Top Places To Visit With Children In Cheam And Surrounding Areas

Cheam is a charming and family-friendly area with a fantastic mix of outdoor spaces, cultural gems and engaging attractions for young children. Whether you’re encouraging your child’s curiosity, imagination or motor skills, the local area offers plenty of places where little ones can explore, play and learn in meaningful ways. These visits outside the nursery help children build confidence, develop new interests and enjoy hands-on experiences that bring learning to life.

If you’re nearby, make sure to keep an eye out for our new nursery, Fennies Cheam on Worcester Road. Our nursery is being purpose-built to support children’s learning and development through thoughtfully designed environments and a strong focus on wellbeing.

1. Nonsuch Park - Outdoor Exploration In A Historic Setting

📍Location: Ewell Road, Cheam, SM3 8AL

Why It’s Great For Children:

Nonsuch Park offers an amazing open space, perfect for exploring and connecting with nature. The park’s mix of woodland, wide lawns and wildflower areas gives children space to move freely while encouraging them to use all their senses. From collecting leaves to spotting squirrels, the open-ended opportunities here allow children to develop their creativity, independence and connection with the natural world. It’s a space where physical activity and imaginative play come together beautifully.

Must-Do Activities:

• Bring a bug jar or magnifying glass for exploring under logs
• Build dens in the wooded areas
• Enjoy a picnic near the mansion house

Best For: All Ages

2. Cheam Park - Local Favourite For Active Play

📍Location: Cheam Park, Cheam, SM3 8QB

Why It’s Great For Children:

Just a short stroll from the nursery, Cheam Park is a popular spot for families, offering a vibrant play area, grassy fields and tennis courts. The variety of climbing frames, slides, and balance equipment supports early motor skills and coordination. It’s also a fantastic setting for building social confidence, as children learn to take turns, make friends and navigate shared play spaces in a relaxed outdoor environment. Regular visits can help children feel confident in familiar community spaces.

Must-Do Activities:

• Try out the climbing pyramid and zip line
• Spot ducks near the pond
• Have a go on the mini obstacle course

‍Best For: Toddlers To Primary-School Aged Children

3. Whitehall Historic House - A Step Into The Past

📍Location: 1 Malden Road, Cheam, SM3 8QD

Why It’s Great For Children:

Whitehall Historic House is a fantastic introduction to local history in a child-friendly format. With interactive displays, dressing-up areas and craft activities, children can immerse themselves in life from centuries past. These types of role-play and storytelling opportunities support language development, spark curiosity and help children understand the world beyond their own experiences. It’s a rich, hands-on learning environment where imagination and education go hand in hand.

Must-Do Activities:

• Dress up in historical costumes
• Explore the sensory garden outside
• Join a seasonal children’s workshop

Best For: Ages 2+

4. Mayfield Lavender Farm - Colourful Sensory Discovery

📍Location: 1 Carshalton Road, Banstead, SM7 3JA

Why It’s Great For Children:

A short drive from Cheam, Mayfield Lavender Farm offers a truly magical sensory experience during the summer months. Children can walk among the vibrant lavender rows, experiencing the sights, scents and sounds of nature all around them. These moments are brilliant for building vocabulary and promoting mindfulness, while also encouraging a love for nature and early scientific exploration. It’s a vibrant and calming setting that supports wellbeing and sensory development in equal measure.

Must-Do Activities:

• Ride the red tractor through the lavender fields
• Explore the bug hotel and spot bees and butterflies
• Take photos in the fairy forest trail

Best For: Ages 1+

5. Sutton Ecology Centre - Nature And Discovery Trail

📍Location: Festival Walk, Carshalton, SM5 3NY

Why It’s Great For Children:

This tucked-away gem offers a peaceful and educational experience for children. The Ecology Centre’s Discovery Trail includes wildlife ponds, woodland paths and sensory gardens, making it a great place for observing nature up close. Experiences like pond dipping or spotting insects help children learn about biodiversity, seasonal change and sustainability, while also developing observation and inquiry skills. It’s a place that encourages calm, focus and a deep respect for the natural world.

Must-Do Activities:

• Hunt for mini creatures in the log piles
• Walk the discovery trail with a nature checklist
• Try pond dipping in spring and summer

Best For: Ages 2+

6. Kidspace Croydon - Indoor Play With A Purpose

📍Location: 16 Colonnades Leisure Park, Croydon, CR0 4RQ

Why It’s Great For Children:

When the weather calls for indoor fun, Kidspace is an exciting and safe place for children to climb, bounce and role-play. This immersive play centre offers large-scale climbing frames, soft play, sensory rooms and themed zones designed to support motor development and social interaction. It’s especially helpful for developing confidence and cooperation in young children, as they explore new roles, test boundaries and build friendships through play. The energy, colour and choice available make every visit an exciting adventure.

Must-Do Activities:

• Navigate the giant climbing zone
• Role play in the miniature town
• Explore the sensory rooms and soft areas 

Best For: Ages 1–7

Final Thoughts

Cheam offers a wonderful blend of leafy green spaces, welcoming play areas and community charm that makes it ideal for families with young children. Whether you're enjoying a relaxed afternoon outdoors or exploring somewhere new together, there’s always something to discover. These local highlights offer the perfect mix of fun and learning, helping children grow in confidence while making special memories close to home.