Play & Activities
7 min read
1
Play & Activities
7 min read
7 min read
7 min read
Looking for fun things to do with your toddler that don’t involve long journeys or entire evenings spent planning? We’ve got you.
We’ve rounded up some of the best parks in South London, plus soft play centres, museums, libraries, and family-friendly cafes in South London - all just a short walk, bus or train ride from our Busy Bees nurseries.
Exploring your local area with your child isn’t just a convenient way spend an hour or two, it’s a great for their development. Outings like these give little ones the chance to socialise, discover new places, and burn off energy, all while learning about the world around them.
Luckily, London is packed with options: from toddler-friendly museums and adventure playgrounds to some of the best parks in South London and laid-back cafes perfect for families.
One of the best parks in London for toddlers to run free and play, Vauxhall Park is a medium-sized park that has plenty for your child to explore. It includes a model village, children’s play area, a lavender garden and plenty of flat walkways and shaded benches for walk and rest.
Location: Lawn Ln, London SW8 1JY
How to get there: A 15-minute walk or 12-minute bus ride (87, 77, 196, or 452 buses) from Busy Bees South Lambeth Wandsworth.
A soft play area in South London located inside Southside Shopping centre and specially designed for children aged 5 and under, perfect for squeezing in a dose of adventure before heading home.
The kids space play area includes slides, a ball pit, a reading area and a dress-up station, brilliant for letting your little one run around and get creative after a busy day at nursery. There are also baby-changing facilities inside the shopping centre.
Location: First floor, Southside Shopping Centre, London SW18 4AU
How to get there: A 15-minute walk or 12-minute bus ride (44 or 28 buses) from Wandsworth Nursery Pre-School.
A delightful museum for grown-ups and little ones alike, the Garden Museum has interactive displays as well as a learning centre overlooking the garden.
What’s more, the museum offers regular arts and crafts sessions for children as well as activity packs and ‘explorer backpacks’ that can be borrowed from the front desk.
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Location: Lambeth Palace Road London, SE1 7LB
How To Get There: A 15-minute bus ride (77 bus) from Busy Bees South Lambeth Wandsworth
We’re huge advocates for the magic of books, and Putney Library’s shelves are bursting with exciting adventures, just waiting for your little one to discover them.
From tried-and-true classics, to exciting new authors, Putney Library’s section for children includes a range of books suitable for all ages, arranged on child-friendly shelves which make it easy for your little one to pick out their favourite books.
The library also runs regular events for toddlers including story time and baby rhyme time. An on-site cafe and baby changing facilities are also available.
Location: 5-7 Disraeli Rd, London SW15 2DR
How To Get There: A 12-minute bus ride (37 or 337 buses) or a 20-minute walk from Montessori by Busy Bees Putney.
Leader’s Gardens is a park in South London that has a children’s play area suitable for under 7s and a cafe that overlooks the play area with outdoor seating.
There’s a rich range of trees and botanical life as well as views across the Thames for your child to learn more about the natural world.
Location: Putney Embankment, London SW15 1LW
How To Get There: Take the 337 bus from nearby Montessori by Busy Bees Putney to the Putney Methodist Church (Stop M), then take a 12-minute walk up to Putney Embankment.
This soft play area in South London offers a range of activities to inspire little ones ready to learn and explore. They offer sensory classes for babies, as well as play and learn classes and toddler music sessions. Sessions are split between age groups suitable for babies up to five years of age.
Location: The Exchange Shopping Centre, Putney High St, London SW15 1TW
How To Get There: Take the 37 or 337 bus from nearby Montessori by Busy Bees Putney to Merton Road. The centre is a ten-minute walk from the bus stop.
Nestled in one of South London’s best parks - Battersea Park - the Children’s Zoo is a brilliant day out for young explorers. With over 100 animals to see, adventure playgrounds to run around in and regular workshops and animal meet and greets for little ones, the zoo offers plenty of fun and education for growing minds.
