As the weather is warming up in the city, it’s time to find ways to keep the kids cool. We have all the bases covered with this ultimate list of lidos, pools & splash parks in London.
The weather starts to heat up from May onwards, although we all know London can be so unpredictable with these things.
Wherever you are in the city, you’ll be able to find a paddling pool or splash pad to have some fun and cool down with the kids.
London offers a variety of lidos, pools, and splash parks for residents and visitors to enjoy during the summer.
These water attractions are often surrounded by beautiful parklands, offering a perfect setting for picnics and outdoor activities.
Splash Pads In London
Entry fees for adults and children vary across the different lidos, pools, and splash parks in London, but many offer affordable or free admission options. Usually, paddling pools within parks are completely free, while lidos will cost a small entry fee and may require booking in advance.
There are also splash pads alongside children’s playgrounds which are always free to use. The lidos, pools & splash parks in London cater to all age groups,, whether toddlers or older children.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely swim or a water play experience, the options are abundant in London with kids.
PLEASE NOTE, SOMETIMES SPLASH PADS AND PARKS MAY BE CLOSED DUE TO THE SEASON OR MAINTENANCE.
ALWAYS CHECK AHEAD BEFORE VISITING. There is nothing worse than getting the kids excited – I have made this mistake myself a few times!
Splash Parks In North London
1. Splash Pad, Clissold Park
The Splash Pad in Clissold Park, located in Stoke Newington, offers children a fun water play area. It features interactive fountains, sprays, and water jets.
To reach Clissold Park by public transport, you can take the London Overground to Stoke Newington Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the park.
2. Splash Park, Barking
Barking Splash Park is a fantastic water play area located within Barking Park in East London. This exciting facility offers a range of water features and interactive play areas for children to enjoy.
It includes splash pads, water jets, fountains, and more, providing endless fun and excitement.
The splash park is an ideal destination for families seeking a refreshing day out during the summer.
Admission to Barking Splash Park is free for adults and children, making it a budget-friendly attraction.
If you’re travelling on public transport, you can take the District Line or Hammersmith & City Line to Barking Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the park.
This Barking splash park London is surrounded by additional amenities such as playground, a lake, sports facilities, and green spaces, making it a place for families of all ages to enjoy.
3. Kensington Memorial Park
Kensington Memorial Park, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, offers a range of family facilities, including a splash play area. The park features water jets and fountains for children to enjoy.
The splash play area in Kensington Memorial Park offers children a fantastic water play experience in a picturesque setting.
This park has various water features and interactive play elements, providing a fun and engaging environment for kids to cool off and have a blast.
The splash play area is equipped with safety flooring and has seating areas for parents to relax.
To reach Kensington Memorial Park via public transport, take the London Underground to Ladbroke Grove Station or Latimer Road Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the park.
Situated in the vibrant borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the surrounding area offers plenty of attractions for families.
Nearby is the beautiful Notting Hill neighbourhood, known for its charming streets, colourful houses, and Portobello Road Market.
If you get peckish after a day of fun at the park, there are also some great kid-friendly restaurants and cute cafes in the Notting Hill area.
The park is close to the iconic Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, where families can enjoy leisurely walks, visit the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, or explore the Serpentine Lake.
The area is well-known as home to the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum, which offer educational and entertaining experiences. These museums are fantastic to explore on a rainy day or during half term.
With its convenient location and nearby attractions, the splash play area in Kensington Memorial Park is a lovely destination for families to enjoy a fun-filled day of water play and exploration.
You can take the Circle Line or District Line to Ladbroke Grove Station to reach Kensington Memorial Park by public transport. From there, it’s a short walk to the park.
4. Cassiobury Splash Park, Watford
Cassiobury Splash Park in Watford is a fantastic water playground.
This splash park has a wide range of water features and interactive play areas, including fountains, water jets, and tipping buckets, creating the perfect day out for kids of all ages.
This water splash park in London offers various facilities such as changing rooms, toilets, and seating areas. Families can relax in the grassy areas while watching their little ones as they enjoy the water play.
Cassiobury Splash Park is a haven for children to run, splash, and have fun.
Kids can cool off under the refreshing water sprays, have friendly water fights, and explore the different play zones designed to cater to their sense of adventure.
To reach this London splash park via public transport, you can take the London Underground to Watford Station and hop on a bus to Cassiobury Park.
The park is conveniently located within walking distance of the town centre, making it easily accessible for visitors.
If you need a bite to eat or a drink during your visit, several options are available in the surrounding area.
Visitors can explore the nearby Watford High Street or Cassiobury Park Hub, where they’ll find cafes, snack kiosks, and picnic areas.
It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a bite or enjoy a refreshing drink after a day of water play.
