40 Things to do with kids in Chiswick
We hope this list helps you make the most of summer in Chiswick. And if you're looking to give the kids a few days of adventure while you catch up on work, enjoy a quiet coffee or simply take one thing off your summer to-do list, Archie's is here for that too. Our Chiswick camps are packed with giant games, outdoor challenges, den building, campfires and the kind of screen-free fun that sends children home tired, muddy and already asking if they can come back tomorrow.
Outdoors
1. Day out at Chiswick House & Gardens
Chiswick Gardens are open every day with free entry from 7am to 9:30pm. Explore the lake, woodland and kitchen garden.
2. Complete the Chiswick Pier Family Trail
Pick up the family trail and follow the Thames, answering questions as you go. It's a lovely way to keep little legs moving without hearing "Are we nearly there?" every five minutes.
3. Play hide-and seek amongst the ancient trees
Did you know that the cedar trees in Chiswick Gardens are over 300 years old!
4. Visit the under-7s playground at Chiswick House
A great place to let the younger ones explore, with a café just next-door.
5. Collect leaves and sticks to make nature art at home
You don't need to buy a craft kit. Fill your pockets with interesting leaves, sticks and pinecones (only the ones already on the ground!) and see what you can make when you get home.
6. Have a picnic in Ravenscourt Park
Pack up lunch, find a shady spot and stay a little longer than you planned. Summer picnics always seem to turn into the best afternoons.
7. Walk the Thames Path from Chiswick to Barnes
One of our favourite walks. Count the rowers, wave at the boats and finish at Dolce Crema for an ice cream. (The mint choc-chip is worth the walk).
8. Splash in the Dukes Meadows water play area on a hot day
If London's having a heatwave, this is the place to be. Don't forget a towel... and probably a spare set of clothes too.
9. Play tennis at Park Sports
Summer holidays are the perfect excuse to try something new. Just make sure you book ahead - the courts fill up quickly.
10. Take a football or frisbee to Turnham Green
This is one of the biggest greens in the area and perfect for games.
11. Climb up high at Ravenscourt Park climbing frames
This playground has one of the biggest climbing frames around. Great for children with lots of energy (and parents who fancy sitting down for five minutes).
12. Take to the water on paddleboards
If you've never tried paddleboarding before, Active360 is a brilliant place to start. Expect a few wobbles and a lot of laughs.
13. Kayak along the river
If you’re not ready to get to your feet on a paddleboard, they also offer kayaking!
14. Take a family bike ride along the river
We think West London is best explored by bike. Follow the Thames Cycle Path along the river, you may even end up in Richmond!
15. Fly a kite at Dukes Meadows
Proper old-school summer fun. All you need is a bit of wind and plenty of space.
16. Get competitive at crazy golf
Get down to Putt in the Park in Gunnersbury. A little bit competitive, a little bit chaotic. Loser buys the ice creams afterwards.
17. Hire a pedalo in Gunnersbury Park
You don’t need to be on the Med to get the family on the water!
Nature
18.See how many birds you can spot at London Wetland Centre
It's amazing how quickly you forget you're in London. Borrow a pair of binoculars and see how many different birds you can spot.
19.Feed the ducks on the river
Take a little bag of oats and make a stop by the river. The ducks will thank you, and there's a good chance you'll spot a few swans and herons too.
20.Treetop walk at Kew Gardens
Just outside of Chiswick, this is one of our favourite days out. Wander through the treetops on the Treetop Walkway, explore the glasshouses and see who can find the biggest leaf in the gardens.
21.Explore Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve for butterflies and wildlife
It doesn't feel like London at all. Wander the winding paths and keep an eye out for butterflies, frogs and even the odd woodpecker.
22.Go on a nature scavenger hunt at Osterley Park
Pick up a Nature Spotting Challenge bingo card and see how many mini beasts, birds and bugs you can tick off before you leave.
Food and Drink
23.Breakfast at Two Plus Café
Parents get good coffee, little ones get a soft play centre. Everyone wins.
24.Lunch at Pavilion Café
Right in the middle of Chiswick House Gardens, so you can grab lunch without ending the adventure.
25.Ice cream at Foubert’s
A Chiswick classic. The strawberries delicious, but we'll let you decide for yourself.
26.Pizza at Napoli on the Road
After a day outside, nothing beats pizza. Napoli on the Road is one of our go-to spots if everyone's hungry.
27.Megan’s at the Flower Market
Perfect after a wander around the Flower Market. Plenty of space for buggies and a big children's menu!
Rainy Day Ideas
28.Watch the latest blockbuster at Chiswick Cinema
Rainy afternoon? Grab some popcorn and let someone else do the entertaining
for a couple of hours.
29.Ceramics Café in Kew
Pick a mug, a dinosaur or a bowl and get painting. You'll leave with a keepsake as well as something to do on a rainy day.
30.Hogarth’s House
A hidden little museum that's well worth an hour or two. If the rain clears, the walled garden is lovely too.
31.Get creative at the Craft Cart
Every Thursday through the summer holidays, Osterley Park sets out free family crafts. Simple, creative and surprisingly good fun.
32.Explore the glass houses in Kew Gardens
If the weather isn't playing ball, head for the glasshouses. It feels like stepping into a rainforest.
33.Find a new book at Everybody Reads
We challenge you to leave with just one book...
Events
34.Chiswick Farmers' Market
Pick up fresh pastries, local produce and treats before heading to Dukes Meadows for a family picnic.
35.Party on the Pier
One of our favourite annual events. Think boat trips, face painting, food stalls and plenty going on by the river.
36.Chiswick Flower Market
Even if you're not buying flowers, it's worth wandering around with a coffee (or smoothie) in hand.
37.Outdoor theatre performance at Chiswick House
Pack a blanket, bring a picnic and watch a play under the trees. The Tale of Peter Rabbit will be a favourite this summer.
38.Watch Punch & Judy on Dukes Meadows
Proper old-fashioned fun. Show your kids how you spent summer as a child!
39.Bounce your way around Action Arena
The UK's biggest inflatable assault course arrives in Chiswick this August. If your kids still have energy to burn, this will do the trick!
40.Gunnersbury Park Open Air Cinema
Blankets, popcorn and singing along to Mamma Mia under the stars. What's not to love?
