Best ways to enjoy London outdoors with kids this season

‘Mummies don’t do anything. They just walk around and say you need to play outside. You can’t play inside ‘

I had to interrupt Baby Girl when she was chatting to Daddy T the other day. I know I’m Scandinavian and love for my children to spend time outdoors, but I think Baby Girl’s resume was a tad unfair. As the weather is getting colder and I’m finding it a bit hard work to take both children to a playground on my own, I’m finding we do play more indoors. That’s why I’m trying to think of new ways to get back outdoors, and here are some ideas:

Aim for the treetops
We may not be climbing trees, but it’s still possible to see the treetops in London. The Treetop Walkway in Kew Gardens is an 18-metre high, 200-metre walkway, and I can’t wait to go there with Baby Girl at some point. There is a lift, but visitors who are able to walk the 118 steps from the ground to the walkway are encouraged to use the stairs. Children’s pushchairs are not permitted on the walkway and children must be supervised at all times. Winds and storms can cause the walkway to close, but in general it is open when the park is open.

Don’t forget the animals
With easy access to zoos in London there’s no reason not to be outdoors in the zoos in summer, and there’s lots happening at both London Zoo and Battersea Park Children’s Zoo in the run up to Christmas. Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is now taking bookings for Santa visits, where children will get to meet Santa and receive a sticker, small gift, a drink and a Christmas treat for £6 in addition to the entrance fee. Santa will be at the zoo on 5, 12, 13 and 18 to 24 December, and friends who went last year were happy with their Santa meeting at the zoo. It’s also possible to meet Santa at London Zoo, where he’ll also arrive on 5 December, with the zoo offering visitors a mix of Christmas-themed activities in addition to the Grotto experience. There’s also a VIP Santa package available at London Zoo from 21 December, when it’s possible to come before the zoo opens in the mornings, starting the day with breakfast in the restaurant.

Experience wildlife in London
When we went to London Wetland Centre in Barnes earlier this year, I was surprised at how quick it was to get there by car and how far from London it felt like we had gone. It’s a fantastic place to take children to escape the busy streets of London and watch the wildlife, help feed birds, see the otters and play outdoors. It’s even extremely buggy-friendly, making it great for someone like me who usually has two kids in tow.

Photo: Treetop Walkway by James Morley

Tags: Battersea Park Children's Zoo, Battersea Park Zoo, Kew Gardens, London Wetland Centre, London Zoo, Santa, Santa's Grotto, Treetop Walkway