Fun family days out with the kids in Surrey

There are so many great things to do with kids in Surrey, from enjoying natural landscapes and parks to exploring historic sites and castles. Theme parks and leisure facilities provide tons of action for lively family days out with the kids in Surrey, perfect for letting out some energy. There are also plenty of indoor activities, including museums, galleries and family-friendly entertainment.

Fun for all ages on days out with the kids in Surrey

1. Explore a sparkling crystal grotto at Painshill Park

Painshill Park is an elegant 18th-century landscape garden that’s often compared to a living work of art. A large, glassy lake is surrounded by family-friendly walking trails that wind past beautiful landmarks, including a Gothic temple and ruined abbey. You can explore a sparkling crystal grotto by the lake, a hidden hermitage in the forest and wildflower meadows.

2. Go on rides and see animals at Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers lots of different things to do with kids in Surrey in its theme park, zoo and sea-life centre. In the theme park, you’ll find a great mix of thrill rides and coasters, plus lots of adventures, play spaces and rides suitable for small kids too. You can check out animals in the zoo and sea-life centre, from penguins and sharks to giraffes, tigers, and monkeys. If you’re looking for a family resort in Surrey, their themed resort hotels onsite are perfect for a short break or holiday.

3. Play laser tag at The Big Apple

The Big Apple family entertainment centre is a good spot for family days out in Surrey, especially if you’re looking for indoor activities. You’ll find a huge, multilevel laser-tag arena here, plus a tenpin bowling centre, games rooms and a kids’ adventure play space. A full diner menu is also available if you need a mid-game snack.

4. Climb to the top of Guildford Castle

The ruins of the medieval Guildford Castle are surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering lots of space to run and play. You can go inside and climb the stairs to the top of this historic castle, where you’ll be met with incredible panoramic views over the Guildford countryside.

5. Enjoy rides and thrills at Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park Resort includes a family theme park, live events and entertainment, attractions and a themed resort hotel. The park houses lots of kid-friendly rides and attractions, including a beach and play areas specifically for families with small children. Adventure-seekers will find lots of thrill rides and rollercoasters, plus escape room games. If you’re looking for a family short break, you can even stay in a cosy shark-themed cabin inside Thorpe Park.

6. Explore a magical world in Hobbledown

Hobbledown combines a magical, themed play park and zoo into one wild adventure farm, great for a day out with the kids in Surrey. Adventure play spaces range from an enchanted castle to a mining village and include tons of climbing structures, rope courses, slides and games. Animal exhibits include camels and otters, lemurs, lorikeets, farm animals and birds of prey. You’ll also find costumed characters wandering through the park, straight from Hobbledown’s own children’s book.

7. Climb a treetop adventure course at Go Ape

Go Ape takes you across treetop adventure courses in Alice Holt Forest with obstacles, climbing, platforms, ropes and zip lines. Multiple courses offer fun challenges for adults and older kids, plus a mild adventure course suitable for young kids. The grounds also house forested walking trails, play areas and climbable structures and a kids’ play trail to follow.

8. Take a ride on the Thames Ditton Miniature Railway

If you have a little one who likes trains, they will love riding on the Thames Ditton Miniature Railway. The railway is entirely volunteer-operated by the lovely enthusiasts at Malden District Society of Model Engineers, who also generously provide a spacious picnicking meadow with tables and shady areas. A small onsite cafe offers teas, snacks and ice cream. The train operates seasonally from April through October.

9. Get lost in the hedge maze at Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace, the former home of Henry VIII, features a stunning Tudor palace and sprawling gardens. A second palace onsite is a sweeping baroque masterpiece built for William III and Mary II. Both palaces sit among beautifully landscaped grounds and ornamental gardens, and there’s also a famous hedge maze that’s a family-favourite spot to explore.

10. Picnic on the grounds of Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey includes a sweeping Edwardian house and estate that was once the home of a popular socialite. You can tour the historic manor and explore rooms with period artwork and furnishings. You’ll also find scenic walking trails and expansive garden grounds with plenty of space to picnic, run and play. Big, grassy hills are perfect for kids to roll down or to sledge down in winter snows.

11. View artwork and sculptures at The Lightbox

The Lightbox art gallery and museum houses varied collections of art, including painting and sculptures, as well as exhibitions on local and regional history. Exhibits include family-friendly interactive spaces and activities, and the gallery offers audio guides and a kid-friendly cafe. The Lightbox hosts many different workshops and events throughout the year, suitable for children of different ages.

