1 / 6Surrey packs a huge amount into easy reach of London and the M25. Whether your kids are thrill-seeking teens, animal-mad toddlers or somewhere in between, this guide rounds up eight family days out we can genuinely recommend, from big-hitting theme parks to gentle farms and gardens. Where you can book entry ahead through GetYourGuide, we've added a link to save you queuing at the gate.
🎟️See things to do in Surrey on GetYourGuide →Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Just off the M25 and A3 near Kingston, Chessington is a combined theme park, zoo and Sea Life centre. That mix is exactly why it works so well for families: one venue covers thrill rides, gentle family favourites like the Gruffalo ride, plus a zoo and an aquarium with animal talks and feeding sessions. It genuinely suits toddlers through to teens in a single day out.
Thorpe Park
Over in Chertsey, Thorpe Park is Surrey's world-class thrill park, home to 30-plus rides including Hyperia, Stealth and The Swarm. It's a magnet for older kids and teens chasing big roller coasters, but there are tamer rides and water attractions to keep younger siblings entertained too, so the whole family can make a day of it.
RHS Garden Wisley
Near Woking, RHS Garden Wisley is the Royal Horticultural Society's 240-acre flagship garden, with a huge exotic Glasshouse, open lawns and a large new play area. It's an affordable outdoor day where kids can spot wildlife, run off energy in the dedicated children's play area, and explore the tropical Glasshouse whatever the weather is doing outside.
Brooklands Museum
In Weybridge, Brooklands Museum sits on the site of the world's first purpose-built race circuit and is home to historic cars, aircraft and a Concorde. It's brilliantly hands-on: climb-aboard vehicles and aircraft plus real engineering and history make it a reliable rainy-day hit with curious kids.
Bocketts Farm Park
Near Leatherhead in Fetcham, Bocketts is an award-winning working farm with animal feeding, tractor rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, and twice-daily pig racing. Younger children can pet and feed goats, lambs and small animals, then burn off energy on the jumping pillows, go-karts and soft play. A classic all-ages farm day out.
Godstone Farm
Just east of Reigate, Godstone Farm is a children's farm with 500-plus animals, a large indoor play barn and extensive outdoor play areas. It's built around toddlers and young kids getting up close to animals, and because the indoor play is weatherproof, it works year-round.
British Wildlife Centre
On the A22 near Lingfield and Godstone, the British Wildlife Centre is a native wildlife park with 40-plus British species, including otters, red squirrels, wildcats, pine martens and owls. Keeper talks and close encounters with rarely seen native animals make it an engaging, educational half- to full-day out for families.
Painshill Park
In Cobham, Painshill is an award-winning 18th-century landscape garden with a lake, Gothic temple, ruined abbey, crystal grotto, wildflower meadows and walking trails. Family trails, a play area and the sparkling crystal grotto turn what could be a quiet garden visit into a proper outdoor adventure for kids.
Tips for a family day out in Surrey
- Book ahead where you can. For the big theme parks and popular gardens, buying entry online in advance usually beats gate prices and avoids queuing on arrival.
- Match the venue to your kids' ages. Thorpe Park suits thrill-seeking teens, while farms like Bocketts and Godstone are ideal for toddlers and younger children.
- Have a wet-weather backup. Brooklands Museum, Chessington's Sea Life centre and Godstone's indoor play barn all keep the day going if the rain sets in.
- Go early. Arriving near opening gives you the quietest rides, the best parking and time to fit in the animal talks and feeding sessions.
- Pack for outdoors. Many of these days out involve a lot of walking and open space, so bring sun cream, water and layers.
FAQs
What's the best day out in Surrey for young children?
For toddlers and younger kids, the farms are hard to beat. Bocketts Farm Park and Godstone Farm both focus on animal feeding, small-animal handling and play areas, with weatherproof indoor options so they work whatever the season.
Which Surrey attraction is best for teenagers?
Thorpe Park in Chertsey is the standout for thrill-seeking teens, with major roller coasters like Hyperia, Stealth and The Swarm, plus water rides. Chessington also offers bigger rides alongside its zoo and aquarium.
Are there affordable outdoor days out in Surrey?
Yes. RHS Garden Wisley and Painshill Park both offer large outdoor spaces, play areas and family trails at a lower cost than the theme parks, and the British Wildlife Centre is a good-value, more educational half- to full-day option.
🎟️ Top things to do in Surrey
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