Kingston upon Thames is a vibrant town in southwest London, offering an excellent mix of outdoor adventures, educational experiences, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of fun things to do with children right now in Kingston. From parks and riverside fun to interactive museums and cultural events, Kingston is a perfect destination for a family day out. Here’s a guide to the best activities for families with children in Kingston right now.
1. Riverside Walk and Boat Ride
One of the most charming aspects of Kingston is its beautiful riverside location on the River Thames. A leisurely stroll along the riverbank is perfect for families, especially when the weather is nice. Children can spot ducks, swans, and other wildlife along the way, and the views are stunning. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not hop on a boat ride? Several companies offer family-friendly river tours, providing a unique perspective of the area and its history. For a fun day out, you could combine a riverside walk with a relaxing boat ride.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free for walks; Boat rides from around £8 per person
- What’s on Right Now: Scenic riverside walks and family-friendly boat tours.
2. Browns Road Park
If you’re looking for a great spot for outdoor play, Browns Road Park is a perfect choice. This well-maintained park features a fantastic playground with slides, swings, and climbing structures for children of all ages. There’s plenty of green space for running around, picnicking, or playing games like football and frisbee. During the warmer months, the park becomes a lovely location for family outings and is ideal for younger children who enjoy spending time outdoors.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, picnics, and outdoor games.
3. Kingston Museum and Heritage Service
For a more educational day out, head over to the Kingston Museum, which is a great place for children to learn about the town's rich history. The museum offers interactive exhibits, including displays on local archaeology, art, and social history. There’s even a special children’s gallery with activities designed to engage younger visitors. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to discover the history of their surroundings, with hands-on learning experiences that make history come alive.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free (donations welcome)
- What’s on Right Now: Interactive exhibits, children’s activities, and learning about Kingston’s history.
4. Bushy Park
Just a short drive from Kingston, Bushy Park is one of London’s largest and most beautiful parks. Ideal for a family day out, the park is home to free-roaming deer, wide open spaces, and tranquil waterways. There are several playgrounds in the park, including one with a fun splash zone for children to enjoy during warmer days. Whether you're cycling, walking, or playing, Bushy Park offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle, making it an excellent spot for families to relax and explore nature together.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Deer watching, nature walks, playgrounds, and water play.
5. Kingston’s Ancient Market Place
The Ancient Market Place in Kingston is a lively area that is perfect for a family outing. The historic market is home to a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food, making it a fun place to explore with children. On weekends, there are often additional events, such as live music performances, street food markets, and other seasonal activities. It's an excellent way to enjoy Kingston's vibrant culture and give kids a chance to see local crafts and taste new foods.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Ticket Price: Free entry; food and goods vary in price
- What’s on Right Now: Live performances, street food, and shopping at the market stalls.
6. The Rose Theatre
For families looking for some indoor entertainment, the Rose Theatre Kingston is an excellent venue. This family-friendly theatre often puts on plays, performances, and workshops aimed at children. From classic children’s stories to more modern productions, there’s always something on the program that will captivate younger audiences. Check out their schedule for upcoming family shows or even get involved in one of their creative workshops designed for children to express their artistic sides.
- Opening Hours: Varies depending on showtimes
- Ticket Price: Prices vary (generally starting from £10 for children)
- What’s on Right Now: Family-friendly theatre performances and interactive workshops.
7. Kingston Play Centre
If you’re looking for an indoor play option, Kingston Play Centre is a fantastic venue for younger children. This indoor soft play center offers a safe and fun environment for kids to play, climb, and slide to their heart’s content. With areas designed for different age groups, parents can relax while their children enjoy hours of entertainment. There’s also a café on-site, so you can grab a coffee or a snack while the kids burn off some energy.
- Opening Hours: Check local schedule for opening hours
- Ticket Price: £5-£8 per child (depends on age)
- What’s on Right Now: Soft play, slides, and family fun indoors.
8. Royal Kingston and Riverside Walk
Take a stroll through the Royal Kingston area, a beautiful part of the town with a historic feel and plenty of family-friendly attractions. Walk along the riverside, where you can watch the boats and enjoy the fresh air. For families with little ones, there are benches and picnic spots along the way, so you can stop and take in the lovely views. In addition to the scenic walk, you’ll also find several cafés and ice cream parlours to treat the kids to something sweet.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Riverside walks, family strolls, and sightseeing.
9. Chessington World of Adventures
If you're looking to travel just outside Kingston for an exciting day trip, Chessington World of Adventures is only a short drive away. This popular theme park features thrilling rides, a zoo, and live entertainment, making it an ideal destination for families with children of all ages. From the vibrant animal exhibits to the heart-pumping roller coasters, Chessington offers a full day of excitement and adventure.
- Opening Hours: Seasonal (check online for current hours)
- Ticket Price: Adults £35, Children £30 (prices may vary)
- What’s on Right Now: Thrilling rides, animal exhibits, and family-friendly shows.
10. Kingston Library
For a quieter, yet equally enjoyable activity, Kingston Library is a great place to visit with younger children. The library offers a wide selection of children’s books and often hosts regular storytelling sessions and family workshops. It’s a wonderful way to get children interested in reading, as well as encourage creativity and learning. Parents can also enjoy some quiet reading time while the little ones get involved in library activities.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Storytime sessions and children’s workshops.
11. Ultimate Activity Camps at Holy Cross Prep School
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in Kingston? 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: https://www.ultimateactivity.co.uk/locations/holy-cross-school/booking
Kingston upon Thames is a fantastic family-friendly destination with a wealth of activities to keep children entertained, engaged, and learning. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures by the river, educational experiences at museums, or indoor play options, Kingston offers it all. It’s the perfect place for a day out with your little ones, no matter the season.