The best days out for toddlers in the UK

days out

by Aimee Jakes |
Updated on

If you are looking for the perfect days out with toddlers, we've got loads of great suggestions for 1-year-olds and above. From exploring Peppa Pig world to a medieval duel at Warwick Castle, to heading to one of the UK's best water parks, or London for a city adventure, there is something to spark the imagination in every child.

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Toddler days out uk

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CREDIT: Jurassic Live

Jurassic Live

Jurassic Live is a thrilling stage show following our team of rangers on the hunt for a missing dinosaur. This is perfect for any dinosaur obsessed tot and their family

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Balloon Museum

Looking for a unique experience for the whole family to enjoy in the school holidays? Visit the Balloon Museum at Old Billingsgate, London (10-minute walk from London Bridge station). The EmotionAir immersive exhibition (running until 18 Feb) explores the relationship between art and emotions through the medium of inflatables. Children (and adults!) will love diving into an enormous ball pit, crawling through a giant inflatable structure and swinging and rolling huge balls back and forth. There are Insta worthy photo opportunities galore, and the combination of lights and sounds make it a stimulating multisensory experience. There’s a sweet treats area at the end, selling popcorn, candyfloss, bagels, doughnuts, crêpes, and alcoholic drinks, and a gift shop. So, parents have your purse or wallet at the ready – two candyfloss will set you back £10, and a small flower balloon will cost you £7. Family tickets start from £90. But look out for 20% discount codes online. Go to balloonmuseum.world for more details.

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Toddler days out uk

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Legoland, Windsor

Legoland boasts over 55 rides and attractions, as well as shows and events. There are plenty of areas suitable for tots, babies and adults - so everyone can join in the fun.

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Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

From epic bird shows to history museums to a medieval dining experience - there is lots of fun to be had at Warwick Castle for the whole family!

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Cbeebies Land, Alton

CBeebies Land is where your little one’s TV dreams come true. From In the Night Garden to Postman Pat, expect your tots to be star struck as you make your way around the attractions. CBeebies Land is part of Alton Towers, so there's plenty more to do if you have older kids too but if you are staying, we'd recommend a stay at the CBeebies Hotel!

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SEA LIFE Brighton

Whether your tot is up for feeding turtles or even Sharks (if they're brave), Sea Life Brighton is an aquarium like no other!

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Glasgow Spy Mission Treasure Trail, Glasgow, Glasgow and Strathclyde, Scotland

An ideal safe day outdoors, follow the Glasgow Spy Mission Treasure Trail, solve clues on route as well as taking in the views and exploring the area.

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Thomas Land, Staffordshire

Calling all Thomas and the Tank Engine lovers, Thomas Land will make all your dreams come true! Take a ride down the railway with either Thomas, Rosie or Percy, or take to the sky with James - there's plenty of Thomas and friends themed attractions to explore.

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Gulliver's Land, Milton Keynes

This fun-filled park in Milton Keynes is well worth a visit with your tot! Pop into the Whispering Woods and take the Fairy Trail through the magical woods to turn all your toddler’s worries into wishes, and much much more at Gulliver's Land...

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Dublin Zoo, Dublin, Ireland

If you're based in Dublin, then why not head to Dublin Zoo? It promises a fun-filled day out for all ages and the place to learn more about animals too, with Dublin Zoo being one of the oldest zoos and home to 400 animals. You'll need to pre-book a timeslot to avoid disappointment.

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The Deep Aquarium, Hull

Make some fishy friends at this award-winning aquarium in Hull, where your tot can learn about life under water and see a huge variety of sea life! Fancy some more water fun? What about an indoor or outdoor water park?

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Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Republic of Ireland

Aillwee Cave is located in the Burren In County Clare, with one of the best views of Galway Bay. It's one of the oldest caves in Ireland and has so much to offer. As well as a tour of the cave, you can sit down and watch flying displays at the Birds of Prey centre, the home to Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Owls from all over the world.

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The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle, Stirling and Falkirk, Scotland

Treetop adventures and scenic trails, the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre in Aberfoyle should be on the top of your list when you're in the area. With something that everyone can enjoy. You can even take a gentle stroll to a waterfall too.

