10 of the best days out in Wandsworth
Zoos, play centres and a huge outdoor pool - we pick the best places for family fun in the Wandsworth neighbourhood
1. Battersea Children’s Zoo
Battersea Children’s Zoo is a big hit with lots of our Wandsworth MFM mums. There’s a good range of animals: from monkeys, meerkats and snakes to sheep, donkeys and bunnies with the added bonus of great children’s play areas. With a great sandpit and water play area, decommissioned fire engine for little ones to sit in and playground areas for all ages, there really is something for everyone. But as Laura from Balham, mum to a 3-year-old and a 6-month-old, says, one of the best things is that the zoo is “the perfect size for little people to explore but not so much to do that they get exhausted!” Full details on Battersea Children's Zoo
2. Tooting Bec Lido
For a great day out when the weather’s good head to Tooting Bec Lido. It’s the largest fresh water, open air swimming pool in England and has been voted ‘best outdoor pool’ for two years running. The art deco pool is 91.5 metres and has a children’s paddling pool, sauna and large enclosed grass area for sunbathing, picnicking and playing. It has great facilities for families, including a café, modern changing rooms and lockers. More details about Tooting Bec Lido
3. Battersea Park
There’s so much variety in Battersea Park that it can easily provide a full day out for families on a warm day. If you take your own picnic (lots of lovely places to sit), it doesn't need to cost you a penny, except for parking. There are several formal gardens, a good size children’s playground, a fantastic adventure playground for older ones, a free one o'clock club, fountains, lake, wild gardens and even a beautiful peace pagoda to admire by the river. If you are feeling active, you can take a rowing boat or pedalo out on the lake or hire a bicycle from London Recumbents who are based in the park and have a wide range of bikes for families. More details on Battersea Park
4. It’s A Kids' Thing
Debbiella, a Battersea mum to a 21-month-old and a 4-month-old recommends this children’s activities and soft play centre as it's "small enough not to worry about your child getting lost or going out of sight, making it ideal for littler children". It also has a relaxing cafe for mums, providing a base for your little ones to take a breather from all the soft play fun. More details on It's a Kids thing
5. The Pump House Gallery
If you are looking for a different way to spend a day, pop down to The Pump House Gallery. This contemporary art space holds regular and exciting family days throughout the year with hands on activities and lots of ways to get involved. More about The Pump House Gallery
6. The Pottery Café
For a creative family day out why not take your little ones to decorate their own pottery! At The Pottery Café budding artists can choose a piece of pottery and then decorate it by hand or using hand cut sponges. And for very little ones you can also capture their tootsies with baby feet painting. More about The Pottery Café
7. Northcote Road
This busy shopping street in the heart of ‘NappyValley’ is well worth a visit. There are plenty of shops aimed at families including several toy shops, a raft of children’s clothes and shoe shops, maternity wear boutiques, buggy shops, children’s furniture shops and even a charity shop that only stocks used children’s wear and toys. Pretty market barrows line the street selling everything from delicious hand made puddings to vintage clothing. There’s no need to rush as there are plenty of family friendly cafes and restaurants to choose from as well. More about Northcote Road
8. Eddie Katz
For a fun-filled day that is sure to wear your little ones out head to Eddie Katz indoor soft play centre. It has separate areas for babies, toddlers and older children and a new WOW toys room. While your little ones burn off some energy you can make use of the cafe which has Wi-Fi and newspapers. More detail on Eddie Katz
9. Putney Heath
Take time out from the urban sprawl and head for Putney Heath’s 400 acres of woodland,scrubland, heathland, and park land. The Heath runs into Wimbledon Common and together they make up over 1,000 acres of countryside.. There are 9 ponds and a whole host of wildlife to spot including birds, frogs, deer, foxes, bats, rabbits, squirrels and more, There’s also a nature trail and windmill, or why not try a womble hunt? There are some nice country style pubs for family lunches too. More details on Putney Heath
10. Wandsworth Museum
For a cultured day out pop down to Wandsworth Museum. They host lots of great events and activities for families. Let your little ones get creative and there’s free entry for children under 6 years old. There’s also a lovely café on site, complete with under-5's play area. More details on Wandsworth Museum
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