Walton-on-Thames is a picturesque riverside town where outdoor adventures, creative experiences and family-friendly attractions are never far away. From beautiful parks and nature trails to museums and leisure centres, there are plenty of opportunities for children to play, discover and grow. These local destinations encourage curiosity, confidence and creativity while helping families create lasting memories together.
If you're exploring the area, why not visit us at Fennies Walton? Our Walton nursery provides a nurturing and inspiring environment where children are encouraged to learn through play, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning.
1. Cowey Sale - Riverside Walks & Wildlife
📍 Location: Cowey Sale, Walton Lane, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 1QP
Why It’s Great For Children:
Cowey Sale is one of Walton's most beautiful riverside green spaces, offering children plenty of room to run, play and explore alongside the River Thames. Watching boats glide past, spotting ducks, swans and other wildlife, and walking beneath mature trees encourages curiosity about the natural world while developing observation skills. The open fields provide endless opportunities for imaginative games, football, kite flying and picnics, while riverside walks help children build stamina and confidence outdoors. Spending time here encourages a love of nature and supports emotional wellbeing in a calm, open environment.
Must-Do Activities:
- Spot swans, ducks and boats along the river.
- Enjoy a family picnic on the open grass.
- Walk or scooter along the Thames Path.
Best For: All Ages
2. Elmbridge Museum - Local History & Hands-On Learning
📍 Location: The Heart Shopping Centre, New Zealand Avenue, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 1GH
Why It’s Great For Children:
Elmbridge Museum introduces children to local history through engaging exhibitions, interactive displays and family-friendly activities. Exploring real artefacts encourages children to ask questions, make connections and develop their understanding of how communities have changed over time. Regular craft sessions and seasonal events allow children to express themselves creatively while strengthening fine motor skills and communication. It's a wonderful environment for inspiring curiosity and helping children discover the stories behind the place they call home.
Must-Do Activities:
- Explore local history exhibitions.
- Join family craft activities during school holidays.
- Discover historical objects and photographs.
Best For: Ages 3+
3. Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre - Creativity Through Art
📍 Location: Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 2PF
Why It’s Great For Children:
Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre is a welcoming creative space where children can immerse themselves in art, music and performance. Family workshops encourage little ones to experiment with different materials, helping develop creativity, fine motor skills and self-expression. Exhibitions inspire discussion and imaginative thinking, while performances introduce children to music and theatre in an accessible way. Visiting the centre encourages confidence, communication and a lifelong appreciation for the arts, making every visit both educational and enjoyable.
Must-Do Activities:
- Take part in an art or craft workshop.
- Visit the latest exhibitions.
- Enjoy a family-friendly performance.
Best For: Ages 2+
4. Elmgrove Recreation Ground - Adventure Play & Open Space
📍 Location: Highfield Road, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 2RQ
Why It’s Great For Children:
Elmgrove Recreation Ground is one of Walton's most popular parks for families, offering a fantastic combination of traditional playground equipment, natural play features and expansive open green space. Children can climb, balance, swing and explore while developing strength, coordination and confidence through active play. The surrounding fields are ideal for football, running races and imaginative games with friends, encouraging teamwork and social development. With plenty of space to burn off energy and enjoy the outdoors, it's an excellent destination for active family days out.
Must-Do Activities:
- Explore the adventure playground.
- Play football or tennis.
- Enjoy a family picnic on the grass.
Best For: All Ages
5. Brooklands Museum - Transport Adventures
📍 Location: Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0QN
Why It’s Great For Children:
Just a short drive from Walton-on-Thames, Brooklands Museum gives children the opportunity to climb aboard historic aircraft, discover racing cars and explore one of Britain's most famous transport heritage sites. Interactive exhibits encourage problem-solving, curiosity and hands-on learning, while learning about engineering and innovation helps children understand how things work. From sitting inside aeroplanes to exploring buses and racing vehicles, every visit is packed with exciting opportunities to learn through experience.
Must-Do Activities:
- Climb aboard historic aircraft.
- Explore classic racing cars.
- Complete family activity trails.
Best For: Ages 3+
6. Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex - Active Play & Family Fun
📍 Location: Xcel Leisure Complex, Waterside Drive, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 2JG
Why It’s Great For Children:
Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex offers children a fantastic opportunity to stay active while trying a variety of exciting activities under one roof. Whether they're building water confidence in the swimming pool, enjoying soft play, or taking part in holiday activities, every visit encourages physical development, coordination and resilience. Trying new experiences helps children build confidence, develop independence and strengthen important social skills as they play alongside others. With a range of facilities designed for different ages, it's an ideal destination whatever the weather, giving families plenty of opportunities to keep little ones engaged, active and having fun throughout the year.
Must-Do Activities:
- Make a splash during a family swimming session.
- Explore the indoor soft play area.
- Take part in holiday clubs and children's activity programmes.
Best For: All Ages
Final Thoughts
Walton-on-Thames offers families a wonderful balance of riverside walks, outdoor adventures, creative experiences and fascinating places to explore. Whether your child enjoys discovering wildlife, getting creative with art, climbing through adventure playgrounds or learning about history and transport, there's something nearby to inspire every young explorer.
These local attractions encourage children to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning while creating unforgettable family memories. Enjoying everything Walton has to offer? Make sure you have a look at the best nursery in Walton-on-Thames, Fennies Walton. It’s a nurturing setting where children can develop confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Book a tour at Fennies Walton, Tennis Close today to find out more!
FAQ
To secure your child’s place when one becomes available, we require a non-refundable £200 registration fee as well as a £400 deposit, which will be deducted from your first month’s fees. You can be added to a nursery waiting list free of charge. (Please note: A £200 registration fee is not required for children attending a funded-only placement)
Educators at Fennies Walton, Tennis Close undergo a comprehensive two-day induction with essential training, including paediatric first aid certification. Beyond this, we invest in their ongoing development through role-specific training, one-to-one coaching, and career growth programs, ensuring our teams are equipped to deliver exceptional care and learning experiences.
Yes! We do have a car park at Fennies Walton, Tennis Close, which can be used for pick-up and drop-offs, as well as a buggy shed for added convenience.
Fennies Walton offers a safe, stimulating environment where children receive personalised care from highly qualified staff. Our focus on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum helps your child develop essential skills through play and exploration, setting a strong foundation for their future learning.
We do! Our Walton nursery accepts all eligible government childcare funding schemes, including the 15 and 30 hours free childcare for working families. Our team can help you understand how to apply and how funding can be used to cover some of the nursery fees.
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