West London is known for being one of the best places for families to live, offering excellent local schools, a strong sense of community and an abundance of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for interactive theatre, outdoor adventures, holiday clubs or sports, there are plenty of children’s activities in West London.
From theatres and sports centres to soft play and outdoor adventure, here are some of the many children’s activities in West London:
Photo credit: Oxygen Freejumping
Kid’s activities in Hammersmith
Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL
The Lyric Theatre
The Lyric Theatre, also known as the Lyric Hammersmith, in Hammersmith, West London, offers a range of family-friendly shows and activities for children. Upcoming productions include Puss in Boots, Snow White Rose Red Bear Brown, Tales from Acorn Wood and The Very Busy Bumblebee.
Why is this a great option? Many families love these shows for their interactive nature and ability to engage children’s imaginations. It’s a great opportunity for both entertainment and educational value, helping children explore creativity and storytelling.
London Climbing Centre, Hammersmith
RavensWall Climbing Centre
Known as the Ravenscourt Wall, Hammersmith is home to the London Climbing Centre. For children aged 7 and over, this centre, located under the arches near Ravenscourt Tube Station, is a great place to enjoy climbing. They even run specific junior bouldering clubs.
It is an excellent way for children to stay active and build confidence while engaging in a fun, physically challenging activity. Families have also praised for its expert coaching and inclusive atmosphere, making it perfect for kids to develop strength and confidence.
People have shared that, “The London Climbing Centre has been such a positive experience for my child, they’ve not only developed strength but also confidence in trying new things.”
Kid’s activities in Chiswick
Dan Mason Drive, Chiswick
Dukes Meadows Golf, Tennis & Ski
Dukes Meadows offers a plethora of family-friendly activities, including golf, tennis and skiing, as well as recreational areas for children.
The venue offers a 9-hole golf course, driving range, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and an indoor ski slope, catering to various sports enthusiasts. It also provides group sessions, private lessons and holiday camps for children, promoting active lifestyles and skill development, in addition to a cafe on-site.
Why choose Dukes Meadows? It’s the perfect venue for both beginners and those advanced, offering a variety of activities that support both fun and fitness.
Rocks Lane Multi-Sports Centre, Chiswick
Rocks Lane Multi-Sports Centre in Chiswick offers a range of activities for children. They have a full timetable with afterschool, weekend and holiday time including sports such as football, netball, paddle, and multi-sports for younger children. One of the most popular features at Rocks Lane is the soft play area which is next to the cafe, and has been designed for children aged 1-8 years old.
2 Belmont Road, Chiswick
CTA Performing Arts
CTA Performing Arts is an excellent establishment that offers regular classes for dance and acting throughout term time and runs excellent camps during the holidays. Catering to a wide range of ages and abilities, CTA Performing Arts covers a diverse curriculum including musical theatre, classical ballet, tap, and street dance, together with preparing students to be entered for the prestigious LAMDA exams in Speech and Drama.
Why is this great for children? Dance and performing arts are fantastic for building confidence, improving coordination, and fostering creativity in children. Many parents rave about the diverse classes and the professional environment at CTA.
Kid’s activities in Shepherd’s Bush
Westfield, Shepherd’s Bush
Kidzania
Kidzania is an interactive indoor city located within Westfield shopping centre, designed for children aged 4-14. It is a miniature city where children can role-play and experience different careers in a fun learning environment. The city features a range of real-life establishments, such as a hospital, fire station, police station and airport.
It’s a favourite destination for those in West London as it offers both fun and learning.
Shepherd’s Bush, Askew Road
art-K
art-K offers art classes for children and adults of all ages! They provide a variety of sessions, including after-school, weekend, and evening classes, as well as workshops during school holidays. Their focus is to help students develop their artistic skills in a relaxed and inspiring environment, giving them the freedom to explore and experiment with different mediums. They offer a range of classes for various age groups, from children to adults.
For the full timetable and booking details here.
Children’s activities in West London
Kew Gardens, Kew
Royal Botanic Gardens
Just a short bus, train or car ride away, Kew Gardens boasts exceptional children’s activities year-round. Kew Gardens offers a range of activities for children, making it a great family-friendly destination.
There are a range of natural play areas dotted across the garden, such as the log trail. Additionally, there are interactive exhibits and seasonal events run regularly, such as Christmas at Kew.
Why is it perfect for families? Kew is exceptionally pram-friendly, making it ideal for families with younger children. Families love how children can explore the outdoors and learn about plants, wildlife, and the environment.
Kew Gardens offers a perfect mix of fun and education, ideal for families who love exploring nature together.
Visitor
Bowls Green Pavilion, Gunnersbury Park
Putt in the Park
Putt in the Park features an 18-hole mini golf course with twisting greens, bunkers, and pools. There’s also a great cafe on site with a licensed bar too.
Perfect for all ages, the mini-golf course is a popular family outing for both young children and adults alike. It’s a great mix of fun and outdoor exercise and parents love the convenience of the cafe.
Green Dragon Lane, Brentford
London Museum of Water and Steam
The London Museum of Water and Steam is a historic pumping station, catering to a range of ages.
The museum is filled with interactive sessions and information tracking the history of water supply and disposal in London. For younger children, it also has a Museum Garden and Splash Zone.
Why visit? The museum is great for curious minds, offering an educational yet fun experience for children.
West London Golf Centre
Dinosaur Escape Adventure Golf
A mini-golf course with dinosaurs too! Located in Northolt, a short drive from Chiswick, Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith, Dinosaur Escape Adventure Golf is an 18-hole mini-golf course that features life-size model dinosaurs. There’s also a dinosaur-themed soft play area at the West London Golf Centre available for 1–6-year-olds.
