The Puppet Theatre Barge offers a truly unique theatrical experience aboard a charming floating venue on the River Thames. This intimate 55-seat theater specializes in professionally crafted puppet shows that captivate young audiences with colorful characters, engaging stories, and the magical novelty of watching a performance while gently bobbing on the water.
Weekday matinees (typically Saturday and Sunday afternoons, plus weekday performances during school holidays) are ideal for visiting families. The theater operates primarily during autumn, winter, and spring months when they are moored in Little Venice, offering a cozy indoor activity perfect for rainy London days.
Tickets run approximately 12-15 pounds per person. Parking is limited in the Little Venice area, so using the Tube (Warwick Avenue or Paddington stations) or buses is recommended. No food or drinks are sold on board, and eating during performances is not permitted.
The barge moves between two London locations: moored at Little Venice (Paddington area) from October through June, then relocates to Richmond-upon-Thames during July and August. The venue typically closes for a few weeks in September during the transition. Special holiday shows are often scheduled around Christmas and Easter.
The Waterway in Little Venice offers family-friendly canal-side dining with a children's menu and lovely outdoor seating. Alternatively, Formosa Dining Room near Warwick Avenue serves kid-approved British classics in a welcoming atmosphere convenient to the Little Venice mooring.
Tooting Common is a sprawling 221-acre green space in South London that offers families everything from adventure playgrounds and outdoor sports facilities to peaceful woodland walks and wide open spaces for picnics and games. This beloved local park provides a perfect escape from the city bustle, with plenty of room for kids to run wild, ride bikes, and explore nature without the entrance fees of London's major attractions.
Wandsworth Common is a sprawling 175-acre green space that offers everything families need for a perfect London park day. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, a charming duck pond for feeding adventures, wide open spaces for running wild, and excellent sports facilities, this beloved southwest London common provides a peaceful escape from the city bustle without leaving the capital.
The Kids Space is a vibrant indoor play center located inside Southside Shopping Centre in Wandsworth, perfect for parents who want to combine errands with playtime. With slides, climbing structures, and ball pits designed for younger children, it offers a safe, enclosed environment where little ones can burn energy while you're already out shopping.
Wandle Recreation Centre offers a fantastic free day out for families visiting London, combining modern playgrounds with sports facilities and open green spaces. Located in the residential area of Wandsworth, this community hub provides both indoor and outdoor activities where kids can burn energy while parents enjoy a relaxed atmosphere away from the typical tourist crowds.