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Treetop Adventure Golf, Cardiff, Glamorgan and Cardiff, Wales

Treetop Adventure Golf is perfect for a wet day in Cardiff, and something for all ages. With a theme of a tropical rainforest, you won't be disappointed.

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Willows Activity Farm (featuring Peter Rabbit!), St Albans

Come and play with the much-loved stars of the animated CBeebies series ‘Peter Rabbit’ at Willows Activity Farm, near St. Albans. Visit Peter’s Secret Treehouse, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s Kitchen and Lily Bobtail’s Nature Discovery at this first Peter Rabbit themed adventure play area of its kind.

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Peppa Pig World, Hampshire

From Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter ride, to Muddy Puddles Water Splash Park, to George’s Spaceship Indoor Playzone - Peppa Pig World has all you need for a family fun day out! Nestled in The New Forest in Hampshire, you and your tot are bound to have a ball in this beautiful setting.

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Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, near Dursley, Gloucestershire

Take your tot to feed an array of ducks, geese and swans at Slimbridge Wetlands Centre. Visit the flamingos, explore the watery world of Toad Hall, splash about at Welly Boot Land or enjoy the indoor soft play, it’s definitely the perfect day out during the warmer months.

Still looking for ideas? Check out the below, for more inspiration!

The best theme parks for toddlers

From Chessington World of Adventures to Pleasure Island, to Digger Land, there are so many brilliant theme parks for toddlers in the UK!

Seasonal days out

Click on the below to get some season-appropriate ideas on where to take your toddler:

Summer days out ideas

Autumn days out ideas

Christmas days out ideas

Spring days out ideas

Easter days out and activities

London days out with toddlers

If you're looking for fun days out there are interactive experiences, museums, Royal parks, and playgrounds to keep them busy on a fun day out in London.

If you have an animal lover, there are zoos and parks packed full of cute and cuddly critters and kings of the jungle.

Row a boat in Hyde Park

hyde park rowing boats

During the spring and summer months, the Royal Parks are the place to be. Whether it's to find the perfect picnic spot with the kids or go rowing in the water, it's a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Let their imagination run wild at the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground

diana memorial playground

If they need to burn off some energy, the Diana Memorial Playground is the perfect place to do that. With a giant pirate ship in the middle, teepees and sensory trail, it's an ideal spot to let their imaginations run wild and it's located just next to Kensington Palace.

See the sights on The Toot Bus

things to do london activities kids children original tour hop on off bus

If it's their first time in the city, then it's understandable why they might want to see all the sights on a simple hop on hop off bus trip with Toot Bus. Designed for kids aged 5-11, there's plenty of information for them to soak up on this journey.

The best family-friendly pub gardens

Summer afternoons are made for lounging around in the sun, but it can be difficult with several tots in tow. A safe and fun family-friendly pub garden is a great place for your little one to get outside and have some fun!

The best adventure playgrounds in the UK

There are many fantastic adventure playgrounds across the UK you and your family can visit, with some offering free entry.

Days out inspired by children's books

You need a river or stream with a bridge for this game, played by Winnie the Pooh with his friends. Drop your sticks into the water and see whose emerges from under the bridge first.

Story-time with children can often be a magical, mysterious and exciting experience, but you may be surprised to know that you and your family can visit lots of the places that inspired children’s literary classics, right here in the UK including Winnie the Pooh, Paddington Bear, The Chronicles of Narnia and Beatrix Potter!

The best museums in the UK for families

There are so many museums to explore here in the UK. Most are themed with particular interests in mind such as science or dinosaurs while others encompass a variety of exhibitions. Plus, for many, small children under a certain age go free. Bonus!

Best free outdoor activities for kids

 You absolutely have to photograph your toddler’s first bike ride – nothing will beat that huge smile on his face and you’ll want to look back on it in years to come. [Corbis]

You don't have to pay a penny to have a brilliant day out, with so many classic outdoor activities such as hide and seek, cycling, sculptures on the beach, bug hunting and more – you really can have fun with your baby for free!

Alternatively, you could grab a picnic and let them burn off some energy while getting some fresh air with our pick of the best parks and fun-filled outdoor spaces for the whole family.

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