The London Wetland Centre is one of the UK’s best and most family-friendly nature reserves. Located in the heart of the capital, it’s a rural oasis – with plenty of fun for kids.
Open all year round, this beautiful spot makes a great family day out in any season. There’s plenty to engage and entertain kids here, from an adventure playground and an interactive discovery centre to educational pond dipping, den building and conservation sessions – plus the site is teeming with wildlife and places to explore. Citizen Enfants discovered why it’s a destination to put on your must-visit list for 2025.
What is the London Wetland Centre?
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If you’re a parent who is yet to discover the London Wetland Centre then you’re in for a treat. Located in Barnes, in the west of the city, this is one of the best places to head for an outdoors adventure with young children. Packed with fun activities, it’s an excellent spot to let kids run (relatively) freely on wide paths and through green spaces as they discover wonderful wildlife around them. Wetland areas are vital environmental havens, but over a third of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1970: a trip to centres like this gives kids the chance to better understand conservation, and engage them in ways to protect the natural world.
Just moments from the river Thames, a visit to this vast 105-acre site is like stepping into the countryside – with paths and trails that meander through the recreated wetland habitat which includes lakes, gardens, marshes and meadows. The award-winning centre is run by a conservation charity and is a sanctuary for wild ducks, bats, butterflies, otters and water voles – some of which you’ll likely spot as you wander around. Or pop into one of six hides to do some bird watching, with different types arriving from all over the world as the seasons change.
What makes London Wetland Centre good for children?
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There is so much for children to see and do here, such as the super-fun adventure playground with zip wire, tunnels to run in and out of, a climbing frame and slide, and a water-play table with little plastic ducks (the idea is to whoosh the ducks from side to side using water jets). It’s a pretty much enclosed space, and easy to navigate, so kids can explore the playground for hours. Head to the Sound Garden to create your own music with outdoor instruments, or visit the indoors Discovery Centre for interactive exhibits, games and hands-on learning that aims to engage children with what the Wetland Centre is all about – preserving the natural habitat of all the species that live there. Be sure to embrace the fun of messy play at the Mud Kitchen too, with pots, pans and utensils to cook up a slimy storm (they’re also hosting a Mudfest next year: from 15 – 23 February). The Wetland Centre clearly understands that getting a bit mucky, stomping around in puddles and having mini adventures is a whole lot of fun for little ones who want to run around and let off steam.
Who is it for?
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The London Wetland Centre is for anyone of any age; it’s easily accessible and very family-friendly. Little ones will love the play areas, while older kids will enjoy den building classes and navigating the site using a children’s map – with bridges and balance beams to navigate along the way. During summer holidays and half-term breaks the team put on a whole host of activities such as orienteering and toasting marshmallows, making this the ideal day out when you need something a little more structured.
The Highlights
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The Wetland Centre lets children – and adults – get up close to nature and wildlife in the heart of London. Not a zoo, but a very successful reserve, you’ll see all sorts of creatures in their natural habitat; often in a hands-on way. Try some supervised pond dipping where the team will help children (and grown ups) to delve beneath the water’s surface, discovering aquatic creatures and insects. With nets, trays and handy identification cards you can count how many mini beasts you can spot. They also run weekly forest-school inspired Friday Froglet sessions for preschool-aged kids that include playing in nature, singing songs, making nature crafts and listening to stories around a campfire.
Need to know
It’s easy to take kids to the Wetland Centre. There’s plenty of onsite parking, it’s buggy-friendly, you’ll find baby changing facilities, and there’s a great café that, among other things, sells little lunch boxes for children.
Buy a day ticket or become a member, which allows unlimited access to both the London centre plus 10 other sister sites across the country. Family tickets cost from £87 a year and all proceeds go towards supporting the charity.
Where is it?
The London Wetland Centre is located at Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT.
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