South East London: Awesome Family-Friendly Areas

by LondonDucklings
Published: Last Updated on

Looking for family-friendly things to do in South East London? There’s plenty to choose from, ranging from museums to city farms and adventure playgrounds. Here are some of our favourite spots in South East:

South East London family activities

Things to do in South East London with kids

South East London is one of the most child-friendly areas to explore in the capital. Apart from the Southbank, the attractions in this part of London are a bit off the beaten path, making for fewer queues and a more relaxing experience. If you are tired of the frantic tourist spots in Central London, the South East is a great area to enjoy more chilled-out family days.

Just like Kensington is a hot spot for great museums in West London, Greenwich is an equally exciting place for museum-goers in the East. Close to Greenwich high-street, you’ll find a host of exciting attractions for the whole family, including the National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory.

Further to the south of Greenwich, you can enjoy the great Sutcliffe Sports Centre and several child-friendly parks and playgrounds. The playground in Peckham Rye Park is really cool. Crystal Palace also has a lot to offer, including a selection of vintage dinosaur sculptures as well as a small city farm featuring meerkats (free entry).

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13 South East London Areas to Explore

Had enough of the touristy areas of Central London? Head southeast of the Thames to experience some of the capital’s most authentic and charming local villages.

The boroughs of Greenwich and Southwark are great starting points when exploring South East London, with a good mix of green areas, historical attractions and attractive new developments. For active days out, the Thames Path from Tower Bridge towards Greenwich is well shielded from traffic and great for scooting and cycling. If you’re looking for animal encounters, we recommend a visit to Surrey Docks Farm, and for more exotic creatures, check out the Horniman Museum.

1. Brixton

Looking for exotic ingredients for your next dinner? Brixton is a multicultural area with a vibrant food market and great nightlife. If you like creative spaces and a good evening out, it’s your area.

2. Brockley

Brockley is an under-the-radar south London area with lots of street art and a park with views. It’s your ideal spot if you like to get away from touristy places.

3. Camberwell

Camberwell is home to art galleries, parks, and independent cafes. It’s for you if you’re artsy and like a unique coffee shop. Burgess park offers a range of kids’ activities, including three excellent playgrounds.

4. Dulwich

Dulwich is a village with picture-pretty streets, a world-class art gallery, and lovely parks. It’s perfect if you like beautiful houses and want to get away from the bustle of the city.

5. East Dulwich

East Dulwich has a great high street with lots of shops and restaurants. There’s a fun Saturday market, too. It’s just the place if you want some retail therapy and a good lunch.

6. Forest Hill

Forest Hill is known for its Horniman museum walrus. Beyond that, it has fun cafes and gardens. It’s great if you want to see a local area and visit a unique museum.

7. Greenwich

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is bursting with maritime history and royal residences. From the Royal Observatory to the Queen’s House and the National Maritime Museum, it’s perfect for families beginning with school-age children.

8. Herne Hill

Herne Hill is known for its Sunday market and big park. It has excellent pubs and restaurants, too. It’s ideal if you want to experience a local area of London and enjoy a panorama of the city’s high-rise buildings.

9. London Bridge

London Bridge has excellent restaurants and nightlife and is conveniently located in the middle of London. It’s ideal if you want to stay close to north London but still get a feel for the south.

10. Nunhead

Nunhead is an under-the-radar area with an otherworldly cemetery and cool bars. It’s for you if you want to live like a local and explore unique sites.

11. Peckham

Peckham is one of south London’s hipster meccas. And families can enjoy the wonderful Peckham Rye Park with its refurbished adventure playground. It’s known for its nightlife, including rooftop bars with views of the city skyline.  

12. Rotherhithe

Rotherhithe is full of contrasts. It’s known for being the site from which the Mayflower ship departed London for America in 1620. In Russia Dock Park, you’ll be able to enjoy wild nature in the former docks of the previous century.

13. South Bank

The South Bank is a hub for great family activities. Enjoy attractions like London Eye and Sea Life and experience the street performers along the Thames foreshore.