Location: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
How To Get There: A 17-minute walk or 15-minute bus ride (334 bus) from Busy Bees Battersea Nursery and Pre-School to Battersea Park.
As well as being home to the Children’s Zoo, Battersea Park is a large, spacious park with lots for the whole family to explore. The park has a number of beautiful, historic gardens as well as a number of sculptures.
There are also toilet facilities located throughout the park and four cafes and eateries offering both light refreshments and sit-down meals.
Location: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
How To Get There: A 17-minute walk or 15-minute bus ride (334 bus) from Busy Bees Battersea Nursery and Pre-School.
This iconic London landmark boasts several of child-friendly activities, making Battersea Power Station one of the best locations for shopping, eating and adventure playgrounds in South London.
Explore the toddler-friendly Macaroni Penguin soft play area or visit the colourful outdoor Prospect Playground. For older children, you might also want to explore the Jurassic World interactive experience or take the Lift 109 to the top of the power station to take in the skyline views.
Location: Battersea Power Station, London SW11 8BJ
How To Get There: A ten-minute walk from Busy Bees Battersea Nursery and Pre-School.
Located inside Croydon’s Clocktower, this four-storey library has a dedicated children’s section as well as events for your little ones to learn and socialise, including story time and rhyme time sessions.
Location: Katharine St, Croydon CR9 1ET
How To Get There: A 20-minute bus ride (119, 116, 154) from Busy Bees Croydon, or a 25-minute walk.
Kidspace Croydon has an array of exciting play areas for children of all ages, including slides, climbing walls, go-karts and play frames. For toddlers, your little one will love the centre’s dedicated toddler village, interactive sand box and drawing section. For parents, there’s plenty of seating and a cafe to refuel after playtime.
Location: 619 Purley Way, Croydon CR0 4RQ
How To Get There: A 20 minute walk from Busy Bees Croydon or approximately 15 minutes on the 119 bus.
Aquatots offers fun and educational swim sessions suitable for babies and toddlers. Classes are available for all skill levels from babies up to five years old. The spacious South Croydon pool offers plenty of room for little swimmers to get confident in the water and learn something new.
Location: Croydon, CR2 6EA
How To Get There: A 20 minute walk from Busy Bees Croydon or approximately 15 minutes on the 119 bus.
Entry to the main museum and gardens is free at the Horniman, making it an affordable and educational day out.
The museum houses a collection of natural history exhibitions as well as a collection of musical instruments, some of which are thousands of years old. Other things to explore include the aquarium, butterfly house and a robot zoo featuring larger-than-life animals and interactive exhibits.
Location: 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ
How To Get There: A 40-minute bus ride (P4, 136, 185) or train ride (Overground or National Rail) from Busy Bees Lewisham.
Let your child’s imagination run wild with this cute roleplay cafe in South London. Aimed at the under-5s, the Tots in London play area allows children to play in a model shop, restaurant, library and hair salon, with dress-up options for the little ones and a real cafe where parents can grab coffee while their children play.
Location: 10 Tanner's Hill, London, SE8 4PJ
How To Get There: A 14-minute walk or 12-minute bus ride from Busy Bees Lewisham.
This South London leisure centre offers swim sessions for all age groups as well as a dedicated teaching pool for little swimmers. The centre is also home to a Just Little Kids childcare and activity centre, including learn and play sessions, water play and arts and crafts.
Location: 41 Loampit Vale, London, SE13 7FT
How To Get There: An 8-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride (436, 21, 136, 321) from Busy Bees Lewisham.
Whether you’re heading out after nursery or planning a weekend adventure, these family-friendly activities make it easy to enjoy time with your toddler, without having to travel far. From soft play sessions and libraries to the best parks and cafes in South London, there’s something nearby for every kind of day out.
Want to know more about how our nurseries support your child’s development in and outside the classroom? Get in touch with your local Busy Bees nursery to learn more.
by Busy Bees
Published: 10/09/2025
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