Fun Things to Do in Croydon With Kids
Families living within and around the borough of Croydon are ideally situated to explore this wonderful town, taking full advantage of all the activities on offer for families of all ages. From paid activities to free days out, this article will explore the very best of what Croydon has to offer, as recommended by local families whose kids attend our nursery!
Free Activities for Families in Croydon
Crystal Palace Park
Image credit: Crystal Palace Park Trust
Crystal Palace Park is one of South London's largest public parks. Open 365 days a year and situated in the Borough of Bromley, it is well served by public transport and also has a large car park.
This 200-acre Grade II* listed park is home to some full-size dinosaur models built by the Victorians, the National Sports Centre, a children’s farm, a playground, a maze, an outdoor concert platform, boating and fishing lakes and plenty of green space to run about in.
Many of the park's experiences are free, including the working farm, Dinosaurs and maze; others, such as the boats, can be enjoyed for a small fee. With so much to see and do, this is definitely a park for all the family, no matter what the season!
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday - 7:30 am - 9:30 pm
Wandle Park
Wandle Park is a 4-hectare town centre park. It has been redeveloped to offer some tranquillity to an area of Croydon that has little green space. The river Wandle flows through the park, providing tranquil vistas along the banks of the river.
The park has a host of recreational opportunities, including:
- An innovative play area
- Community garden
- Rose garden
- Trim trail
- Skate park
- Children's playground
- Ornamental garden
- River Wandle
- Pond
- Bandstand
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm. See here for more details.
Whyteleafe Park
Image credit: Whyteleafe Park Pavilion (Via Facebook)
Whyteleafe Park is situated a short walk from public transport and has a spacious car park. This large open space offers 2 enclosed play areas, one for under-fives and one for older, more adventurous children.
The park is the perfect place to perfect your sporting ability with tennis courts and a large flat grass area to kick a ball or enjoy a friendly game of rounders. The large woods are perfect for the keen explorer, looking for bugs or a den to build. This park, whilst not huge, is ideal for enjoying some time in the fresh air with friends and family!
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Shirley Windmill
Image credit: Culture Croydon
One of only four windmills open to the public in Greater London, Shirley Windmill is a Tower Mill built in 1845 and has recently been restored. Both the older and younger can learn the fascinating story of how the Victorians milled flour, alongside other interesting facts about this famous part of Croydon's history.
The Windmill is usually open for guided tours on the first Sunday of every month, from June to October. Tours must be booked in advance; there is no admission charge, but a donation is recommended.
Opening Times
11 May: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
1 June - 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
6 July: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
3 August: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
7 September: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
21 September: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
5 October: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Paid Activities for Families in Croydon
Croydon Airport Visitors Centre
Image credit: Historic Croydon Airport
The Croydon Airport Visitor Centre is a volunteer-led micro-museum which opened its doors in 2000. The Visitor Centre is located in Britain’s first integrated airport terminal and control tower at Airport House in Croydon.
The Visitor Centre is open on the first Sunday of every month, with tickets usually made available two weeks in advance. Visitors must pre-book a guided tour, which will take you around the building and into the museum and control tower. Allow just over one hour for the tour, plus extra time to tour on your own. Tour group sizes are about 12 visitors. A voluntary contribution of £8 per adult is requested upon arrival.
Opening Times
Monday: Saturday - Closed
Sunday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Kidspace Croydon
Image credit: Kidspace Croydon
Kidspace Croydon is a place designed for energetic young ones, with its huge play frames, go-karts, sensory rooms, and a kids' cafe. This large indoor play space provides 2 separate play areas, ensuring that children of all ages can explore safely, and the large cafe and seating areas provide the perfect base to chill out. Time slots are 2 hours long, and parking is free.
Opening Times
Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
VUE Mighty Mornings
Many local cinemas around Croydon offer family-friendly screenings at a discounted rate. VUE offers an introduction to the world of the big screen in their family screenings. These “Mighty Morning” screenings take place during mornings on weekends and school holidays, with tickets starting from £2.49 for 4 to 11-year-olds.
Opening Times
Every weekend from 10:00 am.
Every day from 10:00 am during school holidays.
Fairfield Halls
Image credit: Fairfield Halls
Fairfield Halls is South London's largest Art Centre at the heart of Croydon, hosting theatre, concerts and musicals. With shows ranging in length and price, from Broadway Magic to childhood favourites, this magnificent venue provides the perfect introduction to life on the stage!
Opening Times
Fairfield Hall’s opening times vary depending on the shows that are currently on. See here for up-to-date show times.
Need More Advice for Local Things to Do With Your Kids?
As a local nursery delivering exceptional care to our community, we are kept well informed of all our little ones' adventures at the weekends. Our friendly team are always on hand to offer advice on how to keep your kids engaged and active; we all know a review means nothing if it doesn’t have a little one's seal of approval!