Like many of these London splash parks, Cassiobury Splash Park is situated within the larger Cassiobury Park, which offers beautiful green spaces, woodland areas, and a playground.
it’s worth exploring the park’s walking trails, feeding the ducks in the nearby canal, or enjoying a leisurely picnic amidst the serene surroundings.
Cassiobury Splash Park in Watford is a must-visit destination for families looking for fun on a warm day.
5. Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park
Serpentine Lido is a captivating open-water swimming area within Hyde Park in the heart of London.
This unique lido offers a refreshing swimming experience in Serpentine Lake, surrounded by stunning greenery.
The facility provides designated areas for swimmers and lifeguard supervision for safety. This Lido also offers deck chairs and a sunbathing area for relaxation after a swim.
The entry fee for adults is typically around £5, while children’s admission costs approximately £2.
To access Serpentine Lido via public transport, take the London Underground to Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate, or Marble Arch stations.
From there, it’s a short walk to the lido within Hyde Park. Dive into Serpentine Lido for a unique swimming experience in the heart of London.
Near the lido are the Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Café. This cafe is a lovely place to enjoy a variety of refreshments and light bites.
Whether you’re craving a hot coffee, a cold beverage, or a delicious snack, the Serpentine Cafe provides a lovely spot to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings of the park and the Serpentine Lake after a swim.
East London Splash Parks & Pad
6. Paddling Pool at West Ham Park
The paddling pool at West Ham Park is a fantastic water play area in the heart of East London.
It offers a safe and enjoyable space for children to splash around and cool off during summer.
The paddling pool is shallow, making it ideal for young children to wade and play in the water. Admission to the paddling pool is typically free for adults and children, making it a budget-friendly attraction.
This splash water park in London is a great option for a fun and affordable day out in East London.
To reach West Ham Park via public transport, take the District Line, Hammersmith & City Line, or Jubilee Line to West Ham Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the park.
In addition to the paddling pool, West Ham Park features beautiful green spaces, gardens, and playgrounds, providing opportunities for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities.
The park is a lovely place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, perfect for families with little ones.
7. Victoria Park Splash Pool, Hackney
The Victoria Park Splash Pool is a delightful water play area within the picturesque Victoria Park in East London.
This attraction has a shallow pool equipped with fountains, sprays, and water features, providing hours of fun for children during the summer months.
The splash pool is surrounded by a spacious deck area where families can relax and soak up the sun.
Nearby is a charming cafe within Victoria Park, with refreshments and light snacks. It’s the perfect spot to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely picnic with a park view.
Entry to this water splash park in London is free for all visitors. This is a great option for half-term or summer holiday activities.
To reach Victoria Park via public transport, take the Central or District London Underground lines to Mile End or Bethnal Green tube stations within walking distance of the park.
Alternatively, take a bus to several bus stops surrounding the park.
Victoria Park itself offers a wealth of attractions and activities. Explore the park’s picturesque gardens, lakes, and open spaces, perfect for picnics or strolls.
In the vicinity, there are trendy neighbourhoods of Hackney and Bethnal Green, which have many shops, cafes, and cultural hotspots to explore.
The famous Broadway Market is nearby with a variety of food stalls, shops, and pubs.
8. London Fields Lido, Hackney
London Fields Lido is a fantastic outdoor swimming pool in the trendy North London neighbourhood of Hackney, East London. This popular lido offers a refreshing escape during the summer months.
The Lido is a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool, perfect for laps and leisurely swims. Alongside the pool, there are ample sunbathing areas with deck chairs for relaxation. London Fields Lido also has a café.
The entry fee for adults is typically around £5, while children’s admission costs approximately £2. To get to London Fields Lido by public transport, take the London Overground to London Fields Station.
It’s a short walk to the lido through London Fields Park. If the kids are hungry after a day at the Lido, The London Fields Lido Cafe is a lovely spot near the London Fields Lido in Hackney, East London.
This cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind after a swim.
9. Olympic Park Splash Fountain
The Olympic Park Splash Fountain has a lovely water play area within Olympic Park in Stratfords East London. This splash fountain is equipped with interactive water features, jets, and sprays.
Adjacent to this splash pad in London, various cafes and restaurants within the Olympic Park exist. There are plenty of options, whether you’re craving a quick snack, a refreshing drink, or a sit-down meal.
Entry to the Olympic Park Splash Fountain is free for all visitors, making it an affordable day out.
To reach the Olympic Park via public transport, take the London Underground to Stratford Station or Stratford International Station, which are well-connected. From there, it’s a short walk to the park entrance.
In addition to the Splash Fountain, the Olympic Park offers many attractions and activities. Explore the beautiful parklands, visit the ArcelorMittal Orbit observation tower for panoramic views of London, or enjoy the various sports facilities and play areas.
The park hosts concerts, events, and festivals throughout the year. Nearby is Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, which has many shops, restaurants, and a cinema.
