London's Playground Paradise: 14 Top Spots for Family Fun
The editorial team- Apr 22
- 13 min read
Updated: May 8
London Calling: A Family Adventure Guide
Navigating a sprawling metropolis like London with children might seem daunting, but the city is surprisingly well-equipped for family adventures. Its blend of history, culture, green spaces, and, yes, fantastic playgrounds makes it an unforgettable destination for all ages.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens
A magical Peter Pan-inspired wonderland, buzzing with imaginative energy, nestled beside Kensington Palace.
The undisputed centrepiece is the magnificent wooden pirate ship, permanently 'docked' on a vast beach of sand. Children can scramble up ladders and rope bridges to the mast, explore the captain's quarters, or dig for treasure on the lower deck. Beyond the ship, discover teepees for secret meetings, treehouses linked by walkways, a sensory trail engaging touch and sound, and musical instruments like giant glockenspiels. A dedicated zone caters to toddlers with smaller slides, playhouses, and a gentle boat structure. During warmer months, a water play area adds splashy fun. The playground's design thoughtfully incorporates elements for children of all abilities. It is immensely popular, drawing over a million visitors annually. The strong Peter Pan theme combined with the poignant memorial aspect and proximity to royalty elevates this beyond a simple play area into a significant London attraction.
Facilities: Toilets and baby Changing facilities are available. The Broad Walk Café is adjacent and serves refreshments, including pizza. Picnic tables are available inside and outside the playground.
Age Suitability: Designed for children up to 12 years old.
Opening Times: Open daily from 10:00 am. Closing times vary seasonally. Closed Christmas Day. Entry is free.
While You're There: Explore the beautiful Kensington Gardens, visit the historic Kensington Palace, or take a 20-minute walk to Museum Mile in South Kensington (Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A).
Address: Broad Walk, Kensington Gardens, London, W2 2UH.
Holland Park Adventure Playground, Holland Park
A sprawling, rustic adventure zone crafted primarily from natural wood and materials, encouraging physical challenges and imaginative woodland play.
This extensive playground is a haven for climbers, sliders, and explorers. It features impressive wooden structures with multiple levels, challenging rope bridges, high walkways, nets, and various slides. A long zip wire provides aerial thrills, while a selection of swings, including a large 'Viking Swing', caters to different motion preferences. The emphasis on natural materials gives it a distinct woodland feel. It's particularly well-suited for older children seeking a stimulating environment. The separate Holland Park Toddlers Playground is conveniently located nearby to be visited by younger visitors. This dual provision effectively caters to families with children of different ages within the same park visit.
Facilities: Toilets, changing facilities and a café are located near the Toddler Playground, within easy reach inside Holland Park.
Age Suitability: Officially recommended for ages 5-14, it's generally considered best for older children due to the challenging nature of the equipment. The dedicated toddler playground nearby better serves toddlers (under 5).
Opening Times/Cost: 7.30 am until 30 minutes before dusk
While You're There: Holland Park itself is a destination. Don't miss the serene Japanese-style Kyoto Garden with its koi pond and waterfall. Look out for the resident peacocks strutting through the grounds. In summer, enjoy open-air theatre and opera performances staged within the park.
Website: Holland Park Adventure Playground
Address: Holland Park, Ilchester Place, London W8 6LU
Coram's Fields, Bloomsbury
A unique seven-acre haven dedicated entirely to children and young people, offering a safe, diverse, and community-focused play environment in the heart of London.
The site boasts extensive play facilities, including a large adventure playground with slides and a zip wire, a separate toddler area, a sensory zone, and large sandpits. There are also wide lawns, sports pitches, and a paddling pool (seasonal). Step-free play equipment ensures accessibility.
Facilities: Toilets (including accessible and under-5s), Baby Changing and a Café.
Age Suitability: Caters for children and young people up to 16 years old.
Opening Times: The park and Playgrounds are open daily from 9:00 am until dusk/sunset. Entry is free.
While You're There: The British Museum is relatively nearby. The Foundling Museum, adjacent to Coram's Fields, tells the story of the historic Foundling Hospital on whose grounds the Park sits.
Website: Coram's Field
Address: 93 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1DN.
Tumbling Bay Playground, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
An award-winning, nature-inspired playscape encouraging exploration and interaction with the elements, set within the legacy landscape of the London 2012 Olympics.
Tumbling Bay features high treehouses connected by wobbly bridges and aerial walkways, challenging rope netting structures, rock pools for splashing, expansive sand pits, and slides integrated into the landscape. Naturalistic hidey-holes and landscaping encourage imaginative play and discovery. It won a Civic Trust Award for its accessible and inclusive design.
Facilities: The Timber Lodge Café is right next door and offers refreshments. Public toilets are available at the Timber Lodge. Seating areas are provided for parents/carers.
