Family Things to Do in Walton-on-Thames and Hersham

Walton and Hersham work well for a family day that doesn't need much planning. Cowey Sale is the natural starting point, with parking, toilets and a passenger-boat jetty all in one place, and Hersham's recreation grounds add play areas and a seasonal splash pad within a short drive. For an indoor option, Rock Up's climbing and soft play, and Elmbridge Xcel's pools and family sessions, both sit in the town centre.

Once you're ready to travel a little further, the area around Walton is unusually well stocked with family attractions: Hampton Court Palace, Brooklands Museum, Mercedes-Benz World and Painshill are all within about half an hour, and Thorpe Park, Chessington, Bocketts Farm and Hobbledown Heath extend the list for a longer day out. The cards below are ordered roughly from the easiest local options to the bigger days out, so start at the top for something quick and scroll down for a full day.

In Walton-on-Thames

Cowey Sale

Easy riverside access with parking, toilets and a passenger-boat jetty on the doorstep

Use the Walton Lane car park for the most convenient arrival point

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Hersham Recreation Ground

A Hersham park with play, games space and a seasonal splash pad

The splash pad is seasonal — check its current status before promising it to children

  • Free entry
  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Coronation Recreation Ground

A large Hersham park with play, sport, a café and an environmental community hub

Free car park off Molesey Road opposite Molesey Close; principal routes are practical for wheelchairs and buggies

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Safari Adventure Golf, Hersham

An 18-hole safari-themed adventure golf course, good for families or groups

Check current opening times, prices, availability and weather conditions

  • Check before travelling

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Hersham Village Green

The relaxed heart of Hersham village, good for a gentle stop or a community event

Best combined with a village walk or a nearby meal

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Follow the Walton Trail

Four self-guided routes through Walton's streets and landmarks, free to follow any time

Choose from four routes, including a family-friendly postbox trail

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Watch Walton and Hersham FC

A friendly, sociable home fixture for Walton and Hersham FC

Enter from Waterside Drive; the stadium car park fills quickly, so arrive early or use the main Xcel car park

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Walton Wharf and its ducks and swans

A well-loved riverside stop for watching swans and ducks beside two pubs

No railings at the water's edge and no public toilets — keep children close to the water

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Watch Esher Rugby in Hersham

Home rugby fixtures on Molesey Road, despite the club's Esher name

Check the current fixture list, kick-off details and ticket arrangements

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Elmgrove Recreation Ground

Central Walton green space with play, football, bowls and tennis

Council-run facilities; check current availability for bookable courts

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

Bigger day out · Chertsey

Thorpe Park (opens the official site in a new tab)

The nearest major theme park, with 25-plus rides and a strong rollercoaster line-up

Check ride height restrictions, operating dates and ticket options

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do with kids in Walton-on-Thames?

Cowey Sale is the easiest local option, with a riverside walk, picnic space and the Shepperton Cruise jetty opposite the car park. Rock Up brings indoor climbing and soft play to The Heart, Elmbridge Xcel has family swim sessions, and Safari Adventure Golf in Hersham gives younger children a themed adventure-golf course.

What family attractions are nearby if we want a bigger day out?

Hampton Court Palace, Brooklands Museum and Mercedes-Benz World are all within easy reach and work well for a full day, while Bushy Park and Painshill suit families who want space to run around alongside the history. For a longer day out, Thorpe Park, Chessington, Bocketts Farm and Hobbledown Heath are all close by.

See the full Things to Do in Walton-on-Thames hub for everything else, or check the rainy-day and free things to do pages if the weather or the budget is the deciding factor.