What to do with kids in London: Battersea
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.
About the area
Battersea is a vibrant and neighbourhood with a blend of green spaces, cultural landmarks, and recreational activities. Famous for the iconic Battersea Power Station, now a bustling hub 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 flock here for the expansive Battersea Park, featuring a children’s zoo, boating lake, and adventure playground, making it an ideal destination for a fun and engaging 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 colossal 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 beloved feature of the city’s skyline. After lying dormant for decades, the power station has undergone a spectacular transformation into a vibrant hub of activity. Today, the Turbine Hall has been converted into a bustling space filled with shops (including a Lego store) and restaurants. Interactive art installations scattered throughout the venue add an element of surprise.
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 at Prospect Park Playground
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.
Spend time in Battersea Park
Battersea Park is a sprawling oasis 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 that will delight kids of all ages. The park features an adventure playground with exciting 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 an idyllic spot for families looking to enjoy nature and outdoor fun in the bustling city of London.
Visit Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
A visit to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is a delightful experience for families exploring Battersea with kids. This charming zoo, nestled within the expansive Battersea Park, offers an intimate and engaging setting where children can get up close and personal with a variety of animals. From playful meerkats and curious monkeys to friendly farm animals like goats and chickens, there’s a wide range of creatures to fascinate young minds. Additionally, the zoo boasts a well-equipped playground with slides, swings, and climbing frames, ensuring hours of active fun. With its combination of educational exhibits and playful activities, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is a must-visit destination for families seeking an enjoyable and enriching day out in London.
Experience virtual reality
DNA VR in Battersea offers a cutting-edge virtual reality experience that will captivate kids and adults alike, 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. Whether your kids are seasoned gamers or newcomers to VR, DNA VR promises an exhilarating and memorable experience.
Go Ape in Battersea Park
Go Ape in Battersea is an exhilarating adventure destination perfect for families with kids seeking outdoor excitement. Located in the heart of Battersea Park, Go Ape offers an array of treetop activities that will thrill 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, families can explore the rest of Battersea Park, making it a perfect spot for a day filled with adventure and natural beauty.
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 fantastic way to spend a fun-filled day with kids. Nestled in the picturesque Battersea Park, this beautifully landscaped mini golf course offers a delightful mix of challenging holes and creative obstacles, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The course is thoughtfully designed with lush greenery, water features, and whimsical elements that add to the excitement and charm of the game. 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. Whether you’re looking to introduce your kids to the joys of mini golf or simply seeking a leisurely outdoor activity, Putt in the Park provides an entertaining and memorable experience for everyone.
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