Age Suitability: It is suitable for various ages, offering elements for imaginative play and physical challenges, like high walkways and rope bridges.
Opening Times: Open during Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park opening hours. Entry is free.
While You're There: Explore the vast Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home to iconic venues like the London Stadium and the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide. Discover the Park's other play areas, waterways, and parklands. The nearby Westfield Stratford City offers extensive shopping and dining options.
Website: Tumbling Bay Playgrounds
Address: It is in the north part of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London (the Nearest station is Stratford or Hackney Wick). Check park maps for precise location.
Gloucester Gate Playground, Regent's Park
A delightful, nature-inspired playground offers a variety of equipment in a slightly less crowded corner of Regent's Park.
This playground embraces a natural theme with plenty of wooden structures, slides, and a fun rope net bridge. The 50-metre zip line is a key attraction. A well-loved water play and sand area is perfect for younger children. The equipment is cleverly grouped by age, ensuring accessibility for little ones while offering increasing challenges for older children. It provides a substantial play experience without the scale and crowds of playgrounds like Diana Memorial. It includes wheelchair-accessible features like a roundabout and raised sandpits.
Facilities: Toilets are available, and baby changing is possible in the accessible toilet. Regent Park also offers several cafés and kiosks.
Age Suitability: Great for all ages, with specific areas catering to different abilities, from toddlers in the sandpit to older kids (up to 12) enjoying the zip line.
Opening Times: Open daily from 10:00 am, with closing times varying seasonally. Entry is free.
While You're There: Explore the vastness of Regent's Park, visit ZSL London Zoo, hire a boat on the boating lake, admire the stunning Queen Mary's Rose Garden, especially in summer, or climb Primrose Hill for panoramic city views.
Website: Gloucester Gate Playground
Address: Located within Regent's Park, near Gloucester Gate entrance.
St James's Park Playground
This charming and well-equipped playground offers a welcome break from sightseeing.
Located in the southwestern corner of St. James's Park, this playground provides picturesque views of Buckingham Palace through the trees. It's known for its cleanliness and thoughtful design for younger children. A large sand area is a major draw, featuring a bridge, rocks to climb, and a lever system for moving sand. There's also a challenging play structure area with ropes and bridges to test agility and a distinctive 'spider web' climbing frame. Natural elements are incorporated for exploration.
Facilities: A convenient coffee shop is located right by the playground. Public toilets are available within St James's Park, though not immediately adjacent to the playground.
Age Suitability: This area is primarily designed for younger children, offering excellent play areas for children up to seven years old.
Opening Times: The park is open during St James's Park opening hours (generally dawn till dusk). Entry is free.
While You're There: It's the perfect stop after watching the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, just across the road. Stroll through St James's Park, cross the bridge over the lake for iconic palace views, and see the famous resident pelicans. The Park is also flanked by The Mall and Horse Guards Parade.
Address: Located in the SW corner of St James's Park near Birdcage Walk.
Battersea Park Playground
An action-packed zone for kids seeking adventure, conveniently paired with a separate area for toddlers, all within the beautiful riverside setting of Battersea Park.
Battersea Park offers distinct play zones catering to different age groups. The main Adventure Playground, refurbished and designed for ages 5 and up, provides more challenging and active play opportunities. Adjacent to this is the Toddler and Junior Playground, equipped for children aged 1-7, featuring gentler equipment like an adorable wooden train. This separation ensures appropriate challenges and safety for all ages. Check out the Go Ape treetop adventures and mini-golf. The Battersea Park Zoo also has separate adventure play areas featuring climbing frames, swings, toy tractors, a life-sized fire engine, and sand/water play.
Facilities: Public toilets are available within Battersea Park. Cafés are also present in the Park.
Opening Times/Cost: The park playgrounds are open daily from the park opening until dusk. Entry to the Park and these playgrounds is free. Go Ape, mini golf, and the Zoo require separate paid admission.
While You're There: Explore the beautiful Battersea Park, walk or cycle along the Thames riverside, visit the Peace Pagoda, hire a boat on the lake, or visit the Battersea Park Children's Zoo. The recently redeveloped Battersea Power Station complex with shops and restaurants is nearby.
Address: Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ
Greenwich Park Playground
A modern wonderland set within London's oldest Royal Park, offering stunning views and creative play inspired by Greenwich's nautical heritage.
Located in the Park's northeast corner, its maritime theme is reflected in bouncy boats and sandy rock pools. Equipment includes a basket swing, roundabout, slides, swings, wooden tree houses, and ample sand and water play features with pumps. Play elements are positioned at various heights, allowing children of different abilities to play together side-by-side.
