19 BEST Toddler Friendly Days Out In The UK

Discover the best days out for toddlers in the UK including train rides, toddler friendly museums and the best farms where little ones can meet and feed friendly animals!

#1. Hertfordshire Zoo

Visit Hertfordshire’s No.1 outdoor attraction Hertfordshire Zoo, to see over 800 incredible animals and more. Why not visit during their ‘Dinos after Dark’ ticketed events every weekend, from Friday 20th to Sunday 29th October to see over 40 amazing dinosaurs – if you’re brave enough! The ‘World of Dinosaurs’ is one of the leading animatronic dinosaur attractions in the UK. Explore Sun Bear Heights and Jaguar Jungle and stop by Sun Bear Bakery to enjoy some tasty snacks. Why not have a fun filled family lunch in the Safari Diner after letting the kids go wild in Tumble Jungle soft play area. You could enjoy a game of Safari Crazy Golf, take a Rex-express journey, or relax and watch the big cats.

Learn More – Hertfordshire Zoo

#2. Monkey Forest Trentham, Staffordshire

Monkey Forest is an ideal destination for families with toddlers who are seeking a thrilling and educational adventure. Located in a picturesque forest in Staffordshire, Monkey Forest offers an affordable and unforgettable experience for young children. Walking amidst the charming Barbary macaque monkeys, visitors can witness these playful creatures in their natural habitat, observing their social interactions and behaviors up-close. It’s a rare opportunity for toddlers to learn about wildlife conservation while enjoying an exciting day out. With two fantastic play areas and a Willow Maze with funny rhymes, Monkey Forest promises a fun-filled day that will create cherished memories for your little ones.

Learn More – Monkey Forest

#3. The Big Sheep, Devon

The Big Sheep is a fantastic day out for toddlers in Devon no matter what the weather is like! There are roller coasters for older children plus 12 shows and fab outdoor play areas including giant jumping pillows, twister rides and splash zones. Toddlers will also the love the Piggy Pull-Along, Tractor Safari, self-driving tractors, pony rides and pedalo rides!

#4. Exmoor Zoo

Exmoor Zoo is a fantastic toddler friendly day out in the South West! Little ones can see rare animals including such as binturong and tayra along with favourites such as meerkats, lemurs and big cats including black leopards. There are also interactive feeding sessions such as wallaby feeding and petting and meeting our alpacas.

Learn More – Exmoor Zoo

Read More – 6 Best Toddler Friendly Days Out In Devon

#5. Lappa Valley, Cornwall

Lappa Valley is the only attraction in Cornwall that transports families on an exciting nostalgic train ride from the car park, into a secret world of traditional fun and family adventures. Children will love the thrill of train and boat rides, exploring nature and letting off steam in our outdoor spaces. Then explore The Engine Shed, which is home to our multi-level indoor soft play area and café where you can refuel in comfort.

Learn More – Lappa Valley, Cornwall

Read More – 25 Things To Do In Cornwall With Toddlers

#6. Woodlands Adventure Park, Devon

Woodlands Adventure Park is a fantastic toddler friendly day out in Devon. Located in 100 acres of woodland, the parks has rides for all ages, animals and even a toddler village with a big paddling pool (don’t forget your swimming stuff!) With two indoor soft play areas dedicated to toddlers, in addition to the many thrilling outdoor attractions, little ones are bound to have a great day whatever the weather! Throughout the summer season, Woodlands hosts amazing character appearances with guests you’ll recognise from TV! The Zoo Farm is full of interesting creatures, with animal activities taking place on weekends and school holidays!

Learn More – Woodlands Adventure Park

#7. Dairyland Farm Park, Cornwall

Discover the Magic of Dairyland Farm Park! Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Dairyland Farm Park. Located in picturesque Newquay, this hidden gem invites you to embark on a memorable countryside adventure. From cuddly rabbits to playful goats and majestic cows, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with these lovable creatures. But Dairyland Farm Park is more than just a farm. Engage in nature trails and have amazing indoor or outdoor fun in our many play zones. Whether you’re seeking a day of family fun, an educational outing, or simply a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s wonders, Dairyland Farm Park promises an unforgettable experience. Come and create cherished memories at this idyllic destination where nature and adventure converge!

Learn More – Dairyland Farm Park

#8. The Ark Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, Lincolnshire

The ARK Wildlife & Dinosaur Park is a wildlife park with a difference, operating as a rescue sanctuary for exotic animals that is also open to the public like a traditional family friendly zoo with wonderful indoor
and outdoor play areas, and Lincolnshire’s largest dinosaur attraction – Jurassic Ark. The ARK has become a home to a wide variety of captivating animals, from exotic mammals and fearsome carnivores to stunning
reptiles and some of your favourite farmyard friends.

