For a large and bustling city, you may be surprised to learn that London has a huge number of brilliant parks and play areas, ideal for kids to run, play, and have heaps of fun. Your kids can learn more about some of the excellent London parks in the Kids’ Travel Guide – London, and there are numerous activities to complete when visiting the parks – including ticking off things that they’ve spotted.
For parents who like to plan ahead a little, here are some of the best parks around London and surrounding areas for kids, all spread across different parts of the city making it easy to factor in time to let off steam with other sightseeing and fun activities:
Regent’s Park
Split into different areas, there are loads of choices for kids’ fun. They may have trouble deciding which play area to visit next! There’s also lots of space to run and burn off excess energy, or for the whole family to sit together and chill out for a little while or enjoy a picnic on the grass. As well as the usual selection of play equipment you’ll also find a delightful boating lake, a big sandpit, which is great for kids that are bemoaning the lack of a beach, and a cool tree house.
Greenwich Park
If your kids like nature they will certainly love this pretty park. It is a sanctuary for deer and foxes, and a variety of different bird species also call the park home. Make sure you remember the camera! There’s a nice play area with lots of different equipment and several cute houses for kids to explore.
Clapham Common
One of the biggest open spaces around the city it is quite a picturesque area. Although popular its large size means that it is easy to find a relatively quiet spot to sit and relax as a family. There are three different ponds within the park, each one offering something different. Head over to Mount Pond and let your kids delight in feeding the ducks, or take them to Long Pond with its excellent model boats. People fish in Mount Pond and Eagle Pond. The two play areas have equipment that is suitable for different ages, with things great for toddlers through to bigger children.
Richmond Park
With a large number of deer, children can have fun spotting the different creatures that roam around the park. You can all climb the hill for nice views out over the surrounding areas and there are several different paths that are great for walking and biking – perfect for active families!
St James’s Park
With three stunning royal palaces at the edges of the park, children who like to explore cultural attractions will be impressed; it is easy to combine fun and play with sightseeing and learning. The lake is home to pelicans and you can take the kids to see these big birds being fed at 2.30 pm each day.
Toffee Park
Even the name makes this park sound appealing! As well as a good selection of play equipment, such as slides, swings, bridges, and climbing apparatus, this terrific award-winning park also allows creative kids to explore and develop their passions … there’s a clay oven for making pottery and cooking pizza, an allotment where budding gardeners can see a variety of things being grown, natural areas that are home to diverse flora and fauna, a funky tree house … and more!
Hyde Park
One of London’s most famous parks, the enormous Hyde Park is also a Royal Park. If your kids tire of the play areas you can take them to the paddling pools, great for hot weather outings, the lido, or on one of the small boats. The iconic Serpentine divides the park in two, whilst the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial is pretty close by in the attached Kensington Gardens. A so-called upside down tree is sure to have kids (and parents!) perplexed and there are a number of interesting statues and sculptures throughout the park. As well as nice areas for strolling and admiring the views you’ll also find several cycling paths.
These seven terrific parks are just a small selection of the numerous open spaces and parks that you can find around the UK’s capital city – you will never be too far from an excellent park or play area in London! And don’t forget the Kids’ Travel Guide – London for even more fun!
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