40 + things to do in Surrey with kids

Looking for the best things to do in Surrey with kids?  From cheap family days out to theme parks, museums, wildlife parks and outdoor adventures, this guide brings together the top family-friendly activities across Surrey.

As a Surrey local, who has raised two children here, these recommendations are based on real experiences plus tips from other families.  Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens, you’ll find plenty of tried-and-tested days out in Surrey, loved by parents and kids alike.

And if you fancy going further afield, don’t miss our suggestions for fun things to do in London with kids.

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40+ things to do in Surrey with kids

Surrey has some of the best green spaces in the country, making it easy to plan cheap family days out.  Whether you want to explore a forest, relax in a park, or let the kids loose in an adventure playground, you’ll find plenty of outdoor things to do in Surrey with kids.

If your kids enjoy climbing, Wild Wood Adventure in Stoke Park, Guildford, is a brilliant option.  Children age six and above can take on the treetop obstacles, crossing wobbly bridges, climbing cargo nets and whizzing down zip wires.

One of my favourite family days out in Surrey is a walk around Virginia Water Lake, on the edge of Great Windsor Park.  The full loop is about 4.5 miles, but if you’re visiting with younger children, I’d recommend doing a shorter walk to the Totem Pole.

Along the way, there’s always something to spot, including the Roman ruins, waterfall, the Valley Gardens, and if you’re lucky a deer or two.

Another lovely option is the walk from the Visitor Centre to Savill Garden, where you’ll find a free toddler playground at Obelisk Lawn.  They’ve also recently opened an incredible new adventure playground with treehouses, walkways, sculptures and slides.  It looks like one of the best playgrounds in Surrey.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Surrey with kids, Frimley Lodge Park is a great choice.  It’s a large recreational park next to the Basingstoke Canal, with loads of open space for ball games and running around.

There are two playgrounds, plus a pitch and putt course, a trim trail and plenty of picnic and barbeque spots.

For toddlers, I’d definitely recommend the miniature steam railway, which runs on the first Sunday of every month.  It’s always a huge hit with the little ones.

If your kids love mini-golf, I’d recommend Mr Mulligan’s Pirate Golf in Hoebridge, Woking.  It’s a fun, 18-hole pirate-themed course with water features, a raft crossing and plenty of opportunities to lose a golf ball or two.  It’s great fun for mixed-age families.

For adventurous kids and teens, Campaign Paintball in Cobham is a brilliant outdoor activity.  Set in the the Surrey countryside, they offer Paintballing, Airsoft, and Laser Tag.  I think it’s a great option for birthdays or older kids who want something more energetic.

If you’re looking for an all-weather activity in Surrey, Top Golf is always a hit, especially as you don’t even need to know how to play golf.  From your own covered bay you simply hit mini-chipped golf balls towards targets and score points. I think it’s one of the best things to do in Surrey with teenagers, and it’s open late, so it works well for evenings too.

Lightwater Country Park is one of my favourite local places to visit in Surrey with kids.  It’s a beautiful heathland park, with lakes, wildlife and plenty of space to walk, cycle and play.

I’d recommend following one the way-marked nature trails.  The purple route leads to Curley Hill, the second highest point in Surrey.  Younger children will love the playground and there’s also an adventure golf course.

Best of all, admission is free.

The Surrey Hills National Landscape is one of the most beautiful areas in South East England and I’d definitely recommend it if your family enjoys walking or exploring nature.  The scenery is stunning and there are so many family-friendly routes to choose from.   Some of our family favourites include the Lovelace Bridges Trail,  the Devil’s Punchbowl and Newlands Corner.  In my opinion, exploring the Surrey Hills is one of the best places for outdoor things to do in Surrey with kids.

One of the best family walks in the Surrey Hills is at Box Hill, near Dorking.  If you are feeling energetic, take the steep route from the bottom to the Box Hill Visitor Centre.  Kids always love crossing the iconic stepping stones on the way.

For an easier visit, park at the top and take the short walk to the viewpoint for incredible views across the North Downs.  I’d suggest you take younger kids to Natural Play Trail, which is full of wooden structures, ropes to climb and plenty of opportunities for climbing and den-making.

Another brilliant family-friendly walk in the Surrey Hills is Leith Hill, also near Dorking.  From the car park, it’s a short, but steep walk through the woods to the summit.

At the top, you’ll find Leith Hill Tower, a gothic National Trust tower and the highest point in south-east England.  It’s worth climbing to the top, as on a clear day you can see for miles, even as far as the south coast.

There’s a small servery selling tea and cakes, or you can bring a picnic and enjoy the views.  If you fancy a more challenging walk with a pub lunch, I think our circular Leith Hill route is a great option for older kids.

Owned by the National Trust, Winkworth Arboretum is a beautiful place for a family nature walk.  I’d recommend vising in autumn or spring when the colours are at the best, but it’s lovely all year round.  Kids can feed the ducks, explore the woodland paths, and play in the natural playground.

