With the count down officially on for our children returning to school its nearly the end of the line for the craziness that has occured over the last year, so it's time to reflect and be thankful for the time that you have spent with your precious little ones and make the most of the time you have left before the mundane routine kicks in! with that said, let's take a look at London towns best open spaces and playgrounds for children.
Paddington Recreation Ground W9 1PD
Truly a masterpiece of a playground built in 2019 this 1 acre of pure imagination is certainly a space to be in awe of. The playground includes interactive features, big kids tree house, little kids tree house, steamliner, swings, tunnels, playhouses including the magical pastel remake of Beachcroft Terrace, musical instruments and much more all designed and made here in the UK.
Paddington Rec hosts a small cafe on site (The Pizza is unreal!) but it is slightly on the pricey side, bathrooms and baby changing area. There is even a car park for a small fee! making this central London park accessible for most.
Diana Memorial Playground W2 4RU
The Diana memorial is certainly the playground you want to try and visit on hot days, with the most stunning water feature for children to play your kids love to explore and let their imaginations soar in this magical space. Inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, the playground encourages children to explore and follow their imaginations, learning whilst they play.
There is a sensory trail, teepees, pirate ship and various toys plus play sculptures; all set against a lush backdrop of trees and plants. There's plenty of seating so adults can relax too. The design has created an area where less able children can play together and seeks to provide physical, creative, social and educational development for your children. Kensington gardens is also home to friendly parakeets who you can feed, they will happily sit in your hands (if your brave enough!) This is a safe and secure space for little ones with security on the gate. Only adults supervising children will be admitted entry. You will want to get here early as this playground gets very busy even before lockdown queueing was permitted.
Holland Park Playground W14 8EL
Holland park steals top price as the most beautiful here in London featuring Japanese garden, chess playground, The orangery, adventure playground for big kids and toddler area.
Holland park should certainly be on your list for places to visit in London. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive magical peacocks that rome the lawns here at Holland Park.
Golders Hill Park NW3 7HE
Golders Hill Park really is a little bit of magic amongst the hussle and bussle of London having a very tranquil feel hosting a beautiful free zoo home to a variety of furry, feathered and scaly friends! The walled garden which my daughter refers to as the fairy garden has a stunning butterfly house plus an assortment of flowers, plants and trees the small lake has many baby ducks in spring time. The playground is well kept and great for all ages. Live music can often be heard from the band stand. Parking is minimal on the surrounding roads but there is a car park around a 10 minute walk away called Jack Straws car park.
Regents Park NW1 4NR
Ok so to be honest I wasn't actually going to include Regents Park on my list because I don't feel the playgrounds are that great! But....it does have beauty and perks to visiting for example; London Zoo can be expensive to gain entry too, therefore a walk around Regents Park permits you to see plenty of London Zoo's inhabitants. Plus there is a beautiful maze, lake and open air theatre which is jaw droppingly mesmerizing!
Coram's Fields WC1N 1DN
Coram Fields is close to my heart, I spent most of my childhood in this park and have plenty of fond memories here. Coram's is a safe place for children with no single adult access, the park is completely secure with security on the gate to make sure little ones do not wonder out.
Coram hosts adventure park for big kids and little land for little legs, splash pool in the summer months, football pitches and a city farm. There is many programmes and classes for children to enrol in and seek advice and support if needed.
Victoria Park E9 7DD
The memories of Victoria park as a child are still etched in my mind, the giant slides, the slash park and the sound of children playing ring in my ears when I think back to summers spent playing there. Victoria Park has two play areas for children of all ages.
The east side by The Hub is where you will find the huge slides, climbing equipment and sand play these are all next to the splashpool play area which runs from mid morning to 5pm in the summer, features water jets and fountains. The skate park is also close by, a great place for teenagers and adults to practise their skills on skateboards, roller blades, BMX bikes and scooters.
On the west side of the park near Grove Road is the V&A playground is more suitable for younger children the area is fenced off and features swings, climbing equipment, sand play and water pumps amongst all sorts of other things to enjoy including boat hire for a peaceful afternoon on the lake.
Hampton Courts Magic Garden KT8 9AU
Your mini princesses and knights will come face to face with mysterious mythical beasts, storm the battlements, besiege the towers and explore the secret grotto in this magical children's playground.
The Magic Garden provides a unique way for your family to explore the history of Hampton Court Palace. There is a small fee for entry to the magic garden which is around £5pp.
Crystal Palace SE20
Got a mini palaeontologist on your hands? Maybe head over to Crystal Palace where you can explore the prehistoric world of the “Dinosaurs” which actually refer to around 30 palaeontological statues, five geological displays, and related landscaping in the vicinity of the tidal lake in Crystal Palace Park.
The statues also include plesiosaurs and icthyosaurs discovered by Mary Anning in Lyme Regis, as well as pterodactyls, crocodilians, amphibians and mammals, such as a South American Megatherium (giant ground sloth) brought back to Britain by Charles Darwin on his voyage on HMS Beagle.
Childrens Garden Kew
Designed with the elements in mind Earth, Air, Water and Fire (The Sun) which all take their part in helping plants to grow and maintain life on planet Earth. The children's garden is created by outstanding landscape talents gracefully flowing and easy to follow enabling you to see all the elements of this sweet garden created for children. They have even added huggable trees!
Enjoy having your mini's at home for these last few weeks. Before you know it this time will have gone and life will have returned to it's fast paced self...you may find yourself wishing for the time the world slowed down.
Love LL x
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