Learn More – The Ark Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

#9. DIG, York

DIG is an indoor archaeological adventure in York where children can become trainee archaeologists! The sessions start with a quick interactive learning session where little ones find out about artefacts they might find whilst getting a chance to hold things that have already been dug up. Then it’s time to get digging in the pits to see what you can find! Luckily the soil is synthetic no mess soil so you don’t need to bring spare clothes!

Read More – 15 Things To Do In York With Toddlers

#10. Eureka, Yorkshire

Eureka, otherwise known as the National Children’s Museum, is a toddler’s dream day out! There is loads of things to touch, play and experiment with including pushing a trolley around a pretend M&S Simply Foods shop, getting arty in the Creativity Space or cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Plus, you can eat your picnic lunch in a train carriage outside in the grounds – what could be better?

#11. Folly Farm, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Folly Farm is an adventure park and zoo in Pembrokeshire – and with 50% of the attractions and activities undercover it’s a great day out for toddlers even if it rains! There are loads of attractions for toddlers at Folly Farm including the Vintage Funfair, Farm, Zoo and the amazing indoor and outdoor play areas.

#12. Monkey World, Dorset

The Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is an ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre in Dorset. Toddlers can see the monkeys and apes in their homes and let off steam in the amazing Great Ape Adventure Play Area playground!

#13. Chatsworth House Farmyard, The Peak District

Chatsworth Farmyard opened in 1973 to show children where their food comes from and how the land at Chatsworth is managed. This working farmyard has loads of pigs, donkeys, chickens, sheep and goats for babies and toddlers to see as well as interactive demonstrations throughout the day such as milking the cows and animal feeding. In addition to the animals, there is also a woodland playground with a rope park and trampoline, slides and water and sand play.

#14. Trebah Garden, Cornwall

Trebah Garden is a sub-tropical garden with a spectacular coastal backdrop and is one of the most family friendly gardens in Cornwall. Under 5’s can explore Fort Stuart (especially for cowboys and cowgirls) which includes a slide and rocking horses in a secure area on sand. There are also adventure trails for children to follow including Mr Frog’s Wildlife Trail where children can try and find Mr Frogs friends!!

#15. Cannon Hall Farm, Yorkshire

Award winning Cannon Hall Farm is a great day out for toddlers who love animals! There are plenty of animals to see, pet and hold at Cannon Hall Farm including the stars of the recent Channel 5 series ‘This Week on the Farm’! Cannon Hall Farm also has a massive outdoor playground and an indoor play area which is great for a rainy day. There is discounted admission for weekdays in term time.

#16. Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Lanhydrock is one of the National Trust’s most popular days out with over 900 acres of countryside to explore. There are lots of family friendly walks, a fab natural wood play area and bike hire so you can have a ride on the cycle trails which run around the estate. Best of all is the toddler balance bike trail which is a small loop with gentle bumps and corners where little ones can practice their cycling skills!

#17. National Railway Museum, York

A must for train mad toddlers! See famous engines like the Mallard and Japanese Bullet train in this wonderful free museum right next to York Railway station. There are also regular storytelling sessions and a small under 5’s soft play area with lots of interactive activities so toddlers can build their own Stephenson’s Rocket and play with the train toys. Plus, you can get the land train into York city centre afterwards.

#18. World Of Peter Rabbit, The Lake District

Peter Rabbit fans will love seeing their hero and his friends at the World of Peter Rabbit in Windermere. Walk through Mr MacGregor’s garden and meet Jemima Puddleduck, Mr Todd, Jeremy Fisher and other characters from Beatrix Potter’s books in this beautifully designed exhibition. Older children will enjoy taking part in the Peter Rabbit Activity Trail. Keep an eye out for the Peter Rabbit Tea Parties which take place throughout the year!

#19. Wray Castle, The Lake District

Perfect for a rainy day, Wray Castle in the Lake District is brilliant for toddler days out! Set on the banks of Lake Windermere, the National Trust inherited Wray Castle without any furniture or fittings, so they have turned it into a toddler’s paradise by having a different activity in each room. These include table tennis, giant games, dressing up, arts and crafts and the Peter Rabbit Adventure. Peter Rabbit fans can play in Mr McGregor’s garden, have a snooze in Peter Rabbit’s bed and see where he lives. Outside, there is a great woodland playground, and toddlers can feed the ducks and paddle in Lake Windermere. There is only a small car park at Wray Castle so consider taking the ferry from Ambleside or the Brockholes Visitor centre to get there.

Can you recommend any toddler friendly days out in the UK?