12. Experience life on a historic farm at the Rural Life Living Museum

You can take a journey into historic farm life at the Rural Life Living Museum, where kids can explore acres of farmland, woodland and rustic barns and buildings. You’ll see artefacts and antiques, and history will be brought to life as volunteers demonstrate vintage farming tools and crafts. The museum hosts regular events, activities and markets, and it holds workshops teaching vanishing skills like blacksmithing and woodworking.

13. Watch a penguin feeding at Birdworld

Visiting Birdworld is a fun and unique thing to do with kids in Surrey. The vibrant, landscaped park and gardens house hundreds of different birds from around the world. Family-friendly exhibits include the Owl Parliament, the Songbird Aviaries and the Wren Farm. Daily events in the park include penguin feedings on Penguin Beach, animal encounters and demonstrations and talks.

14. See cars and planes at Brooklands Museum

If you have a little one who loves cars and planes, you should definitely check out Brooklands Museum on your family days out in Surrey. This motoring and aviation museum site on a former motor-racing track in Weybridge, Surrey, offers lots of kid-friendly exhibits and spaces to explore. You can follow family activity trails, see World War II bombers and air-raid shelters and let the kids wear themselves out around the old banked racetrack.

15. Go donutting and tubing on Surrey’s dry ski slopes

Surrey is home to several artificial or dry ski slopes, specifically designed to allow for snow sports year-round. The artificial surface mimics the attributes of snow, so families can ski, snowboard or go donutting and tubing in any weather. Local facilities offer lessons and day passes, including The Guildford Ski Slope, Sandown Sports and Alpine Snowsports Centre.

16. Trek with Surrey Hills Llamas

Stroll through the scenic Surrey hills with your very own, friendly llama guide, courtesy of Surrey Hills Llamas. Trek routes are tailored to your family’s fitness and abilities, and you’re matched with charismatic companion llamas who will carry your pack lunch as they walk beside you on the trail. Be sure to pack some treats, as llamas love apples and carrots. Treks are offered seasonally from March through December, and due to the walking nature of the treks, the minimum age for children is 8 years. Babies in backpack- or papoose-style carriers are also welcome.

17. Go ice skating at Guildford Spectrum

Guildford Spectrum offers year-round ice skating on an indoor Olympic-sized rink in public Skate-for-All sessions. If you or your kids are beginners, they offer Learn-to-Skate sessions for all ages, and they have skating aids available to hire for kids. They also host regular events and performances.

18. Learn about the world at The Living Planet Centre

The Living Planet Centre is the home of the World Wildlife Fund UK and offers an education and visitors’ centre that’s perfect for days out with the kids in Surrey. You’ll explore 4 interactive nature zones themed around wildlife, oceans, freshwater and forests, with plenty of engaging hands-on activities. Kids can follow a treasure hunt through the WWF centre, following clues with animal facts.

Family days out for toddler fun in Surrey

19. Explore a soft-play space at Pirate’s Landing

Pirate’s Landing is a soft-play centre for children that features a 12-metre pirate ship for kids, plus a coffee shop for parents. The centre houses a soft-play zone specifically for littles under 4 years. Play spaces are colourful and imaginative and include climbing, slides, ball pits, ropes and interactive spaces.

20. Meet farm animals at Bocketts Farm

Bocketts Farm is a lively, working family farm set in the countryside of Surrey, and it’s a great place to occupy your little ones. You can meet friendly farm animals and take a ride on a pony or a tractor. The farm has tons of themed spaces for outdoor play and activities, as well as gardens and an onsite tea room.

21. Play at Priory Park

If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Surrey, Priory Park is a great spot for family fun. The park houses a large play area with play equipment for children, as well as summer water-play features. Family-friendly walking trails wind throughout, and regular events for toddlers, kids and parents are hosted in the park. Inside the park’s pavilion, you’ll find a lovely cafe as well as accessible facilities.

22. Build sandcastles on the beach at Frensham Great Pond

Frensham Great Pond has a sandy beach perfect for family days at the beach in Surrey. You can build sandcastles and splash at the pond’s shoreline without having to worry about coastal waves you’d find in the ocean. There are also family-friendly facilities and a snack bar just off the beach.

23. Picnic by the river at Runnymede Pleasure Grounds

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, overlooking beautiful views of the River Thames, is a great spot for family days with kids in Surrey. You’ll find a fenced area with modern play equipment, a kids’ paddling pool, games and children’s amusements. There’s even an onsite cafe for snacks and drinks, or you can enjoy a picnic by the river.

24. Jump in a toddler session at Gravity Force

Toddler sessions at Gravity Force trampoline park transform the space into a toddlers’ play haven. You’ll find smaller bounces and padded tumbles, and there are lots of squishy foam areas for toddlers between walking age and 5 years old. The park requires socks for all play. For safety reasons, children under walking ages are not permitted on the trampolines.