Wimbledon is often synonymous with tennis, but this charming area in southwest London offers so much more for families with children. From outdoor adventures in parks to interactive cultural experiences, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Whether you're a local or visiting for the day, here are some of the best activities to explore in Wimbledon right now!
1. Wimbledon Common
Wimbledon Common is a fantastic spot for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. This expansive green space offers endless opportunities for fun, from picnicking to wildlife watching. The Common is perfect for a leisurely walk, and there are several playgrounds that children will love. You can also enjoy a family bike ride or rent a pedalo on the nearby ponds. If your kids love animals, keep an eye out for the local horses, rabbits, and birds that frequent the area.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours a day
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Outdoor play, nature walks, and family picnics.
- Learn more: https://www.wpcc.org.uk/
2. Wimbledon Park
Located near the famous tennis courts, Wimbledon Park is another wonderful park for families. The park features a large lake, where you can rent pedal boats during the warmer months, and a fantastic playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames. It’s a great place for children to burn off some energy while parents relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. During spring, the park's lush green areas are perfect for a family picnic or a fun day of frisbee and games.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, picnics, and outdoor sports.
- Learn more: Wimbledon Park
3. The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
A visit to The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is a must for families with older children or teens who love tennis. Right now, the museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the Wimbledon Championships through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays. Kids can explore the evolution of tennis, check out memorabilia from past tournaments, and learn about their favourite tennis stars. It’s both fun and educational, offering a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: £12 for adults, £6 for children (under 5s go free)
- What’s on Right Now: Interactive exhibits, Wimbledon history, and tennis memorabilia.
- Learn more: Wimbledon.com
4. Polka Theatre
For families with young children, the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon is a brilliant choice. Known for its children’s plays and performances, the theatre offers a wide range of shows for various age groups. Right now, Polka Theatre has some exciting family-friendly performances on its schedule. Whether it’s a magical story or a whimsical adventure, your children will be captivated by the live performances. The venue also often runs workshops for children to get involved in creative activities.
- Opening Hours: Varies by performance
- Ticket Price: Prices vary (typically £10-£15 per child)
- What’s on Right Now: Family theatre performances and children’s workshops.
- Learn more: Polkatheatre.com
5. Morden Hall Park
Just a short distance from Wimbledon, Morden Hall Park is a beautiful National Trust site that offers lots of fun activities for families. The park has a lovely café, perfect for a family snack after a walk around the grounds. Kids will enjoy exploring the wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, as well as the park’s charming garden. There’s also a wonderful play area for children, where they can play and interact with other kids. If you're visiting during the spring, the flowers in bloom will make it even more magical.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free (some activities may require booking)
- What’s on Right Now: Nature walks, playground fun, and seasonal garden displays.
- Learn more: Nationaltrust.org.uk
6. Wimbledon Windmill Museum
For a fun and educational experience, head to the Wimbledon Windmill Museum. The museum is housed inside a historic windmill and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of milling. Right now, there are interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for children to learn how windmills work. The museum is a fantastic way for kids to get a taste of local history and engage in some creative learning.
- Opening Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Ticket Price: £2 for adults, £1 for children
- What’s on Right Now: Historical exhibits, windmill demonstrations, and fun learning activities.
7. The All England Club
For a more immersive tennis experience, consider visiting the All England Club, the iconic venue for the Wimbledon tennis championships. Although the famous tournament happens only once a year, you can still take a guided tour of the grounds, where kids can learn about the history of Wimbledon, visit the famous Centre Court, and even see where some of the world’s best players have competed. The tours are available right now and are a great way to introduce kids to the excitement of professional sports.
- Opening Hours: Varies by tour availability
- Ticket Price: £27 for adults, £10 for children
- What’s on Right Now: Guided tours, Wimbledon history, and Centre Court visits.
8. The Friendly Local Library
For families looking for a quieter activity, Wimbledon Library is an excellent place to spend some time. The library often has reading sessions, storytelling events, and even craft workshops for children. Right now, they’re running a variety of interactive activities designed to engage young minds, including book clubs and art workshops. It’s a great option for a relaxing yet fun family outing.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Storytelling sessions, reading clubs, and craft workshops.
9. Wimbledon Village
Wimbledon Village is a lovely area for families to stroll around, with its mix of charming shops, cafés, and boutique stores. The village is perfect for a relaxed family outing, and right now, many of the local shops and cafés are offering special deals and family-friendly promotions. You can enjoy a family lunch at one of the local cafés, explore the village’s lovely streets, and grab some treats to take home. The village has a wonderful atmosphere and is perfect for a more laid-back family day out.
- Opening Hours: Varies by shop
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Family-friendly cafes, shopping, and seasonal promotions.
10. Tennis at the All England Club
Wimbledon is synonymous with tennis, and right now, there’s no better way to embrace the sport than by signing up for a family tennis lesson at the All England Club. There are special programs available for children, offering them the opportunity to learn the basics of tennis in a fun and supportive environment. The All England Club offers a unique setting for a tennis lesson, with a chance to experience the legendary venue up close.
- Opening Hours: Varies by lesson
- Ticket Price: Prices vary
- What’s on Right Now: Family tennis lessons and skill-building sessions.
Wimbledon is more than just the home of tennis – it’s a vibrant, family-friendly destination with a wealth of activities to keep kids entertained. From outdoor adventures in the parks to educational visits to museums and even a taste of the iconic tennis culture, there’s no shortage of fun things to do right now. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, play outdoors, or simply relax in a scenic setting, Wimbledon has something for every family. So, grab your family and make the most of these fantastic activities!