Top Places To Visit With Children In Horley And Surrounding Areas

Tucked between Surrey countryside and the buzz of nearby towns, Horley is an ideal base for families. With nature trails, play parks and hands-on museums just a short drive away, there's no shortage of fun and enriching experiences for little ones. Whether you're heading out for a morning of active play or a calm afternoon exploring nature, these local spots offer the perfect blend of fun and early learning opportunities.

While you’re exploring everything Horley has to offer, why not come and say hello to the team at Fennies Horley? Our purposefully designed nursery on Albert Road offers inspiring learning spaces, an expert team and a welcoming community feel. 

1. Horley Recreation Ground – Green Space In The Heart Of Town

📍 Location: Horley Recreation Ground, Brighton Road, Horley, RH6 7HZ

Why It’s Great For Children:

Horley Recreation Ground is a much-loved local spot that offers plenty of space for both structured and spontaneous play. The large playground includes a wide range of equipment suitable for toddlers through to older children, supporting physical development through climbing, balancing and running. The open field and tree-lined paths are perfect for games, bike riding or a simple nature walk, all of which help children build motor skills and burn off energy in a healthy, outdoor environment. It’s an ideal spot for socialising too, with many families gathering here after school or on weekends.

Must-Do Activities:

• Race around the playground or take on the climbing wall.
• Pack a ball and play on the open grass area.
• Take a scooter or bike for a spin around the path loop.
  
  

Best for: All Ages

2. Gatwick Aviation Museum – Planes, Engines And Hands-On Learning

📍 Location: Gatwick Aviation Museum, Vallance By-Ways, Lowfield Heath Road, Charlwood, Surrey, RH6 0BT

Why It’s Great For Children:

This local treasure offers the perfect mix of history, technology and sensory discovery. Children are naturally curious about vehicles and machinery, and at Gatwick Aviation Museum they can get up close to real planes, sit in cockpits and learn how aircraft fly. There’s a strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) connection here, encouraging early interest in how things work through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences. The museum's hands-on approach is ideal for helping children develop problem-solving skills, spatial awareness and even early engineering concepts, all while having fun.

Must-Do Activities:

• Explore inside a real plane cockpit.
• Join a family-friendly tour or workshop.
• Watch planes take off from nearby Gatwick.
  
  

Best for: Ages 3+

3. Riverside Garden Park – A Calm Spot For Nature Play

📍 Location: Riverside Garden Park, Riverside, Horley, RH6 7DN

Why It’s Great For Children:

A hidden gem, Riverside Garden Park offers a peaceful retreat just a short walk from the town centre. The park’s winding footpaths and open fields make it perfect for gentle exploration. Children benefit enormously from time in nature, helping boost their wellbeing, attention spans and sensory development. Whether they’re collecting leaves, spotting wildlife or simply running through the grass, this green space encourages imagination and connection with the outdoors. It’s also great for quiet picnics and family downtime.

Must-Do Activities:

• Go on a mini nature scavenger hunt.
• Try balancing along tree trunks or rocks.
• Bring a blanket for story time in the sun.
  
  

Best for: Toddlers To Primary-Aged Children

4. Priory Farm Discovery Walk – A Day Out With A Twist

📍 Location: Priory Farm, Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, RH1 4EJ

Why It’s Great For Children:

The Discovery Walk at Priory Farm is a truly unique outdoor experience, combining woodland trails with interactive stations that spark imagination. Children will love hunting for fairy doors, following maps, solving clues and playing with natural materials along the way. This kind of immersive, themed trail is fantastic for encouraging storytelling, teamwork and problem-solving, all vital Early Years skills. It’s also a great way to encourage exercise and movement in a more structured yet playful way.

Must-Do Activities:

• Follow the adventure trail and find hidden surprises.
• Feed the fish at the fishing lake.
• Enjoy a treat at the café or farm shop afterward.
  
  

Best for: Ages 2+

5. Tilgate Park And Nature Centre – Wildlife, Play And Woodland Walks

📍 Location: Tilgate Park, Tilgate Drive, Crawley, RH10 5PQ

Why It’s Great For Children:

Tilgate Park is a huge outdoor space filled with activities for all ages. The Nature Centre is a highlight, where children can meet meerkats, owls, goats and other animals up close, supporting curiosity about animals and habitats. The adventure playground and maze provide plenty of opportunity for physical play, while the surrounding forest trails, lake and gardens make it a beautiful place for slow exploration. Experiences like this promote empathy, build knowledge of the natural world and offer a calm, balanced sensory experience for young children.

Must-Do Activities:

• Visit the animals at the Nature Centre.
• Climb and explore in the large play area.
• Walk around the lake or join a forest trail.
  
  

Best for: All Ages

6. Let’s Explore Soft Play – Indoor Fun For All Weathers

📍 Location: Let’s Explore Soft Play, Trinity Oaks Primary School Site, Brookfield Drive, Horley, RH6 9NS

Why It’s Great For Children:

Let’s Explore is a local favourite for energetic indoor play. The soft play area includes separate zones for babies, toddlers and older children, encouraging movement, role play and imagination in a safe, padded environment. For children, especially in their Early Years, this type of play is essential for gross motor development, building confidence and learning to navigate social spaces with others. It’s also a great way to get children moving when outdoor play isn’t possible.

Must-Do Activities:

• Dive into the ball pit and zoom down the slide.
• Explore the mini climbing areas.
• Join in with a sensory or messy play session (check schedule).
  
  

Best for: 6 Months To 7 years

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re heading out to spot wildlife, climb through soft play zones or enjoy a simple afternoon in the park, Horley has something for every kind of young explorer. These local gems offer more than just fun! They’re chances to support your child’s learning, wellbeing and development in real-life environments. And if you're looking for a nursery that extends those same opportunities every day, we'd love to welcome you to Fennies Horley.