Sutton, located in the heart of South London, is a fantastic spot for families looking for fun and engaging activities. Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident, there are plenty of places to explore with children, from outdoor adventures to indoor attractions. If you’re looking for some ideas to entertain the little ones, here’s a roundup of the best family-friendly activities happening in Sutton right now!
1. Sutton Ecology Centre: Nature and Outdoor Adventures
For families who enjoy spending time outdoors and connecting with nature, the Sutton Ecology Centre is the perfect destination. Nestled in the heart of Carshalton, this community hub offers a range of nature-based activities. Kids can explore the beautifully maintained gardens, take part in educational workshops, or join one of their regular wildlife sessions.
Current Activities:
- Nature walks: Explore the local wildlife and teach the kids about birds, plants, and insects.
- Wildlife identification: Learn to identify different animals and plants, perfect for curious young minds.
- Seasonal events: Check out the centre’s seasonal workshops like seed planting, gardening, or nature crafts.
- Learn More: https://sncv.org.uk
It’s a great way to get kids outdoors, appreciate the environment, and get involved with nature in a hands-on way!
2. Beddington Park: A Day in the Great Outdoors
If your family enjoys picnics, playing sports, or simply walking through nature, Beddington Park is an excellent spot to spend the day. With large open spaces, playgrounds, and beautiful lakes, there’s something for everyone. The park is especially ideal for families with children as there are plenty of safe areas to explore, including a charming café for when you need a break.
Current Activities:
- Playground fun: The park features a children’s playground, ideal for kids to burn off energy.
- Boating on the lake: While a peaceful stroll is relaxing, older children might enjoy spotting wildlife near the lake or even enjoying a boating session (available in warmer months).
- Seasonal walks: Beddington Park looks stunning in every season, with picturesque paths to enjoy and seasonal activities like autumn leaf hunts and winter walks.
- Learn More: https://www.sutton.gov.uk
It’s a fantastic space for a day of family relaxation and exploration.
3. Honeywood Museum: Discover Sutton’s History
For families looking to combine learning with fun, Honeywood Museum offers an educational experience for children of all ages. This charming local museum, housed in a historic house in Carshalton, showcases the fascinating history of Sutton and its surrounding areas. Children can learn about the past through interactive displays, costumes, and artifacts.
Current Activities:
- Museum tours: Take a guided tour of Honeywood House, where kids can discover how people lived in the past and what life was like in Sutton hundreds of years ago.
- Seasonal workshops: Look out for creative workshops such as arts and crafts, historical games, and storytelling sessions.
- Local history exhibits: Explore exhibits on local industries, natural history, and the history of Carshalton, making it an excellent learning opportunity for children.
- Learn More: https://libraries.sutton.gov.uk
Honeywood Museum provides a wonderful, hands-on way to introduce children to the local history and culture of Sutton.
4. Nonsuch Park
Nonsuch Park is a very large open space with an extensive network of both surfaced and unsurfaced paths. It is home to a variety of different species of flowers, birds and insects.
Nonsuch Mansion House is situated in the centre of the park. The Nonsuch Pantry Cafe adjoins the Mansion House, providing refreshments and ice creams.
Learn More: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk
5. The Grove Park: Play and Explore
Another wonderful park to visit in Sutton is The Grove Park, which is perfect for a family day out. Located in the heart of Sutton, this park has a wonderful playground for kids, as well as lots of open green space for games and outdoor fun.
Current Activities:
- Playgrounds: The park has a fantastic playground, including climbing frames, swings, and slides that will keep the kids entertained for hours.
- Family picnic: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch surrounded by greenery, perfect for families looking to enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
- Seasonal nature walks: Like other local parks, The Grove Park is also a lovely spot for nature walks. It’s a peaceful setting to explore, with lovely flower beds and nearby walking paths.
This is a great option for families who want to stay local and enjoy a laid-back day together outdoors.
6. The Life Centre: Swimming and Sports
If your family loves swimming or wants to try out some indoor sports, The Life Centre in Sutton is the place to be. With a large swimming pool, sports hall, and fitness classes, it’s perfect for active families looking to keep fit while having fun.
Current Activities:
- Family swimming sessions: Take part in family-friendly swimming sessions, including fun activities for children like water toys and floating devices.
- Sports classes: The Life Centre offers a range of kids’ sports classes, including gymnastics, badminton, and tennis.
- Soft play: For younger children, the soft play area provides hours of entertainment with safe, supervised play.
Whether you’re swimming, playing sports, or exploring the soft play area, there’s something for all ages at this local leisure centre.
7. Sutton High Street: Shops, Cafés, and Family Fun
If you're looking for something more casual, a visit to Sutton High Street is a great family outing. The high street has a range of family-friendly shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as open spaces where children can run around and enjoy some fresh air.
Current Activities:
- Visit local toy stores: Kids will love browsing in some of Sutton’s toy stores, where they can discover the latest toys, games, and books.
- Family-friendly dining: There are plenty of cafes and restaurants with kid-friendly menus, making it easy to grab a bite after a busy day of exploring.
- Regular local markets: Sutton often hosts markets with stalls selling local produce, crafts, and handmade goods. It’s a fun way for families to enjoy some outdoor shopping and support local businesses.
8. Mayfield Lavender Farm
Mayfield Lavender Farm is a 25-acre lavender farm with café and shop located in Banstead, Surrey – approximately 3 miles from Central Sutton. The farm is a popular visitor attraction throughout summer, where you can wander through a sea of beautiful organic lavender. The lavender normally starts to bloom towards the middle to end of June and the peak time is July and August
Learn More: https://www.mayfieldlavender.com/
9. Ultimate Activity Camps at Sutton High School
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in Sutton? Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding, inspiring, and Ofsted-regulated activity day camps with the primary function of delivering a very high level of care and welfare for 4-14-year-olds during the Easter and Summer school holidays. We deliver this childcare through a fantastic range of exciting activities whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields or in the woods. We use our many years of experience and enthusiastic staff to create a programme that changes each day and delivers the outstanding levels of care you would expect whilst ensuring that the children of all ages are thoroughly engaged and inspired to try new activities and make new friends.
- Opening Hours: Easter and Summer School Holidays 8am to 6pm
- Ticket Price: Prices vary and early bird discounts available
- Suitable for: Children aged 4-14 years
- Book here: Sutton Summer Camps
Sutton offers a wide variety of activities for families with children, from exploring nature to enjoying live performances and engaging in educational experiences. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in the park, an interactive museum visit, or a fun afternoon at the theatre, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do. Make the most of these family-friendly activities to create lasting memories and enjoy quality time with your little ones in Sutton!