Top Places to Visit with Children in Purley and Surrounding Areas

Purley, nestled in South London, offers a delightful mix of green spaces, interactive play centres and educational attractions perfect for family outings. Whether you're in the mood for outdoor adventures or indoor fun, the area boasts a variety of spots that cater to children of all ages. 

And while you're planning your next adventure, be sure to visit Fennies Purley, a nurturing, state-of-the-art nursery that’s right in the heart of your community. You can even book yourself a ticket for our upcoming open morning, ‘Our World, Our Story’ on the 10th of May. It’s a great chance to explore the diverse cultures that make up our nursery communities and help bring people together through creativity, learning and connections. Book your tickets here!

1. Foxley Wood – A Natural Wonderland For Young Explorers

📍 Location: Purley

Why It’s Great For Children:

Foxley Wood is a Local Nature Reserve that allows children to immerse themselves in nature. The ancient woodland is rich in biodiversity, making it a fantastic place for children to learn about plants, insects, and animals in their natural habitat. The gentle, well-marked trails are buggy-friendly and perfect for little legs, while the peaceful atmosphere encourages mindfulness and curiosity. It's a place where imagination can run wild, whether they’re pretending to be forest adventurers or spotting wildlife with binoculars.

Must-Do Activities:

• Embark on a family-friendly hike through the woodland trails.
• Participate in seasonal nature scavenger hunts.
• Enjoy a picnic amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Best for: Curious children aged 4+

2. Oxygen Freejumping – Bounce Into Fun

📍 Location: Croydon

Why It’s Great For Children:

Located on Purley Way, Oxygen Freejumping is a vibrant indoor trampoline park filled with high-energy activities. With more than 150 interconnected trampolines, it's a dreamland for energetic children. The themed zones offer something for everyone, from dodgeball and slam-dunk lanes to foam pits and obstacle courses. For younger children, the dedicated toddler area ensures age-appropriate fun in a safe environment. It’s a great way to encourage physical activity!

Must-Do Activities:

• Participate in Open Play sessions to explore all trampoline zones.
• Challenge friends to a game of trampoline dodgeball.
• Little ones can enjoy the soft play area designed specifically for toddlers.

Best for: From toddlers to teenagers.

3. Kidspace Adventure Park – Indoor Exploration Galore

📍 Location: Croydon

Why It’s Great For Children:

Kidspace Adventure Park is an award-winning indoor playground that transforms play into a multi-sensory adventure. With a towering four-level play frame, imaginative climbing walls, and a mini go-kart track, it's a paradise for active children. Designed to develop gross motor skills, creativity and confidence, Kidspace also features a toddler village for the littlest explorers. It's the ultimate destination for weather-proof fun and offers a sense of independence as children navigate the space.

Must-Do Activities:

• Navigate the four-level play frame filled with slides and tunnels.
• Test climbing skills on themed climbing walls like "Jack and the Beanstalk."
• Enjoy a ride on the indoor go-kart track.

Best for: Children aged 1 to 12 years who can’t wait to explore!

4. Godstone Farm – A Day With Animals

📍 Location: Godstone

Why It’s Great For Children:

Just a short drive from Purley, Godstone Farm offers an immersive countryside experience that’s both fun and educational. Children can meet and feed farm animals such as goats, pigs and alpacas while learning about life on the farm. Beyond the animals, the site includes exciting extras like a dinosaur trail, soft play barn and multiple outdoor play zones. This combination of animal encounters and themed attractions makes it a full day of hands-on discovery and joyful exploration.

Must-Do Activities:

• Feed and pet friendly farm animals.
• Explore the dinosaur trail and discover prehistoric creatures.
• Let off steam in the adventure play areas equipped with zip wires and sandpits.

Best for: All ages, especially animal enthusiasts.

5. Waddon Leisure Centre – Soft Play Fun

📍 Location: Waddon

Why It’s Great For Children:

Waddon Leisure Centre offers a dedicated soft play area designed for children under 3 years old. The facility features a slide that lands in a ball pit, soft building blocks and a baby park, providing a safe and engaging environment for young children to play, learn and grow. Additionally, the centre includes a mini sports pitch with artificial grass, balls, goals, basketball hoops and targets to encourage active, developmental play.

Must-Do Activities:

• Dive into the ball pits and enjoy the soft play structures.
• Participate in organised play sessions and activities.
• Celebrate birthdays with themed party packages.

Best for: Children aged 8 and under.

6. Purley Way Playing Fields – Open Space For Recreation

📍 Location: Croydon

Why It’s Great For Children:

Purley Way Playing Fields are perfect for families who love the great outdoors. With wide-open green space, it encourages unstructured play, great for developing creativity and teamwork. Whether it’s football matches, kite flying or family picnics, the fields offer something for every interest. Its location also makes it a fun spot for plane-watching, thanks to its proximity to the airport.

Must-Do Activities:

• Organise a family game of football or frisbee.
• Enjoy a leisurely walk or jog along the pathways.
• Have a picnic while watching planes from the nearby airport.

Best for: All ages.

Final Thoughts

Purley and its neighboring areas are brimming with family-friendly destinations that cater to a wide range of interests. From exploring ancient woodlands and bouncing on trampolines to engaging with farm animals and enjoying expansive play areas, there's no shortage of activities to keep children entertained and engaged. These spots not only offer fun but also opportunities for learning and creating cherished family memories.