entertainment all need to align. Fortunately, if you’re based in or around London, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to family-friendly outings. Whether you’re after outdoor adventures, animal encounters, or hands-on learning, there’s something just a short train ride or drive away that will keep both kids and parents happy.

Planning your next trip is easier with resources like Red Kite Days, which reviews attractions and days out from a parent’s perspective.

Here’s a curated list of the best places to visit with young children near London. These spots offer fun, educational, and engaging experiences—many with essential family facilities like baby-changing rooms, soft play zones, and buggy access.

1. Legoland Windsor Resort

Location: Windsor, Berkshire
Travel time from London: ~30-45 minutes by train + short bus/taxi ride

For kids aged 2–12, Legoland Windsor is a wonderland of creativity, adventure, and colour. From mini roller coasters and water rides to live shows and an incredible miniature world made entirely of Lego bricks, it offers hours of entertainment.

There are gentle rides designed especially for toddlers (like Duplo Valley), and plenty of indoor areas in case of rain. The resort is thoughtfully designed for young visitors, with buggy hire, kid-friendly food, and changing facilities widely available.

Pro tip: Book tickets in advance to save money and avoid long queues.

2. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Location: Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Travel time from London: ~1 hour by train or car

Whipsnade is one of the UK’s largest wildlife parks, home to over 10,000 animals. Unlike its sister site, London Zoo, this park offers a more open, safari-like experience. With plenty of space to run around, kids can enjoy spotting elephants, rhinos, lions, and even brown bears.

A hop-on, hop-off bus runs through the park if little legs get tired, and there’s an indoor soft play zone, picnic spots, and child-friendly restaurants.

Good to know: Whipsnade allows cars inside the zoo for an additional fee—perfect if your child naps mid-day and you want a more relaxed visit.

3. RHS Garden Wisley

Location: Woking, Surrey
Travel time from London: ~40 minutes by car

Nature-loving families will adore RHS Garden Wisley. With wide open spaces, sensory gardens, wildlife spotting, and interactive exhibits, this botanical garden is ideal for children to explore safely and freely. The Back to Nature garden, inspired by nature play, includes wooden climbing structures, a stream, and a willow den—perfect for curious young explorers.

Seasonal family trails and events often take place during holidays, adding even more value to your visit.

Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy it in the meadows or near the garden’s fountains.

4. Godstone Farm

Location: Godstone, Surrey
Travel time from London: ~45 minutes by car or train + taxi

For a hands-on countryside experience, Godstone Farm is unbeatable. Little ones can feed farm animals, hold guinea pigs, watch pig racing, and explore outdoor adventure play areas. The playbarn offers indoor fun, making it an all-weather destination.

There’s also a sensory trail, tractor rides, and story sessions, all designed with under-5s in mind.

Highlight: The Dino Trail—a short path with fun dino-themed info boards and models that add an adventurous twist to the farm visit.

5. Bekonscot Model Village

Location: Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
Travel time from London: ~30 minutes by train

Step into a miniature world at Bekonscot, the world’s oldest model village. This enchanting place has captivated children since 1929 with its tiny towns, trains, boats, and quirky characters. The scale models and attention to detail are truly mesmerizing for both kids and adults.

There’s also a playground, a small ride-on railway, and a café with child-friendly options.

Best for: Kids aged 2-6 who enjoy imaginative play and storytelling.

6. Kew Gardens

Location: Richmond, London
Travel time from central London: ~30 minutes by train or Underground

Though technically within London, Kew Gardens feels like an escape to the countryside. With over 300 acres of beautiful greenery, it offers room to roam, climb, and discover. The Children’s Garden is a dedicated space for children aged 2–12, with natural play equipment, water features, and interactive zones themed around earth, air, sun, and water.

Other highlights include the Treetop Walkway, the Palm House, and the Temperate House—each with exciting visual and sensory experiences for children.

Note: Entry to the Children’s Garden is included in the main ticket but sometimes requires a timed slot during busy periods.

7. Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park and Zoo

Location: Epsom, Surrey
Travel time from London: ~35 minutes by train

Hobbledown is a magical mix of adventure play, animals, and fantasy storytelling. Imagine a fairytale village come to life—with underground tunnels, wooden castles, and strange creatures at every turn. The park also features meerkats, llamas, parrots, and even wallabies.

Indoor play is available too, and the whole site is themed around a fictional world that really captures young imaginations.

Perfect for: Ages 3–10, especially those who love fantasy and roleplay.

8. Wellington Country Park

Location: Riseley, Berkshire
Travel time from London: ~1 hour by car

Often called “the biggest outdoor play in Berkshire,” Wellington Country Park is heaven for toddlers and young children. The park includes a splash zone, miniature railway, dinosaur trail, giant jumping pillows, soft play, and a petting zoo.

There are also over 100 acres of parkland for walks, picnics, and nature exploration. It’s a great place for kids to burn off energy in a safe and scenic environment.

Family-friendly features: Ample picnic tables, clean toilets, baby-changing stations, and plenty of shaded areas.

9. Lee Valley Park Farms

Location: Waltham Abbey, Essex
Travel time from London: ~30–45 minutes by car

Tucked away on the London-Essex border, Lee Valley Farms offers a great mix of animals, tractor rides, and adventure play. Highlights include the indoor play barn, outdoor sandpit, and animal petting sessions with sheep, goats, and smaller animals.

The site is compact enough for younger children, but still packed with activities to keep them engaged all day long.

Affordable option: Tickets here are often more budget-friendly than some larger attractions.

Final Tips for a Great Day Out:

• Pack essentials: Wipes, snacks, extra clothes, and sun hats are must-haves.
• Check ahead: Always look at the venue’s website for updated times, ticket options, and any age restrictions.
• Go early: Morning visits tend to be quieter, with shorter lines and fresher energy from the kids.

Conclusion

London’s surrounding areas are full of enchanting places where kids can learn, play, and explore in safe and stimulating environments. Whether your child is into animals, nature, trains, or climbing castles, there’s a perfect spot within an hour of the city. With thoughtful planning and the right expectations, these trips can create magical memories for the whole family.

So next weekend, pack the snacks, load up the buggy, and head out—you never know what adventure awaits just beyond the M25.