Two people cycling through woodland at Osterley Park and House, Middlesex — Cycling at Osterley Park and House, Middlesex | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

Family-friendly places to visit in London

Discover the top places for family days out in and around London this winter. Make memories to treasure on family walks in beautiful surroundings and connect with nature together in the great outdoors. Get into the Christmas spirit with our festive family events or take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the stories of the historic houses in our care.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Osterley Park and House

 31 January - 3 March: Join us at Osterley Park and House for an enchanting journey inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved and iconic children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. This captivating trail allows families to experience one of nature’s greatest transformations. Brought to life with beautifully illustrated trail markers, giant food cut-outs, activities and games, children learn about the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly, within the picturesque setting of Osterley’s early spring gardens.   

February half-term at Morden Hall Park

Learn all about robins on a self-led family trail this February half-term (14 Feb - 22 March), join a community bunting workshop inspired by spring (20 Feb) or try a forest bathing session, newly imagined for children (17 Feb). The Potting Shed café will be on hand with fortifying drinks, cakes and snacks to keep energy levels up.

Close up of individually designed bunting flags on a string

Blossom themed crafts at Ham House and Garden

Enjoy free blossom themed origami activities as part of your visit to Ham House this February half term. 14 to 22 February, 11.30am-3.30pm.

Coming to parks and gardens near you this Easter, enjoy trails featuring 10 activity points, through some of our most beautiful gardens, filled with spring bulbs, blossom and bunting.

Easter adventures at Ham House

28 March – 6 April, 10 am – 5pm Make your way through the historic gardens which frame this 17th century Stuart mansion, taking part in activities inspired by the British Civil Wars. A chance to escape outdoors with the whole family for fresh air and adventure.

Family taking a closer look at spring flowers

Easter adventures at Morden Hall Park

1 – 7 April, 10 am – 4pm Follow a 10-point Easter trail around Morden Hall Park, packed with egg-themed games and playful challenges for the whole family. Along the route you will take part in classic activities such as egg and spoon races, croque-egg, egg toss and egg shire, all designed to get children moving, laughing and exploring the park together.

Visitors taking a picture with the Easter Adventures photo board at Morden Hall Park, London

Easter adventures at Osterley Park and House

28 March – 12 April, 10am – 4pm This spring, a friendly group of animals has slipped out of the Tapestry Room at Osterley House and is now scampering through the gardens. We need your help to track them down and guide them back to their tapestry home. Wander through the formal gardens to discover creative, nature themed activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Woman and two young children walking through walled garden with Easter Trail packs

Ham House and Garden

Head to the Outer Courtyard where little people will love getting stuck into the Mud Kitchen, using imaginative play to create culinary masterpieces. The Wilderness is a wonderful place to explore too, with over a mile of Hornbeam hedges arranged in a maze-like pattern.

Osterley Park and House

From bike rides to den building, discover the full range of family-friendly activities and events taking place at Osterley Park.

Morden Hall Park

Explore the natural play area, spot wildlife from the boardwalk and enjoy a family walk at Morden Hall Park, with pushchair friendly routes available. Wander into the second hand book shop for a treasure trove of stories.

Family visits at Rainham Hall & Gardens this Winter

Family nature activities and games to do together at a beautiful hidden gem in east London, Rainham Hall and Community Garden.

A family exploring the gardens at Christmas at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

Park Explorers for under 5s, Mondays during term time at Morden Hall Park

10am to 10.45am Mondays in term time. Our Park Explorers group is for children aged 2-5 years old and their parents/carers. Together we learn about the natural world around us, with a different outdoor theme each week. £5 per participating child. Drop in on the day, no pre-booking possible, places limited.