If your kids need to burn off some energy, Air Hop is one of the best trampoline parks in Surrey.  There are 50 interconnected trampolines, an obstacle course, an AirHop Bag, Extreme Dodge Attack and Slam Dunk.

Teenagers especially love it, but there are sessions for all ages, even MiniHoppers for babies from 6 months.  And if you don’t fancy bouncing, there is a café overlooking the trampolines so you can relax whilst the kids jump.

*Ad – Please note that we were kindly gifted tickets for Air Hop.  All opinions are our own.

If you are looking for indoor things to do in Surrey with kids, Guildford Spectrum is always a good choice.  It’s Guildford’s main leisure complex and has something for every age group.

As well as the main pool, there’s a leisure pool with slides and waves, which my kids always loved when they were younger.  Other family attractions at the Spectrum include ice-skating, ten-pin bowling, karting and soft play, so it’s perfect for rainy days or school holidays.

If your kids love obstacle courses Ninja Warrior Adventure Park in Guildford is a fantastic option.  Inspired by the tv show, it’s packed with climbing walls, balance beams, giant inflatables and ninja-style obstacles.

It’s a brilliant choice for rainy days, birthdays or high-energy days out.

If your kids enjoy climbing, they could try the Clip ‘n’ Climb at Places Leisure in Camberley.  It’s a colourful climbing centre with 25 interactive walls, each offering different challenges.

The walls stand over 20 feet high, but are suitable for children from 5 years old.  Sessions last 1 hr 15 minutes, including the safety briefing and equipment.

Little Street in Frimley is a brilliant choice for toddlers and pre-schoolers who love role-play.

Each themed room rooms allows them to step into a make-believe world of work, from a construction site to a hairdresser’s.  Kids can dress up, use props and ride-ons, and really let their imagination run wild.  There’s also a Little Street in West Byfleet, if that’s closer for you.

Another brilliant Surrey theme park is Chessington World of Adventures, just off the M25 and A3 near Kingston.  In my opinion, Chessington is a fantastic all-rounder, because it combines a theme park, zoo and Sea Life centre in one place.

There’s something for every age, from high-speed roller coasters to the family-friendly Gruffalo ride, so makes a great family day out. If your kids love animals, make sure to check the timetable for animal talks and feeding sessions throughout the day.

Click here for prices and tickets at Chessington World of Adventures.

For younger children, I’d highly recommend Hobbledown Adventure Park, near Epsom.  It’s one of the best family attractions in Surrey because it mixes animals with brilliant play areas.

Kids can meet a variety of animals, bounce on jumping pillows, climb wooden climbing frames, try the high ropes or even have a go at zorbing.  With both indoor and outdoor play zones, it offers a full day out that will keep your little ones entertained.

Just over the boder Legoland® Windsor is perfect for families with children aged 2-12.  With more than 55 rides and attractions,  Legoland®, including pirate shows and a mini driving school, it’s a fantastic day out for younger kids.

You can ride a dragon through a medieval castle, test out your ninja skills and explore the Miniland, a world built from 40,000 LEGO® bricks.  It’s one of the best theme parks for Surrey families with little ones.

Click here for Legoland® tickets.

If you’re looking for things to do in Surrey with kids on a sunny day, I’d recommend Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park, near Chertsey.  It’s a giant inflatable obstacle course floating on the lake, where kids can run, climb and slide and occasionally fall in to the water.  It’s brilliant fun for children and teenagers.

It’s also very easy to reach, just off the M25.

Another brilliant waterpark in Surrey is Shepperton Splash Aquapark, which has a similar inflatable obstacle course to Thorpe Lakes.

If your kids enjoy watersports, they could also try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, which are also available here.  And for something a bit quirky, you can even tour the lake on a banana bike, a bicycle with giant bananas instead of tyres.

If you’re visiting Frimley Lodge Park, it’s worth visiting the Basingstoke Canal Centre.  You can take a scenic walk along the canal, spot wildlife and learn how the lock works.

The centre itself is small, but it has a café, playground and information centre.  In summer, you can hire pedalos, canoes and kayaks, and there’s even a small campsite, if you fancy staying overnight.

On a hot day, Guildford Lido is one of the best places for families to cool down in Surrey.  The Olympic-sized heated pool is set in lovely landscaped gardens and has a flume too.  It’s a great spot for relaxing on a sunny day.

For toddlers and younger children, I’d recommend the Stoke Park paddling pool in Guildford.  Open from May to September, it’s a large, shallow pool that’s perfect for splashing, paddling, and cooling off.  Bring a picnic and enjoy a simple, free family day out.

Another perfect child-friendly day out in Surrey is Godstone Farm, just east of Reigate.  It’s perfect for younger kids who want to meet and interact with animals.