Facilities: Excellent facilities include children's toilets, accessible baby changing facilities, picnic tables, seating, a drinking water fountain, and a refreshment kiosk.
Age Suitability: Suitable for children up to the age of 12.
Opening Times/Cost: Open daily from 6:00 am until park closing, varies seasonally. Entrance is free.
While You're There: Explore historic Greenwich Park, stand on the Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, and visit the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House, all part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. Enjoy panoramic views of London from the hilltop. A children's boating lake is also available seasonally.
Address: Located in the North East corner of Greenwich Park, London, SE10 8QY
Kew Gardens Children's Garden - Treehouse Towers
An immersive, educational exploration of the natural world set within the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens.
This is an interactive learning landscape. Divided into distinct zones, children can delve underground via a 'wormhole' slide in the Earth Garden, explore windmills and pollinator habitats in the Air Garden, learn about solar power with a giant sundial in the Sun Garden, and experiment with pumps and channels in the Water Garden. Above all are the Treehouse Towers, offering climbing challenges and slides with fantastic views across Kew Gardens. Other features include a bamboo tunnel and a kitchen garden area. The design encourages hands-on exploration and understanding of plant science and ecology. Access is included with the main Kew Gardens entry fee, positioning it as a key family attraction within the larger site.
Facilities: The Children's Garden has toilets, baby-changing facilities, and a café. Kew Gardens offers numerous other facilities.
Age Suitability: The activities are suitable for children of all ages, from toddlers to pre-teens.
Opening Times: The Children's Garden is open during Kew Gardens' opening hours. Entry to the Children's Garden requires a ticket for Kew Gardens. Booking Kew tickets in advance is advisable.
While You're There: Explore the entire Kew Gardens, including the iconic Palm House and Temperate House, the Treetop Walkway, the Great Pagoda, and Kew Palace.
Address: Located within Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE.
RAF Museum London Playground, Hendon
It is an aviation enthusiast's dream playground, where young pilots can climb aboard mini-aircraft and let their imaginations take flight right outside the fascinating museum hangars.
This free outdoor playground is perfectly themed, featuring fantastic mini-models of iconic aircraft for children to explore. Highlights include a climbable Vickers Vimy, a Spitfire with two cockpits, a Sea-King helicopter structure with nets and slide poles, and a Tornado with a double slide. A mini Grahame-White Watchtower offers multiple climbing routes (wall, net, ladders), a slide, and toddler-friendly equipment like a Tug Vehicle and Airfield Tractor.
Facilities: The playground itself is outdoors. Toilets and cafés are available nearby within the main RAF Museum buildings. The museum offers Quiet Rooms and Changing Places Toilets.
Age Suitability: Ideal for young aviation fans of various ages, with specific features designed for toddlers and more challenging climbing for older children.
Opening Times/Cost: The playground is open daily from 10:00 am until the museum closes (usually 5:00 pm). Entry to the playground and the RAF Museum is free, though booking free museum tickets online is recommended.
While You're There: Explore the incredible collection of aircraft and exhibits within the RAF Museum London's hangars. The museum also offers family trails and interactive experiences.
Webiste: RAF Museum London
Address: RAF Museum London, Grahame Park Way, London, NW9 5LL.
Elephant Springs, Elephant Park
A stunning urban oasis where children (and adults!) can splash, play, and connect with nature amidst a unique landscape of rock, water, and sand in the heart of Elephant & Castle.
The park features impressive mounds and ravines crafted from 600 colourful Italian Porphyry stone blocks, mimicking natural rock formations. Water is central, with cascades rushing down channels, babbling streams, motion-activated jets, and hand-operated pumps, encouraging interactive water play. Sandy lagoons and beaches offer space for digging and relaxation. Slides are integrated into the rockscape. The space is designed to be multi-functional, accessible with ramps, and sensory, stimulating sight, sound, and touch. Atmospheric lighting transforms the space at night.
Facilities: Located within the wider Elephant Park development, which offers public toilets, cafés, restaurants, and shops. Seating perches are integrated into the playscape.
Age Suitability: Designed to delight and engage all ages, from young children splashing in the streams to adults enjoying the atmosphere.
Opening Times: Open daily, with longer hours in summer. Fountains may occasionally be switched off for maintenance. Entry is free.
While You're There: Explore the rest of Elephant Park, including its green spaces and the Tree House community pavilion. Discover the independent shops and diverse eateries along Sayer Street and Ash Avenue. The playground is close to Elephant & Castle Underground and National Rail stations.
Website: Elephant Springs
Address: Elephant Park, Elephant Road, London, SE17 1GD (Accessed off Castle Square).
Prospect Park Playground, Battersea Power Station
is a vibrant, futuristic playground bursting with colour. It offers innovative play elements against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Battersea Power Station.
