Surrey is packed with fantastic activities for families, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, educational outings, and exciting events throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for a great day out with toddlers, school-age children, or teenagers, Surrey has something for everyone. From scenic parks and adventure playgrounds to museums, theme parks, and seasonal events, here’s your ultimate guide to things to do with kids in Surrey.

Outdoor Adventures in Surrey with Kids

Parks and Playgrounds

Surrey boasts plenty of beautiful parks and open spaces where children can run, climb, and explore. Stoke Park in Guildford and Priory Park in Reigate both have excellent playgrounds and large green spaces, making them ideal for picnics and outdoor games. National Trust sites like Hatchlands Park and Polesden Lacey offer adventure playgrounds, woodland trails, and child-friendly activities throughout the year.

Nature Trails and Family Walks

For families who enjoy walking, the Surrey Hills is a perfect destination, with trails suitable for all ages. Box Hill offers easy woodland routes with spectacular views, while Newlands Corner provides gentle walking paths with stunning scenery. Virginia Water Lake and Frensham Ponds are excellent spots for waterside walks, with flat trails that are ideal for pushchairs.

Farms and Animal Encounters

A visit to a farm is a great way for kids to interact with animals. Bocketts Farm Park near Leatherhead is a working farm where children can feed goats, cuddle rabbits, and watch pig races. Godstone Farm is another fantastic choice, offering tractor rides, animal petting barns, and a large outdoor play area. Many of these farms also run special events during school holidays and festive periods.

Gardens and Outdoor Play Areas

RHS Garden Wisley is an excellent day out for families, with dedicated children’s play areas, open lawns, and seasonal nature trails. Many of Surrey’s country parks and gardens provide interactive experiences for children, including educational nature hunts and craft activities.

Indoor Attractions for Families in Surrey

Museums and Discovery Centres

Surrey has several museums that make learning fun for kids. Brooklands Museum in Weybridge is a must-visit, featuring vintage aeroplanes, classic cars, and even a Concorde experience. The Lightbox Museum in Woking offers child-friendly art exhibits and interactive local history galleries. Many museums in Surrey also have special children’s trails or activity stations to keep young minds engaged.

Soft Play and Trampoline Parks

On rainy days, Surrey’s indoor play centres are a great way for kids to burn off energy. AirHop Trampoline Park in Guildford is a huge indoor trampoline arena with sessions designed for all age groups, including toddler takeovers. Guildford Spectrum offers multiple activities under one roof, including soft play, swimming pools with water slides, bowling, and ice skating.

Creative Activities

For a quieter indoor experience, pottery painting cafés and art workshops are great options. Libraries and community centres often host storytelling sessions, creative play activities, and educational workshops, especially during school holidays.

Educational and Historical Experiences

Hampton Court Palace

One of Surrey’s most famous attractions, Hampton Court Palace brings history to life with interactive exhibitions, costumed guides, and the famous hedge maze. Children can explore the Tudor kitchens, take part in family-friendly tours, and enjoy the palace gardens.

Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Museum is not just about looking at old vehicles – it’s a hands-on experience where children can climb into cockpits, try interactive displays, and explore historic racing cars and aircraft.

Rural Life Centre and Haslemere Educational Museum

The Rural Life Centre in Tilford offers a glimpse into country life from the past, with vintage tractors, historic shops, and hands-on activities for kids. Haslemere Educational Museum is another hidden gem, featuring fossils, an ancient Egyptian gallery, and a live observation beehive.

Seasonal Events and Family Festivals

Christmas in Surrey

Surrey comes alive at Christmas with festive markets, Santa’s grottos, and illuminated light trails. Guildford Christmas Market and Kingston Christmas Market are great places to soak up the festive atmosphere. RHS Wisley Glow is a stunning light display that transforms the gardens into a magical wonderland.

Spring and Easter Events

Many National Trust properties run Easter egg hunts and family trails during the spring holidays. Farms such as Godstone and Bocketts celebrate Easter with baby lambs, craft workshops, and themed activities.

Summer Fairs and Festivals

The Surrey County Show in Guildford is a major annual event featuring farm animals, food stalls, and fairground rides. Throughout summer, open-air cinemas, music-in-the-park events, and family fun days take place across the county.

Autumn and Halloween Fun

Many farms set up pumpkin patches and spooky-themed attractions in October. Priory Farm runs a popular pumpkin-picking event, and towns like Brockham host spectacular Bonfire Night fireworks displays.

Budget-Friendly Activities in Surrey

Free Outdoor Fun

Many of Surrey’s countryside locations are free to explore. Popular spots include Bourne Woods and Epsom Downs, both offering beautiful landscapes and plenty of space for family walks.

Free Museums and Galleries

The Lightbox in Woking and Haslemere Educational Museum offer free admission, making them perfect for an educational yet budget-friendly day out.

Community Events

Check local listings for free family events, such as outdoor concerts, storytelling sessions, and seasonal festivals. Many leisure centres also offer discounted family swim sessions or free play events.

Tips for a Great Family Day Out

• Plan ahead: Check attraction websites for opening times, ticket prices, and any booking requirements.
• Pack essentials: Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and spare clothes for younger children.
• Look for discounts: Many places offer family passes or online booking discounts.
• Dress for the weather: Whether it’s sunny or rainy, having the right clothing makes the day more enjoyable.

Surrey is full of amazing activities for families, from scenic nature walks to hands-on museums and exciting seasonal events. Whether you’re looking for a weekend adventure or a quick day trip, there’s always something fun to do with kids in Surrey!