They have everything from llamas and alpacas, to pigs, goats, horses and reptiles?  There are also small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchilla. If you visit in summer, don’t miss the pigs compete in their very own hogstacle race!

With over 500 animals, an indoor play barn and huge outdoor play areas, I think Godstone Farm is a brilliant all-weather family attraction.

Located in Bucks Horn Oak, near Farnham, Birdworld is the UK’s largest bird park, covering over 26 acres and home to over 600 birds from around the world. It’s a brilliant family day out, that’s both educational and fun.

As well as daily talks and feeding sessions, Birdworld has recently added two fantastic immersive play areas that children will absolutely love.  Outside, there’s a huge adventure zone with rope nets, raised walkways, bridges and giant birds nests, perfect for climbing and balancing.  Indoors, you’ll find a new play barn with suspended nets, slides and poles.

Chobham Adventure Farm is a brilliant choice if you are looking for things to do in Surrey with younger kids.  Children can interact with a variety of farm animals, and there are fantastic indoor and outdoor play areas.

Inside, there’s a soft play for under-threes and a larger climbing zone for older children.  Outside, kids can enjoy the toddler trim trail, sky trail,  bouncy pillows, a huge sand pit, secret tunnels, a zipline and donut slide.  It hadn’t been built when my kids were younger, but looks like a fantastic family attraction for younger kids in Surrey.

The British Wildlife Centre in Lingfield is a fantastic place to take kids if you want them to see British animals in a natural setting.  The centre is home to over 40 native species, including foxes, deer, badgers, wildcats, and otters.

Most of the centre is outdoors, but there are also undercover areas such as the Barn and the Nocturnal House, which is great if the weather turns.  Children can learn more about the wildlife at the keeper talks, which take place every half hour.

If you’re kids enjoy exploring and spotting unusual things, I’d really recommend The Sculpture Park on the outskirts of Farnham.  It’s a unique mix of art and nature, with more than 650 sculptures displayed across 10 acres of woodland and lakes.  You don’t need to be an art lover to enjoy it.  In my opinion, it’s very child-friendly and one of the more unusual things to do with kids in Surrey.

To see the art, you follow four colour-coded trails that wind through the trees, over bridges and around the water.  Sculptures are hidden everywhere, and come in all shapes and sizes, animals, skeletons, and characters that will appeal to children.  For more info, read A visit to the Sculpture Park.

One of the most family-friendly museums in Surrey is the Rural Life Living Museum, near Farnham.  It’s a brilliant place for children to step back in time and see what village life was like in days gone by.

The open-air museum houses over 40 000 artefacts, spread across historic buildings and outdoor spaces.  Kids can wander in and out of old cottages, workshops, and barns, discovering how people lived in their grandparents’ era.  There’s also a small playground, a café, and a miniature railway which loops around the site.

Right next to Brooklands is Mercedes Benz World, which is perfect for families who love cars.  Spread over three floors, it showcases the brand’s history, racing achievements and cutting-edge technology.

If you have older children, I’d recommend booking a driving experience.  They can take the wheel on part of the original circuit (with an instructor of course!).

The Lightbox in Woking is one of Surrey’s smaller museums, but is a good place to dip into local history and art.  It’s worth checking what’s on in the school holidays, when they run creative workshops and activity days for children.

RHS Wisley is one of the UK’s most impressive gardens and a fantastic family day out in Surrey.  Set over 240 acres, it’s full of colourful plants, trees and flowers from around the world.

If you’re visiting with kids, they will love the Glasshouse, which is full of exotic species.  Wisley also has a brilliant new play area and lots of open space for children to explore.  It’s no surprise, it’s one of the most popular Surrey attractions for families, especially if you’re meeting friends.

Don’t forget to take the children to the interactive children’s garden.  This is a massive play space where they can have fun, whilst learning about the growth of plants.  A visit to Kew Gardens really is one of the best things to do in Surrey with kids.

Claremont Landscape Garden is another lovely National Trust spots for families in Surrey.  Kids can explore the gardens, and wander around the Serpentine lake, where you are bound to see some nice birds. There are some outside play areas for children, so it’s an easy day out for younger families.

Another popular National Trust property in Surrey is Hatchlands Park, in East Clandon.  There is a Georgian mansion, built in the 1750’s, but kids will enjoy the parkland and nature trails, which lead to the play area.

Hampton Court Palace is one of Surrey’s most iconic historic attractions and makes a fantastic family day out.  I love that I grew up visiting and could return as an adult with my own kids.   Children love exploring the Tudor kitchens, grand halls and learning more about Henry VIII and his six wives.

Outside, you can wander through the beautiful gardens, tackle the 300-old hedge maze, or let the kids run loose in the Magic Garden playground.  In my opinion, it’s one of the best historic days out in Surrey for families.

Click here for tickets and availability at Hampton Court Palace, Gardens & Maze

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