All places in this area
9 places in this part of town
Gambado Forest Hill
Children can explore a giant soft play frame, dive into ball pools, zoom down slides, and relax in a calm sensory room for under 2s. The centre also features a dedicated under 4s zone, an upcoming laser tag arena, and an on-site café for parents. It's just a short walk from Forest Hill station, with loads of parking and buses stopping nearby.
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Dulwich Picture Gallery
England's oldest purpose-built public art gallery, set in peaceful gardens with world-class paintings and active family programming. Kids can enjoy the interactive art trails, brilliant hands-on creative workshops, and wide lawns for post-gallery running around. The ArtPlay pavilion (see separate listing) is outstanding for younger kids, but does have an entry fee.
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Dulwich Park
A classic, leafy 29-hectare Victorian park offering loads to do for families - there's recumbent bike and family banana bikes hires (great for zipping along the flat paths), a boating lake, and a top-notch playground.
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Paper Cat Book Shop
This indy children's book shop is packed with amazing books, of course, hand-picked by the very knowledgeable staff, and also runs great drop-in sessions, featuring story time, crafts and lots more - priced reasonably at £3 each.
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Art Play Pavilion at Dulwich Picture Gallery
This is a beautiful creative space within the Dulwich Picture Gallery gardens. Like an Insta-worthy playroom, kids can explore and wander through areas themed around light and sky, and relax on soft-play-style shapes, or attend some of the many excellent workshops and classes. It's aimed at babies, toddlers and children under 8, and runs everyday between 9am and 4pm with 0-2 year old and SEND sessions available. Free-to-access community groups and organisations working with families based in Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham are able to access the ArtPlay Pavilion for free on Mondays. Otherwise, tickets cost £9 for one child and up to two adults.
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Herne Hill Velodrome Kids Cycling
Endless fun on two wheels! It's a wheely good place (sorry, couldn't resist) where kids can learn to ride, build cycling confidence through coaching sessions tailored to all abilities, or race around on track cycling tasters and youth mountain biking. There's a really busy schedule so check the website to see when is best for you to go - take your own bikes or, the Frog, Learn to Cycle, and all track sessions (Track Tasters, Track Skills, Intermediate Training, Race Training and Accreditation) sessions include free, optional bike hire. Road/TT Bike sessions do not include free bike hire (they don't have Road/TT bikes to hire), and offroad sessions have an option to hire a bike for £8 extra. Riders aged 6yrs+ can take part in weekly Youth Mountain Bike sessions and youngsters aged 8yrs+ are able to try the Track Cycling Tasters.
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Mino Pottery Painting & Café
Families can paint their own pottery items like animal ornaments, plates, mugs, and vases in a relaxed cafe setting. While getting creative, you can enjoy specialty coffee, hot chocolates, sweet treats, and cafe plates. There are special weekday sessions for baby hand and footprints.
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Brockwell Park Miniature Railway
Is this London's best-value train ride? I think so! Families can ride this unique 7¼ inch gauge miniature railway through Brockwell Park, travelling between Herne Hill Gates and the Brockwell Lido... and it's only £1 each. Our kids loved this journey, and the small shop packed with souvenirs! All rides are £1 return for adults and children. Under twos travel free with a fare paying adult (+16).
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Horniman Museum and Gardens
This eclectic museum in Forest Hill ostensibly covers natural history - the kids will love the musical instruments, aquarium, and famous overstuffed walrus. The huge gardens and animal walk are free, making it ideal for a low-cost family picnic with London skyline views. There is a fee to enter the aquarium and butterfly house.
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