A fun day out for kids of all ages, offering a combination of excitement and education with the added fun of dinosaurs. This unique activity is popular with families in West London.
The dinosaur-themed mini golf is an excellent activity for the whole family
Visitor
Kendal Ave, Acton, W3 0AF
Oxygen Acton
Oxygen Freejumping in Acton is an indoor trampoline park featuring interconnected trampolines, a giant airbag, a ninja course, climbing walls, an interactive dodgeball court and reaction walls.
A great time for children of a variety of ages, Oxygen Freejumping is ideal for those wanting to burn off energy and have fun. Parents can also accompany younger children on the trampolines, ensuring a fun family day out.
Staines Road, Hounslow
Hobbledown Heath
Heading out to the West, Hobbledown Heath has an incredible indoor soft play area, three extensive outdoor play areas, and several wonderful animals on site, Hobbledown caters to a wide variety of ages and interests.
A must-visit for families, offering both indoor and outdoor fun for all ages, along with the excitement of seeing animals.
Soft play in West London
Syon Park, Brentford
Snakes and Ladders
Snakes and Ladders is an indoor adventure for children aged 0-12. The venue has a cafe for adults to relax in while watching their children explore and play.
It features a massive 3-tier playframe, an imagination play zone, a mini sports pitch with rope climbs and dedicated areas for under 5s, including a home corner and construction zone. Outdoor play is also available.
Find out more information here.
Warple Way, W3 7FW
Two Plus Cafe
Two Plus Cafe is the perfect place for young children to explore and play. Designed for little ones up to six years old, this soft play offers a trampoline, carousel, ball pit, and a variety of fun activities. Parents can relax in the cafe area while keeping an eye on their children in a safe and engaging environment.
Find out more information and timings here.
Outdoor adventures for children
Church Road, W7 3BP
Hanwell Zoo
Walk on the wild side at Hanwell Zoo, a community zoo home to a selection of birds, mammals, as well as a porcupine, a mob of meerkats and a flock of Flamingos.
Hanwell Zoo holds a number of animals whose numbers are declining in the wild, including the red-crowned crane, phantasmal poison arrow frog and Azara’s agouti to name a few. International efforts are in place to look after those animals in captivity and to keep their numbers at sustainable levels.
Chiswick Rugby Club, Dan Mason Drive, Chiswick
Adrenalin Rush Laser Combat
Based at Chiswick Rugby Club, Adrenalin Rush is a laser tag facility providing all ages (excluding children aged 6 and below) the ability to participate in outdoor laser combat.
Dash around the outdoor game zone, featuring buildings, giant tractor tires, oil drums and abandoned cars for hiding, while battling your family and friends using their harmless lasers.
Staines Road, Hounslow
Gripped London
Located in Hounslow, West London, Gripped London is an aerial adventure park offering a variety of aerial activities and adventures for children aged 4 and over.
Children can explore the treetops, enjoy wandering through one of the high rope trail courses, zoom through 30-metre trees on the dual zip line trekking course (one of the longest in London), whizz down either their 50-metre or 20-metre long speed slides and more.
Parent and Toddler Groups
For younger children, there are several parent and toddler groups and stay-and-play setups run regularly, though many are predominantly during term time. From storytime at Chiswick Library to sessions at Turnham Green Church (which has its own soft play!), there are lots of groups run in the community.
Playgrounds in West London
There are an abundance of playgrounds in West London with Hammersmith and Fulham borough alone having 34 playgrounds in 23 of their 55 parks and open spaces. Find out more about parks in West London in our article here, or read more about some of the larger parks and playgrounds below.
Brook Green Playground
Brook Green, Hammersmith, W6 7BE
The children’s play area at Brook Green received a major refurbishment in autumn 2023, with 13 new pieces of equipment including swings, climbing frames, accessible items and resurfaced play mounds. It also has toilets and a cafe.
It also houses tennis courts, picnic-friendly lawns and baby-change facilities.
Ravenscourt Park Playgrounds
Paddenswick Road, Hammersmith, W6 0UL
Ravenscourt Park features four playgrounds plus a seasonal paddling pool (May–September; tickets via Eventbrite, with 30 kids per session)
The playgrounds include sand pits, slides, swings, climbing frames, alongside monkey bars, merry‑go‑rounds and climbing structures large and small. Accessible equipment is included in the east, north and south playgrounds.
Additional facilities in Ravenscourt Park include multi-use games area, tennis and basketball courts, a bowling green, paddling pool (as mentioned above it is opened at certain times), two great cafes called The Paddenswick Tea Gardens and the W6 Garden Centre cafe alongside public toilets.
It’s also received a Green Flag Award due to it being child‑safe, with well‑kept lawns, wildlife, lake views, and stroller‑friendly routes.
Acton Green Common Playground
Acton Green Common features state‑of‑the‑art swings, a multi‑unit play zone for toddlers and juniors, a seven‑piece adventure trail, springers and a roundabout.
Sports Clubs in West London
When it comes to children’s activities, there are a number of sports clubs in West London that have an exceptional schedule. David Lloyd near Acton Park runs regular children’s sessions as does Virgin Chiswick Riverside.
Living in West London with children
West London is a truly wonderful place to live with family; the excellent schools, the many children’s activities and a strong sense of community are amongst the reasons, but it is also the beautiful family homes in Chiswick, Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush that make it such an appealing place to reside.
If you’re thinking of moving or would like to know more about the many children’s activities in West London, get in touch with our team who would be happy to help.