10. Aqua Splash London, Olympic Park
Aqua Splash in London’s Olympic Park is an exciting water-based adventure park. This inflatable obstacle course, located in the indoor pool within the Olympic Park, features slides, climbing walls, trampolines, and more.
There is a designated spectator area for those who prefer to watch the action from the sidelines. The park also provides changing rooms, showers, and lockers for convenience.
While there is no specific cafe or restaurant within Aqua Splash itself, the Olympic Park offers various dining options nearby. Explore the park’s food stalls, cafes, and restaurants for a quick bite.
The entry fee for Aqua Splash varies depending on the session and age group, with separate pricing for adults and children.
To reach Aqua Splash via public transport, take the London Underground to Stratford Station or Stratford International Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the park entrance. The park is well-connected with numerous bus and train routes as well.
The Olympic Park has beautiful parklands to enjoy walking and cycling trails.
Westfield Stratford City, one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, is also within walking distance, offering many shops, restaurants.
South London Splash Parks & Pads
11. Elephant Springs, Elephant & Castle
Elephant Park Waterpark in Elephant and Castle is a relatively central location with an awesome splash park.
It includes slides, fountains, and spray jets,perfect for cooling down in the centre of the city. There are ample seating areas and picnic spots where families can relax and enjoy snacks or a packed lunch.
Kids will have a blast exploring the various water play areas, sliding down the thrilling water slides, and running through the interactive water sprays.
To reach Elephant Park Waterpark via public transport, ake the London Underground to Elephant & Castle Station or the Overground to Elephant & Castle Rail Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the waterpark.
Regarding dining options, the area around Elephant and Castle has many different places to grab a bite to eat.
I recommend trying out Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle, near the tube station. This indoor market has a huge range of cuisines on offer from around the world.
12. Tooting Bec Lido
Tooting Bec Lido is a renowned open-air swimming pool in Tooting Bec, South London. This iconic lido is a 91-meter pool, making it one of the largest freshwater swimming pools in the UK.
The lido’s facilities include a sunbathing area, lifeguard supervision, and a café. The pool’s unique feature is its distinctive colourful changing cubicles.
Adult entry fee costs around £7, while children’s admission costs approximately £4.
To reach Tooting Bec Lido via public transport, take the Northern Line to Tooting Bec Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the lido. A large number of bus routes also serve Tooting Bec and the surrounding area.
In addition to the lido, the surrounding neighbourhood of Tooting offers attractions such as Tooting Common, it’s an ideal park for picnics and leisurely walks, and nice high street with various shops and restaurants.
13. Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill
Brockwell Lido is a popular outdoor swimming pool in Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, South London. This historic lido offers a fantastic facility for both leisure and fitness purposes.
The pool is a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool surrounded by a beautiful art deco building. In addition to the pool, there are sun loungers, a paddling pool for children, and a poolside pizza restaurant, 400 Rabbits, serving up delicious sourdough pizzas.
Adult entry to the pool is £8 and £5 for children over five years old. Children under five can enter for free. See the Brockwell Lido website for a full list of prices, including spa, gym, class, and pool timetables.
For those visiting at the weekend or during half term, arrive early for the pool session as the queue can become very long as the entry and it operates on a first come, first served basis.
If you arrive too late, the pool may reach capacity, so don’t miss out!
To get to Brockwell Lido by public transport, take the Victoria Line to Brixton Station and then a 5-minute bus journey to Herne Hill.
Alternatively, take the Southeastern Rail to Herne Hill Station. It’s a very short walk from the station to the lido within Brockwell Park.
14. Brockwell Park Paddling Pool
Also, in Brockwell Park (on the opposite side to the lido) is Brockwell Park Paddling Pool which is completely free for all. Brockwell Park Paddling Pool is a fantastic water play area within the beautiful Brockwell Park in South London.
This popular attraction has a shallow pool for children to splash and cool off during summer. The paddling pool is surrounded by a deck area with seating, allowing parents to relax while their little ones enjoy the water.
There is a cafe nearby to grab a bite to eat or an ice-cream. To get to Brockwell Park, take the London Underground to Brixton Station and catch a bus to the park entrance.
The park has some stunning gardens, a lake, a playground, and ample green spaces for picnics.
15. Charlton Lido
Charlton Lido is another outdoor swimming facility in South East London. The modern lido has a heated Olympic-sized pool so could be used for longer periods in the year, not only the summer.
Alongside the main pool, a separate teaching pool is suitable for children and beginners. The lido has lots of space for sunbathing and relaxing with deck chairs available for hire.
The entry fee for adults is typically around £11.50 if you’re not a member, while children’s admission is approximately £5.60.
To reach Charlton Lido using public transport, take the Southeastern Rail to Charlton Station. It’s a short walk to the Lido, located within Hornfair Park.