This playground is visually striking with its squishy, rainbow-coloured tarmac. It's designed to cater to all ages, with different zones and elements for children to discover as they grow. Equipment includes climbing structures, slides and swings. The setting is next to the Gehry Partners' Prospect Place building and the Power Station, making it a uniquely London experience.
Facilities: It is located within the Battersea Power Station development, which offers numerous family-friendly eateries, shops, and clean public toilets nearby.
Age Suitability: Designed to be suitable for all ages.
Opening Times: Open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Entry is free.
While You're There: Explore the vast Battersea Power Station complex with its shops, restaurants, cinema, and Lift 109 chimney viewing experience. Take a short walk to the beautiful Battersea Park along the river. The playground is minutes from the Battersea Power Station Underground station (Northern Line).
Website: Prospect Park Playground
Address: Prospect Park, Battersea Power Station, London, SW11 8AB
Horseferry Playground, Victoria Tower Gardens
Nestled between Parliament and Tate Britain, this park offers imaginative play elements themed around the River Thames.
This charming playground occupies a site that has hosted play for nearly a century. Its design reflects its location, with a water play feature representing the River Thames and decorative railings by artist Chris Campbell depicting river landmarks and historical events. Equipment includes sunken wooden horses, a giant sandpit (a nod to its 1923 origins), swings, a wide slide, dance chimes, and a hidden roundabout. Its name commemorates the historic Horseferry that once crossed the Thames here. It's particularly well-suited for younger children.
Facilities: Clean public toilets are available. There is also a drinks kiosk.
Age Suitability: Suitable for children up to 12, but particularly geared towards toddlers and younger children.
Opening Times: Open daily from 10:00 am. Closing times vary seasonally. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Entry is free.
While You're There: Situated in Victoria Tower Gardens, the playground offers lovely river views. It's perfectly located for combining with visits to the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, or Tate Britain, all within easy walking distance. Millbank Pier for riverboat services is just a 5-minute walk away.
Website: Horseferry Playground
Address: Victoria Tower Gardens South, Millbank, London, SW1P 3JA (Located within the gardens).
Jubilee Gardens Playground, South Bank
A modern adventure playground offering challenging climbs and sensory experiences, located in a prime spot on the bustling South Bank, right beneath the London Eye, within the landscaped Jubilee Gardens.
This playground is dominated by a large, challenging climbing structure of timber nets and walkways, making it particularly appealing to older children. However, it also includes a good range of equipment suitable for toddlers. The design incorporates sensory elements to delight children of differing abilities. The location offers fantastic views of the London Eye and the surrounding South Bank buzz.
Facilities: Located within Jubilee Gardens, public toilets on the South Bank are available nearby. Numerous cafés and eateries line the South Bank promenade.
Age Suitability: Officially, it is for children up to 11 years old.
Opening Times: The gardens and playground are accessible 24 hours a day. Entry is free.
While You're There: You're right at the heart of the South Bank! Take a ride on the London Eye, enjoy street performers, visit the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Southbank Centre, or walk along the Thames path. London Eye (Waterloo) Pier is moments away for river travel.
Website: Jubilee Garden Trust
Address: Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London, SE1 7PG Behind the London Eye.
Getting Around Town
London's public transport network is extensive and relatively easy to navigate with little ones in tow. The Tube, iconic red buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, the new Elizabeth Line, and even Thames Clipper river boats connect virtually every corner of the city.
Tickets for Tots: Planning fares is simpler than you might think. Children under 11 travel free on buses and trams. Furthermore, up to four children under 11 can travel free with a fare-paying adult on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and some National Rail services. For children aged 11-15, secure a discounted fare. The 'Young Visitor Discount' can be added to a standard Visitor Oyster card by TfL staff upon arrival (at most Tube stations or Visitor Centres), granting half-price pay-as-you-go fares for up to 14 days. Alternatively, consider purchasing a Child Day Travelcard. Children 16 and over require an adult fare. Using a Visitor Oyster or contactless payment card is generally cheaper than buying single paper tickets. Remember to touch in at the start and touch out at the end of journeys on most rail services (Tube, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth line, National Rail), but only touch in on buses and trams.
Stroller Strategy: Many stations feature lifts, escalators, or step-free access, though it's wise to check your specific route using the TfL Go app or Journey Planner beforehand. Foldable strollers are permitted on buses and the Tube. Look out for priority seating designated for passengers with young children.
Timing is Everything: London transport gets crowded during peak commuter times, typically before 9:30 am and between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Travelling off-peak makes for a much more comfortable journey with children and potentially heavy bags.
London's Endless Playground
From royal parks evoking history to cutting-edge urban playscapes born from regeneration, London's playgrounds offer far more than just a break from sightseeing—they are vibrant, imaginative destinations in their own right.
