5 Free Outdoor Activities For Your Children and You
Surrey Docks Farm
Surrey Docks Farm is a working city Farm located in Central London. In close proximity to SE17 and SE5, your visit is going to be both educational and entertaining. Your little ones and you will not only get to meet farm animals such as goats, ducks, chickens and donkeys, but you will also learn more about farming and food production. Apart from farming, you can visit the vegetable and herb gardens and participate in environmental activities.At the award winning café that is open from Tuesday to Sunday, you will find freshly made food and a family friendly atmosphere. Staff members specialise in educational workshops, gardening projects and birthday parties.Contact details:Surrey Docks FarmRotherhithe StreetLondonSE16 5ET020 7231 1010Opening times:FREE to access and open 7 days a week 10am – 5pm* 4pm closing during winter months
Vauxhall City Farm
If you are looking for a rural adventure, you will enjoy this. Vauxhall City Farm is centrally located and has an award winning collection of animals. With a variety of farm animals from horses and rabbits to chickens and ducks, you will enjoy a relaxing and unique experience in a different environment. Your children and you will be able to stroke most of the smaller animals, while staff will be there to guide and help you.Staff members also specialise in educational, recreational and therapeutic services and activities ranging from gardening projects and birthday parties to Riding for the Disabled.Contact details:Vauxhall City Farm165 Tyers StreetLondonSE11 5HS020 7582 4204Opening times: FREE to access and open Wednesday-Sunday 10.30-16:00.
Centre for Wildlife Gardening
Are you a fan of gardening? If yes, this is a great activity for your children and you. Visit the award winning Centre for Wildlife Gardening to learn all about gardening and enjoy a fun day out with your family. You will be able to see a variety of mini habitats such as a stag beetle sanctuary, a wildlife pond and bog garden and a flowery chalk bank. You can also see species that live in such habitats such as frogs, songbirds and beetles.Contact details:28 Marsden RoadLondonGreater LondonSE15 4EEReserve managerSylvia MyersTel: 020 7252 9186smyers@wildlondon.org.ukOpening times:Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 10:30 - 16:30.
Burgess Park
Burgess Park is the largest park in Southwark, with over 460,000 square metres there are a number of activities to choose from. The different play areas with new equipment are ready to welcome your child and you and are created to meet the needs of each age group so that your child can play safely. You can also use the built barbeques around the lake to enjoy a day outdoors with your family and friends. If you like sports, you can book one of the cricket, football pitches or visit the tennis courts. There are also large open spaces for games and running as well as various picnic tables around the park. Don’t forget that 1st Place has open community spaces and you are always welcome to visit us!Contact details:Park Entrances: Albany Road, Old Kent Road, Chumleigh Street, Wells Way.020 7525 2000parks@southwark.gov.ukOpening times:All park gates will be opened by 7.30 am throughout the year.Times vary throughout the year but closing time will usually be near to sunset.
Dulwich Park
Dulwich Park is recently refurbished and has a lot of new facilities. The park is family friendly and there are a lot of picnic spots where you can spend your day and relax. If you enjoy boating, you should visit the lake where you can find children and family-sized pedalos and traditional rowing boats. If you are fascinated by gardening, you should visit the dry garden for plants that require small amounts of water to grow, as well as the winter and vegetable garden. Apart from long walks, you can use the outdoor gym or you can also book a football pitch or tennis court.Contact details:Park Entrances: College Road, Dulwich Common, Court Lane, Dulwich Village SE21.020 7525 2000parks@southwark.gov.ukOpening times: All park gates will be opened by 7.30 am throughout the year.Times vary throughout the year but closing time will usually be near to sunset.