The neighbourhood of Battersea offers a wealth of activities to ensure a fun-filled day for the whole family. Nestled along the south bank of the River Thames in South West London, Battersea boasts a mix of historical landmarks, green spaces, and modern attractions perfect for young explorers. In this post we explore things to do with kids in Battersea. Read on for ideas!
About the area
Battersea is a neighbourhood with a blend of green spaces, cultural landmarks, and recreational activities. Famous for the iconic Battersea Power Station, which is now full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, the area offers a perfect mix of modern attractions and historical charm. Bordered by the River Thames to the north, Wandsworth to the west, Clapham to the south, and Vauxhall to the east, Battersea is easily accessible and well-connected.
Families visit for the expansive Battersea Park, featuring a children’s zoo, boating lake, and adventure playground, making it an ideal destination for a fun day out with kids.
What to do in Battersea with children?
Battersea offers a plethora of activities and attractions perfect for a fun-filled day out with the kids. Here are some fantastic things to do with your littles in Battersea.
Visit Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station, one of London’s most iconic landmarks, was originally built in the 1930s. This huge power station supplied electricity to a significant portion of London for over 50 years. Its striking Art Deco design and imposing chimneys have made it a feature of the city’s skyline. After lying dormant for decades, the power station has undergone a transformation. Today, the Turbine Hall has been converted into a bustling space filled with shops (including a Lego store) and restaurants.
Battersea Power Station also frequently hosts family-friendly events and workshops, ranging from craft sessions to science demonstrations, ensuring there is always something new and exciting for kids to enjoy. The riverside walk along the Thames is perfect for a leisurely family stroll, offering scenic views and plenty of spots to sit and relax.
See the view from above
A visit to Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station is an experience that promises to captivate kids and adults alike. This unique attraction allows families to ascend to the top of one of the station’s iconic chimneys in a glass elevator, offering a thrilling ride and spectacular panoramic views of London once you reach the top. As the elevator climbs 109 meters, anticipation builds, and at the summit, children will be able to see the cityscape unfolding beneath them, spotting famous landmarks and gaining a bird’s-eye perspective. The journey is not just about the stunning views; interactive displays provide educational insights into the history and engineering of Battersea Power Station, making the experience both fun and informative.
Stop and play
Prospect Place playground in Battersea is located just a few minutes from the Power Station and offers a fantastic place to play. The design of the playground is inspired by the iconic chimneys and brickwork patterns of Battersea Power Station, adding a unique and historical touch to the play area. The colourful landscape features towers, spiral tube slides and connecting net bridges that spark the imagination and encourage active play. The playground also has stand-alone play elements such as a spinning disk and a basket swing, ensuring there’s something for every child to enjoy. Prospect Place playground provides a safe and relaxing environment for parents to unwind while keeping an eye on their little ones.
If it’s wet outside and you have younger children, Battersea Power Station is home to Macaroni Penguin, a soft play centre and bubble tea cafe that is sure to provide some much needed downtime from exploring!
Spend time in Battersea Park
Battersea Park is a sprawling park in the heart of Battersea, offering a multitude of activities that make it a perfect destination for a family day out. This 200-acre green space is home to a variety of attractions for kids of all ages. The park features an adventure playground with equipment like swings, slides, and climbing frames, and a playground for toddlers as well as a boating lake where families can rent boats for a fun time on the water. With its beautiful gardens, open spaces for picnics, and numerous recreational facilities, Battersea Park is the perfect spot for families looking to enjoy nature and outdoor fun.
Visit Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
A visit to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is a fun experience for families exploring Battersea with kids. This charming zoo, nestled within Battersea Park, offers an intimate and engaging setting where children can get up close and personal with a variety of animals. From meerkats and monkeys to farm animals like goats and chickens, there’s a wide range of creatures for kids to see. Additionally, the zoo boasts a playground with slides, swings, and climbing frames.
Experience virtual reality
DNA VR in Battersea offers a cutting-edge virtual reality experience, providing an immersive adventure into fantastical worlds. This state-of-the-art VR arcade features a wide variety of games and experiences, from exploring underwater realms and outer space to solving intricate puzzles and battling zombies.
It’s an ideal activity for older kids, from ages 7 and up (but many games are for children who are at least 10 years old), who are ready to dive into the exciting realm of virtual reality. The venue is designed to be family-friendly, with knowledgeable staff on hand to guide participants and ensure a safe, enjoyable time.
Go Ape in Battersea Park
Go Ape in Battersea is an adventure destination perfect for families with kids seeking some excitement in the fresh air. Located in the heart of Battersea Park, Go Ape offers an array of treetop activities for children and adults alike.
The course features high ropes, zip lines, and Tarzan swings, all set among the towering trees and designed to challenge and delight adventurers of all ages. Younger children can enjoy the Treetop Adventure course, which provides a slightly less daunting yet equally fun experience, complete with nets, swings, and wobbly bridges. After conquering the treetops, your family can explore the rest of Battersea Park.
If your kids are adventure lovers, check out our post with suggestions on things to do for young thrill-seekers.
Play mini-golf
Playing mini golf at Putt in the Park in Battersea is a fun way to pass time with kids. Located in Battersea Park, this mini golf course offers a mix of challenging holes and creative obstacles, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
After an energetic round of mini golf, families can relax at the on-site café, which serves a variety of delicious refreshments, including mouth-watering pizzas made fresh to order.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/embed?mid=1KhLy5vCodmcBXFBGoGyhZszJ_8vef0Y&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]Have you discovered a real find in Battersea that other readers should know about? Let us know in the comments
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