Family Attractions In Croydon

From quirky museums and adventure parks, to outdoor play areas and green spaces,
there are plenty of great family attractions just a short walk or brief drive away from the Clarion Collection Croydon Park Hotel. What's more, the hotel is only three minutes' walk from East Croydon Station, giving you quick and easy access to all of central London's top attractions, too!

Here are a few of the fantastic things you can do on a family day out in Croydon:

An award-winning indoor play centre with loads of exciting activities for kids aged 0-12, Kidspace Croydon is a fabulous space to while away a rainy afternoon. Some of the adventures on offer include slides, mazes, go-karts, crazy golf, and even a climbing zone and cinema, plus there are restaurant and café facilities on site to keep adults and kids alike fuelled throughout even the most action-packed session.

This excellent museum and gallery recounts the history of Croydon and its people through fascinating artefacts and stories from local people, with collections grouped according to themes so you can trace whatever topic most interests you. They also offer fun weekly workshops and family activities to help kids of all ages learn about the past.

If your family day out needs to cater to a range of ages and interests, try a visit to the Valley Park Retail and Leisure Complex. With loads of great shopping at all your favourite high street brands, plus a Vue Cinema, tenpin bowling, a games arcade and a number of food outlets, there's something to keep the entire family entertained.

A handsome, grade II-listed building set next to a picturesque pond, the Honeywood Museum is a wonderful place to get a glimpse of life in Edwardian times, with family-friendly exhibits that include a vintage billiards room, bathroom and an extensive collection of Edwardian toys that are sure to awaken the imaginations of young and old alike.

Check out the programme at this much-loved performing arts venue – which includes the fabulous Ashcroft Theatre, plus a concert hall and gallery – for an ever-changing selection of music, comedy, drama and more, including many top-notch children's shows and pantomimes, as well as fantastic local and touring productions.

Family members of all ages will find something to delight them at the Crystal Palace Park. Spot the life-size dinosaur statues in the woods, explore the maze, walking trails and playground, or pay a visit to the animals at the city farm run by Capel Manor College. Sporty types can check out the facilities at the National Sports Centre, or you may even be able to catch a performance on the outdoor stage.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens are a brilliant place for inquiring minds who love to explore, with extensive collections of artefacts from all over the world and ever-changing exhibitions that appeal to all ages. Highlights include a hands-on collection (for young visitors who like to touch!), an aquarium and outdoor animal enclosures where you can visit alpacas, rabbits, goats and more.

Croydon boasts an abundance of parks, gardens and other green spaces where you can stretch your legs, burn off some energy and get close to nature. For example, check out nearby Park Hill Recreation Ground, a former deer park that is now equipped with splendid gardens, a playground and a variety of sports facilities, or head to the massive Lloyd Park, where you can wander through mature woodland, play sports and games or hang out in the play area – perfect for a relaxing family day out.