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Family-friendly things to do at Osterley Park and House

A family playing frisbee in the grounds of Osterley Park and House London
A family playing frisbee in the grounds of Osterley Park and House London | © Rob Stothard

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature by exploring Osterley’s backdrop of peaceful parkland, woodland and lakes. Whether it’s a family bike ride or den building, there’s something at Osterley to ensure everyone goes home happy.

Leaf Dance Trail

Monday 9 September - Friday 25 October, 10 am – 5 pm

As the wind blows and the autumn leaves begin to dance, follow their moves with our new autumn trail. Dance your way through the Long Walk and become one with nature as you play game of leaf bingo, discover leaves and all their characterisitcs and make your own leaf bunting. This is a free event with the normal admission fee applied. Find out more about this trail by clicking the link below.

Leaf Dance Trail | National Trust

Bat Walks

Saturday 14 September, 7pm - 8:30pm

Saturday 5 October, 6:30pm - 8pm

Discover some of Osterley's nocturnal mammals on this guided bat walk with our knowlegeable team of rangers. Hear fastincating bat facts and learn how to use a bat detector to eavesdrop in on the bats echolocation calls and witness them as take off in the dark evening sky.

Booking essential, additional cost event.

Bat Walks | National Trust

Zoolab Animal Encounter - Autumn Edition

Saturday 28 September – Sunday 29 September, 11 am 3 pm

Zoolab is back this year with an autumn edition. Encounter fascinating creatures up close and personal together with the family. Face your fears and hold spiders, snakes and snails with courage.

Booking essential, click the link below for prices.

Zoolab Animal Encounter | National Trust

Bat Walks

Saturday 14 September – Sunday 5 October, 11 am 3 pm

Kickstart the new season with crafty activities our in the great outdoors. Try your hand at tree ring printing or bark rubbing in the Gardens. Make some natural artwork to decorate your home with or to gift a loved one. Afterwards continue to enjoy the scenic views of nature and the beauty the autumn seasons brings to Osterley with a garden stroll.

This event is free,t but we are welcoming donations to cover the cost of materials if you are able.

Children playing outdoors at Osterley Park for ParkPlay in the summer
Children playing outdoors at Osterley Park for ParkPlay Saturdays | © ParkPlay

Park Play

Saturdays, 24 August 2024 – 4 January 2025, 9:45 am 11 am

ParkPlay is a two-hour long play session for everyone, starting at 9.30am every Saturday morning. Join us on the front lawn for a warm up, and then some fun games. Please register for ParkPlay before joining and be aware that under-14s must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Register to ParkPlay

Here's a full list of our upcoming events

Planning your family visit

  • Baby changing facilities are available in the public toilets
  • Pushchairs and picnics are permitted in the gardens
  • The café is open with outdoor seating available. We are serving a range of takeaway hot and cold drinks, hot lunches, sandwiches, salads, cakes and ice cream
  • The Stables Shop is open every day of the week from 11 am to 4 pm
Visitors enjoying gardening activities in the kitchen garden at Osterley Park and House, London
Visitors enjoying gardening activities in the kitchen garden at Osterley Park and House, London | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

Family-friendly things to do in the garden and park

Come out and play at Osterley. Whether you’re looking to dip your toe into the water and try kayaking, or picking up the paddle for a game of table tennis, we’ve got plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained and help you create great memories together. What adventures will you have next?

Cycle hire

Explore the estate on two wheels and see what wildlife you can find with bikes available to hire for all ages. Remember to check the Cycle Hire hub for opening and closing times ahead of your visit.

Table tennis

If you want to try table tennis you can pop to the Cycle Hire Hub to borrow paddles and balls, or bring your own.

Walks at Osterley Park and House

Take a stroll around the estate and witness the garden at its best.

Grab a bite to eat

The Stables Café is open daily, serving a selection of hot and cold drinks as well as seasonal lunches, light bites, sandwiches and cakes, including a children’s menu.

View across the lake towards the east front with the 'transparent' portico at Osterley, Middlesex

Discover more at Osterley Park and House

Find out when Osterley Park and House is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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