Things to do with kids in Brixton
The area around Brixton, Herne Hill, and Forest Hill has a genuinely impressive cluster of family options, most of them free. Brockwell Park is one of south London's best green spaces with a lovely 1930s lido, and the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill is South London's most underrated family day out: a free museum with animals, instruments you can actually play, and views over the city from the top terrace. These two alone justify the trip from anywhere in London.
The Crystal Palace dinosaurs are one of those London experiences that sounds niche but lands well with virtually every child: Grade I listed Victorian sculptures of entirely wrong but deeply charming prehistoric creatures, set by a lake in a park where you can combine with a playground and an ice cream. Hilly Fields in Brockley rounds out the area nicely for a simple, no-cost afternoon that still gives kids room to properly run.
Hilly park in Brixton with a 1930s lido, walled garden, playground, and miniature railway in summer. Great views from the top of the hill and a genuinely lovely atmosphere that is distinct from the bigger royal parks further north.
South London's most underrated family day out: the free animal walk, the famous walrus in the natural history gallery, and a music room where kids can actually play the instruments. The gardens are lovely and the views over the city from the top terrace are a genuine bonus.
Open hilltop park in Brockley with a well-maintained playground and long views across south London. Popular with Forest Hill and Brockley families at weekends. The flat top of the hill is brilliant for running around and, on a clear day, for spotting landmarks.
Grade I listed Victorian dinosaur sculptures set in Crystal Palace Park, free to visit and endlessly fascinating for dinosaur-loving kids. They are scientifically inaccurate by modern standards, which makes them even more interesting for older children who can spot the mistakes.