As London temperatures rise, one of our favourite days out for kids has got to be hanging out at one of the city’s many amazing splash pads. Most of these are free of charge to visit, although some lidos charge a small entry fee. Splash pads and fountains are great for all ages, from toddlers to older children. Pack up a picnic, and don’t forget a swimsuit, jelly sandals, sunscreen, and a hat! Scroll down for London’s best splash pads for kids…
(Please note that sometimes fountains or splash pads are closed due to weather or other circumstances and it’s always best to check ahead.)
East London
Victoria Park | Hackney
One of east London’s most loved family parks, Victoria Park’s splash pool remains a summer favourite for younger children. Located beside the playground, skatepark and Pavilion Café, the gently sloping water play area features sprays, fountains and shallow splash zones that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers on hot days.
The surrounding park makes it easy to turn a quick splash session into a full family day out, with boating lakes, wide cycling paths and plenty of shaded picnic spots nearby. It can get very busy during school holidays, so mornings are usually the best time to visit.
Best for: Toddlers and relaxed park days
Nearest Overground: Cambridge Heath
Thames Barrier Park | Silvertown
Set against the striking backdrop of the Thames Barrier, this east London riverside park offers one of the more peaceful splash spots in the city. The small but fun splash pad sits within the park’s beautifully landscaped “green dock” gardens, with gentle fountains and jets that are ideal for younger children.
Compared with busier central London parks, it has a much calmer feel, making it a great choice for toddlers or families looking for a more relaxed summer outing. There’s plenty of open space for picnics too, plus fantastic riverside views that make it feel like a bit of a hidden gem.
Best for: Quiet toddler-friendly summer play
Nearest DLR: Pontoon Dock
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park | Stratford
One of east London’s best free splash spots, the Waterworks fountains at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park are always packed on hot summer days. The interactive water play area features almost 200 choreographed jets that shoot unpredictably from the ground, creating a giant splash maze children love running through.
Located beside the park’s cafés, playgrounds and wide open green spaces — and just moments from Westfield Stratford City, it’s an easy full-day family destination during the school holidays. The fountains are particularly good for older toddlers and primary-aged children, although expect crowds during peak summer weekends.
Best for: Big summer holiday days out and energetic kids
Nearest Tube: Stratford
Royal Docks Summer Splash | Royal Victoria
Returning for summer 2026, Royal Docks Summer Splash transforms part of east London’s waterfront into a giant urban beach complete with family water play, sand areas and swimming zones.
It’s more of a full summer event than a traditional splash pad, but it’s become one of London’s best hot-weather family attractions in recent years.
Best for: Big summer holiday days out
Nearest DLR: Royal Victoria
South London
Brockwell Park | Herne Hill
A much-loved South London summer favourite, Brockwell Park’s splash pad is a real hit with families once the warm weather arrives. The water play area features sprays, jets and tipping buckets that keep little ones happily running, splashing and getting thoroughly soaked on hot days.
It sits right within the wider park, alongside the famous Brockwell Lido, playgrounds and rolling green picnic spots, making it easy to spend an entire family day here without running out of things to do. Expect a lively atmosphere during weekends and school holidays, especially when the sun’s out.
Best for: High-energy water play and full family days out
Nearest Station: Herne Hill
Beckenham Place Park | Bromley
Set within one of London’s largest green spaces, Beckenham Place Park’s splash pad is a brilliant summer stop for families looking to cool off in a more relaxed setting. The water play area features gentle jets and ground fountains, designed with younger children in mind, and there’s plenty of surrounding space for parents to sit back and supervise comfortably.
What makes this spot especially appealing is everything else on offer in the park, from woodland walks and open meadows to a wild swimming lake and café nearby, so it easily works as part of a slower-paced family day out.
Best for: Easy-going family days with younger children
Nearest Station: Beckenham Hill
Bishop’s Park Water Play | Fulham
Tucked beside the Thames in Fulham, Bishop’s Park has one of southwest London’s best family water play areas. Expect fountains, sprays and shallow water features alongside an excellent playground and plenty of grassy picnic space.
The riverside location gives it a much calmer feel than some of central London’s busier splash spots, making it ideal for slower summer afternoons.
Best for: Riverside family days out
Nearest Tube: Putney Bridge
Central London
The Southbank Centre | Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms
Opening over the summer from June 27th, one of London’s most iconic summer water play experiences, Appearing Rooms at the Southbank Centre is a playful interactive installation where walls of water rise and fall to form shifting “rooms” that children can run through, dodge and disappear into.
It’s more of an art-meets-play experience than a traditional splash pad, but that’s part of its charm, older children especially love the surprise element, while parents can enjoy the lively riverside atmosphere right in the heart of the South Bank.
Set against the backdrop of the Thames, it’s surrounded by cafés, street performers and cultural attractions, making it an easy add-on to a central London day out.
