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Fun Things to Do With Kids Around Balham, Tooting, Norbury & Streatham

Finding exciting and engaging places to take kids in South West London doesn't have to be a challenge. 


Whether you're a parent, local childminder, or visiting family, the vibrant neighbourhoods of Balham, Tooting, Norbury, and Streatham offer a wonderful array of family-friendly activities. 


From green commons perfect for afternoon picnics to indoor play centres ideal for rainy days, this corner of London provides endless opportunities for things to do with the kids. 


At Lucky Beans Childcare, we understand how important it is to keep children active, engaged, and exploring their local community. 


That's why we've compiled this guide to the best places to take kids in SW London, featuring both beloved local favourites and hidden gems that families continue to discover.

 

Children holding hands - things to do with children in south west london


Top Local Family Destinations


1. Tooting Bec Common & Lido

Tooting Bec Common stands as one of the area's crown jewels for family activities in Tooting. 


This expansive green space offers everything, such as well-maintained playgrounds, wide-open areas perfect for ball games and kite flying, and musical events in the summer months. 


The commons’ ancient large oak trees provide natural shade during the summer months, while the All-Star Tennis courts offer a sporting spot for enthusiasts and beginners alike.   


The playground areas cater to different age groups, with separate sections for toddlers and older children. You’ll often see the joys of children discovering the climbing frames, swings, and see-saws, while parents enjoy coffee from the nearby café. 


The common also features several duck ponds where children can feed the waterfowl, creating magical moments that combine wildlife watching with gentle learning experiences.


When searching for things to do with kids in Balham during warmer months, Tooting Lido for families provides an unforgettable aquatic adventure. 


This historic outdoor swimming pool, the UK’s largest freshwater outdoor pool, transforms into a buzzing family hub throughout the swimming season. 


The unheated lido also offers a children’s paddling pool, wheelchair access and facilities, a cafe and sunbathing areas. You can check out the pool’s temperature and book your place over at Places Leisure. 


Common Practical Info: Free access, open all hours. Numerous access from surrounding areas. Car park location SW17 8JU. Perfect for ages 0-12.


Lido Practical Info: Available for private hire. Access for All membership for Wandsworth residents. SW16 1RU


2. Streatham Common & The Rookery

The Rookery by lambeth.gov.uk

For those seeking the best family walks near Streatham that combine education with outdoor fun, Streatham Common and its adjacent Rookery gardens offer diverse experiences. 


The common itself features multiple playground areas, woodland, grassland, meadows and streams, and a seasonal paddling pool.


The Rookery, a Grade II Listed Historic Garden, offers ornamental ponds and seasonal flower displays, public toilets, a popular cafe, and a car park. 


The Rookery provides a more tranquil environment where children can observe different plants, spot local wildlife, and enjoy the sensory experience of various textures and scents. 


Practical Info: Free access 24 hours a day (common), SW16 5NR. Parking available. Suitable for all ages, pushchair accessible paths.


The Rookery by lambeth.gov.uk 


3. Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre 

Perfect for those rainy London days, this modern facility offers multiple indoor family activities in Streatham and the surrounding areas.  


The Olympic-sized ice rink provides magical first experiences for children learning to skate, complete with support aids and family-friendly sessions. Meanwhile, the swimming pool complex includes features specifically designed for younger swimmers.


The soft play area caters brilliantly to toddlers and younger children, featuring colourful climbing structures, ball pits, and safe spaces for crawling babies. 


Practical Info: Entry fees vary by activity and membership. SW16 6HX. Active Lambeth


4. Norbury to Tooting Common Walking Routes

For families who enjoy exploring on foot, the best family walks near Norbury offer scenic routes connecting various green spaces. 


These pathways wind through residential areas, revealing charming local architecture, BMX tracks, and allotments. Providing perfect opportunities to spot urban wildlife.


You may want to join organised walks in the SW London area. London Park to Park arranges get-togethers, walking through some of the common lands of South London. 


Practical Info: Free activity, various entry points. 


5. Local Libraries

Libraries are a great free activity to do with kids at any time of the year. 


Many of which have special events and activities such as Rhyme Time Clubs, Urdu reading groups, Knit and Natter group, and dance and drama schools. 


The benefits of reading to children are vast and extensive. Our recent blog explains the importance of providing reading opportunities to babies and young children. 


Practical Info: Tooting Library, SW17 9PD; Balham Library SW12 8QY; Streatham Library SW16 1PN; Norbury Library SW16 4UW


Free Things to do with the Kids

Understanding that family outings can be expensive, we've identified frere places to take kids in the SW London areas:

  • Playground hopping across different commons and parks (see parks above)

  • Nature scavenger hunts in green spaces - you can download scavenger hunts, or create your own hunt 

  • Duck feeding at various ponds (bring appropriate food)

  • Community library story times and activity sessions (see above)

  • Window shopping along busy high streets

  • Free museum days at local cultural venues


A young boy sitting in a library reading a book

Planning Your Family Adventures


Transportation Tips

Most featured locations connect easily via public transport. 


Balham, Tooting Bec, and Streatham stations provide excellent rail links, while numerous bus routes serve the area comprehensively. 


Many venues offer parking, though spaces can be limited during peak times, particularly weekends and school holidays.


Practical Preparation

Before heading out, consider packing essentials like wet/sunny-weather gear, snacks, water bottles, and any specific equipment activities might require. 


Many venues provide equipment rental, but bringing familiar items often helps children feel more comfortable in new environments.


Creating Community Connections

These shared spaces provide wonderful opportunities for things to do with kids in their local community. 


Local parent groups frequently organise informal gatherings at these venues, providing newcomers with instant community connections and established families with expanded social circles.


The diverse neighbourhoods of Balham, Tooting, Norbury, and Streatham offer rich tapestries of family-friendly activities that cater to every interest, budget, and weather condition. From the natural beauty of expansive commons to the structured fun of indoor play centres, these areas provide endless opportunities for creating precious family memories.


At Lucky Beans Childcare, we often take the children out to their local communities to explore the areas listed in this article. We encourage you to explore these wonderful spaces with your children, creating your own favourite spots and cherished traditions along the way.


We'd love to hear from you! Share your own favourite local family activities in the comments below, or connect with us to learn more about how Lucky Beans Childcare can support your family's childcare needs throughout SW London.


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