Top Places to Visit with Children in Clapham and Surrounding Areas

Clapham and its neighbouring areas are packed with exciting, family-friendly attractions, making them perfect for days out with children. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, hands-on learning experiences or a great spot to relax while the children burn off some energy, there’s something for every family. Here’s our guide to some of the best places to visit with children in Clapham and beyond.

1. Clapham Common – Outdoor Fun for All Ages

📍 Location: Clapham

Why It’s Great For Children:

Clapham Common is the heart of the local community and an ideal place for families to enjoy fresh air, nature and open spaces. The Common provides endless opportunities for children to be active, whether it's running across the grass or playing with a ball. The area also has dedicated playgrounds to keep little ones entertained, making it a perfect destination for outdoor fun. During the summer, the paddling pool is a fantastic way for children to cool off, and the many tree-lined paths make for a great buggy-friendly walk.

Must-Do Activities:

• Visit the Teevan Playground, where children can climb, swing and slide.
• Feed the ducks at Eagle Pond or Mount Pond.
• In summer, let little ones cool off in the seasonal paddling pool.
• Bring a ball to make use of the wide-open spaces.

Best for: All ages

2. Millie and Maisie’s Play Cafe – A Cozy Spot For Little Ones

📍 Location: Clapham

Why It’s Great For Children:

Millie and Maisie’s Play Cafe is a dream spot for parents looking to relax while their little ones play in a safe, engaging environment. This charming café combines a friendly atmosphere with a thoughtfully designed play area, making it perfect for babies, toddlers, and young children. The soft play section is ideal for younger children to explore, while creative activities like arts and music sessions can provide creative outlets. Plus, the café serves delicious coffee and homemade treats, ensuring parents can enjoy a break too.

Must-Do Activities:

• Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee while your child plays in the dedicated soft play area.
• Get creative with arts and crafts activities available on-site.
• Join a storytelling session or a music class for an interactive experience.
• Attend a baby sensory class to let your child explore.

Best for: Babies, toddlers, and young children

3. Vauxhall City Farm - Meet Friendly Animals

📍 Location: Vauxhall, a short journey from Clapham

Why It’s Great For Children:

This charming city farm is a great way to introduce children to animals without leaving London. The farm provides a unique hands-on experience where children can feed and interact with a variety of friendly animals, including goats, alpacas, rabbits, and Shetland ponies. It’s a great way of helping your children develop their communication skills, teaching them a multitude of new words to add to their vocabulary. The farm also has a sensory garden where children can explore different textures, smells and sights. It’s a fantastic way to teach children about animals and sustainability in an engaging and interactive way.

Must-Do Activities:

• Say hello to the goats, alpacas, ponies and rabbits.
• Explore the sensory garden filled with plants and flowers.
• Join a pony-riding session (check ahead for availability).

Best for: Preschoolers and young children

4. Science & Natural History Museum – A Day Of Exploration

📍 Location: South Kensington, easy to reach from Clapham

Why It’s Great For Children:

If you’re looking for an exciting and educational day out, The Science Museum and Natural History Museum in South Kensington are must-visit destinations. These two iconic museums are just a short journey from Clapham and offer interactive exhibits that engage children in STEM-based subjects such as science, history and the natural world. Both museums provide hands-on learning opportunities, making them a fantastic choice for inquisitive young minds and aid in their cognitive development.

Must-Do Activities At The Science Museum:

• Explore ‘The Garden’, a sensory play area for under-6s with water play and construction zones.
• Experience ‘Wonderlab’, where children can take part in fun science experiments.
• Watch a film at the IMAX cinema, showcasing fascinating documentaries about space and nature.

Must-Do Activities At The Natural History Museum:

• Stand under the gigantic blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall.
• Discover the Dinosaur Gallery, featuring an impressive animatronic T-Rex.
• Visit the Investigate Centre, where children can touch and examine real fossils and specimens.

Best for: Curious children aged 3+

5. Wandsworth Common & Skylark Cafe – The Perfect Combination Of Play And Relaxation

📍 Location: Wandsworth, near Clapham

Why It’s Great For Children:

For families who love the outdoors but also want a cosy spot to relax, Wandsworth Common and Skylark Café make the perfect pairing. Wandsworth Common is a quieter alternative to Clapham Common, with plenty of space for children to run, climb and explore. After an energetic play session, Skylark Café offers a welcoming and child-friendly environment where parents can enjoy a well-earned coffee while little ones tuck into tasty treats.

Must-Do Activities:

• Visit the playground, which has climbing frames, swings and slides.
• Explore the woodland trails, perfect for bug-hunting and nature spotting.
• Enjoy a picnic by the pond while watching ducks and swans.
• Stop by Skylark Café for homemade cakes, fresh coffee and a relaxing break.

Best for: Babies, toddlers, and young children

6. Clapham Picturehouse – Movie Time For Families

📍 Location: Clapham

Why It’s Great For Children:

Sometimes, a trip to the cinema is the perfect way to unwind, and Clapham Picturehouse provides a fantastic, family-friendly setting. With a cosy atmosphere, comfortable seating and a great selection of children’s films, it’s a perfect outing for a rainy day. The cinema also offers baby-friendly screenings, where the sound is lowered, and the lights are dimmed, creating a stress-free experience for parents with young babies.

Must-Do Activities:

• Enjoy Saturday morning childrens’ club screenings with discounted tickets.
• Grab some popcorn and drinks from the café.
• Parents with babies can join baby-friendly screenings with soft lighting and quieter sound.

Best for: All ages

Final Thoughts

Clapham and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of fantastic family-friendly activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and animal encounters. Whether your child loves nature, science or simply playing in the park, there’s always something new to explore.

Looking for a nurturing environment for your child in Clapham? Check out Fennies Clapham, where we provide the right start for under 5s.