Best for: Older kids, novelty water play and South Bank days out
Nearest Tube: Waterloo
Coram’s Fields | Bloomsbury
A long-time favourite with London families, Coram’s Fields offers a gated, child-only park complete with a seasonal paddling pool and water play area. The secure setting makes it particularly popular with parents of younger children, and there’s also a huge playground, sandpit, café and city farm onsite.
The atmosphere feels surprisingly calm considering the central location, making it one of the best toddler-friendly splash spots in London.
Best for: Babies, toddlers and younger children
Nearest Tube: Russell Square
More London Fountains | London Bridge
With Tower Bridge as the backdrop, the fountains outside City Hall are a guaranteed hit with children during warm weather. The ground-level jets are free to use and particularly fun for children who love running through unpredictable sprays of water.
Parents will appreciate the excellent nearby food options and riverside setting, while children simply love getting soaked.
Best for: Touristy summer days in central London
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Granary Square | King’s Cross (main image)
One of London’s most iconic summer play spots, the fountains at Granary Square feature more than 1,000 choreographed water jets that shoot up unpredictably from the ground, much to the delight of little ones racing between them.
It’s ideal for all ages, particularly older toddlers and primary-aged children, and the surrounding area makes it easy for parents too, with plenty of cafés, restaurants and shaded seating nearby. Arrive early on very hot days as it gets extremely busy.
Best for: Central London day trips and older children
Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras
The Serpentine Lido | Hyde Park
While not a splash pad in the traditional sense, the Serpentine Lido offers one of central London’s most classic ways for families to cool off in the summer. Set within the leafy surroundings of Hyde Park, it includes a dedicated children’s paddling pool alongside the main swimming area, making it a relaxed spot for a warm-weather dip.
The atmosphere here feels a little calmer than some of London’s busier splash parks, with plenty of space to spread out on the grass, grab an ice cream, and enjoy a slower-paced afternoon. It’s especially nice for families combining a swim with a picnic or a stroll around the Serpentine.
Best for: Gentle summer cooling off and park picnics
Nearest Tube: Lancaster Gate / Hyde Park Corner
Somerset House | The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court
Right in the heart of central London, the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House transforms into one of the city’s most stylish seasonal water play spots in summer. The courtyard’s 55 ground-level fountains gently erupt in choreographed bursts, creating a playful space where children can run, weave and cool off as the jets rise and fall around them.
It’s a particularly atmospheric spot thanks to the surrounding neoclassical architecture, and it works beautifully as part of a day out along the Strand or nearby Covent Garden. While it’s not a traditional playground, the interactive fountains make it a firm favourite for families during warm weather.
Best for: Central London cooling-off stops and culture-filled days out
Nearest Tube: Temple / Covent Garden
West London
Kensington Memorial Park | Ladbroke Grove
A bit of a West London hidden gem, Kensington Memorial Park’s splash pad is a firm favourite with local families once the sun comes out. The compact water play area features interactive jets and fountains designed especially for younger children, making it an easy, low-stress option for toddlers and early primary ages.
Right next door you’ll find a well-equipped playground and plenty of open green space, so it’s simple to turn a quick splash stop into a longer park day with a picnic or café break nearby. It’s generally less hectic than some of London’s bigger splash destinations, which adds to its appeal for parents with smaller children.
Best for: Toddlers and relaxed local park days
Nearest Tube: Ladbroke Grove
Paddington Recreation Ground | Maida Vale
A slightly under-the-radar West London favourite, Paddington Recreation Ground offers a brilliant splash pad that’s perfect for younger children in need of a cool-down on warmer days. The water play area includes a mix of sprays, jets and interactive features, giving kids plenty of ways to run, splash and play safely.
Set within one of the area’s best all-round parks, it’s easy to pair a splash session with time on the playground or a wander through the wide open green spaces. There are also plenty of sports facilities nearby, so it often has a lively but family-friendly community feel during the summer months.
Best for: Local family days out and younger children
Nearest Tube: Maida Vale
North London
Clissold Park | Stoke Newington
Hackney’s hugely popular splash pad is back for summer 2026 with timed sessions running throughout the school holidays. The modern water play area is especially good for toddlers and younger primary-aged children thanks to its gentle fountains and secure layout.
There are toilets, baby changing facilities and a small kiosk selling snacks and ice lollies nearby, making it a very easy day out for families.
Weekend sessions begin from 23 May 2026, with daily opening throughout the summer holidays.
Best for: Toddlers and local family days out
Nearest Overground: Stoke Newington
Tally Ho Corner | North Finchley
A compact but lively neighbourhood splash pad in North Finchley, Tally Ho Corner is a great local option for younger children who want a quick, easy water play fix. The area features simple interactive jets and sprays designed for little ones, making it especially suitable for toddlers and preschoolers on warm afternoons.
What makes it handy for parents is the surrounding setup — plenty of cafés, bakeries and local shops nearby mean it’s easy to grab snacks, coffee or lunch without having to plan too far ahead. It works well as a short stop on a sunny day rather than a full-day destination.
Best for: Quick toddler-friendly splash sessions
Nearest Tube: Woodside Park / West Finchley
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