Many other facilities and fitness classes are also available at the leisure centre associated with the lido. Check the Better website for full details.
16. Rookery Paddling Pool, Streatham Common
Streatham Common Paddling Pool is a water play area situated within the scenic Streatham Common in South East London.
This family-friendly attraction offers a shallow pool for children to splash and play in during summer.
The paddling pool has a spacious deck area where parents can relax while keeping an eye on their little ones.
The paddling pool is very shallow, so it’s appropriate even for very young children and toddlers with supervision.
Entry to the paddling pool is free making it an affordable day out during the May half-term or summer holidays.
Nearby, the Rookery Café has light snacks, perfect for a quick bite or an ice cream while the kids play.
To reach Streatham Common via public transport, take the Southern Rail to Streatham Station and then walk up the length of the common opposite the station. The paddling pool is towards the top of the common, before the woodland area.
The area surrounding the common has some nice walking trails, a charming Rookery garden, and green spaces for picnics.
17. Children’s Paddling Pool, Ruskin Park
The children’s playground and paddling pool in Ruskin Park, situated in Denmark Hill is another destination for south Londoners to keep cool.
The playground boasts a range of exciting play equipment, including swings, slides, climbing frames, and more, providing endless entertainment for children of all ages.
Adjacent to the playground is a charming paddling pool, perfect for kids to splash around and cool off during summer.
While there is no dedicated cafe or restaurant within Ruskin Park, several cafes and eateries are in the surrounding area.
Explore nearby Denmark Hill, where there are many dining options and shops.
To reach Ruskin Park via public transport, take the London Overground or Southern Rail to Denmark Hill Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the park entrance.
Beyond the playground and paddling pool, Ruskin Park has open spaces, and beautiful flower gardens to enjoy.
The park also has tennis courts, a multi-use games area, and a trim trail.
Nearby attractions include the renowned Camberwell College of Arts and King’s College Hospital. Not to mention, the nearby South London Gallery showcases contemporary art exhibitions and hosts various events annually.
18. Danson Splash Park, Bexleyheath
Danson Splash Park in Bexleyheath is our final water play destination in South East London. This vibrant splash park offers interactive water features, including sprays, jets, and tipping buckets, providing endless excitement and laughter for kids of all ages.
There are shaded seating areas where parents can relax and keep an eye on their little ones.
Kids will have a blast running through the water sprays, dodging the cascading buckets, and exploring the various play zones designed with their enjoyment in mind.
To reach Danson Splash Park via public transport, take the Southeastern train to Bexleyheath Station. From there, it’s a short walk or bus ride to the park.
Regarding dining options, the surrounding area of Bexleyheath offers a range of cafes, restaurants, and takeaway spots.
The nearby Broadway Shopping Centre provides a convenient location for grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal after a day of water play.
Beyond the splash park, Danson Park has beautiful green spaces, a boating lake, and a play area for children.
West London Splash Parks
19. Ruislip Lido Beach, Ruislip
Ruislip Lido Beach is a hidden gem locatedand the first on our list of West London splash parks.
This unique attraction offers a sandy beach and a picturesque lake. Ruislip Lido Beach is currently open but swimming is not permitted at the beach. There is, however a children’s splash pad available.
This is a great lido to visit as a family if you’ve got kids as it also offers various facilities, including a changing room, a miniature railway, and a café serving refreshments.
Entry is completely free, while some activities, such as horse riding, will cost. To reach Ruislip Lido Beach via public transport, take the Metropolitan or Piccadilly Line to Ruislip Station.
From there, it’s a short walk or bus ride to the lido. The surrounding area offers attractions such as Ruislip Woods, a nature reserve with walking trails, and Manor Farm, a historic farmstead.
20. Wimbledon Park Splash Pad
The Wimbledon Park Splash Pad is a fantastic water play area within the beautiful Wimbledon Park in South West London.
It has a variety of interactive water features, including jets, sprays, and fountains, providing endless fun and excitement for children of all ages.
The splash pad is surrounded by a deck area with seating, allowing parents. The area is fenced off perfect for those parents who have wandering toddlers.
Within Wimbledon Park is a café, however it’s always a good idea to bring a picnic and make a day of it
Entry to the Wimbledon Park Splash Pad is free!
Take the London Underground to Wimbledon Park Station on the District Line to reach Wimbledon Park via public transport. From there, it’s a short walk to the park entrance.
Beyond the Splash Pad, Wimbledon Park has picturesque landscapes, gardens, and lakes for a nice stroll There are also playgrounds, a beach volleyball court, and a miniature golf course to keep little ones entertained.
Wimbledon Village is a charming high street with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for dinner before heading home!
We hope you enjoyed reading about the best splash parks in London. Did you visit any? Leave a note we love to hear from you about your experiences.
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