Parks and playgrounds in London

A family guide to London

Local parks, playgrounds and outdoor spaces where children can run, climb and play.

London's parks and playgrounds offer plenty of room for children to run, climb and play. In the royal parks, Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens has a pirate ship, treehouse and teepees, though it is a sun trap with limited shade. Gloucester Gate Playground in Regent's Park has climbing equipment, slides, swings, a sandpit and a water play area, and Petersham Gate Playground in Richmond Park has been renovated and has seasonal water play. St James Park has views of Buckingham Palace. Adventure playgrounds include Crumbles Castle Adventure Playground, open to non-Islington residents and under 5s on Saturdays with homeschool sessions on Thursdays, and Somerford Grove Adventure Playground, which offers Stay & Play sessions. New Crystal Palace Playground and Cookies Island are also listed. Bury Lodge Park offers unlimited access to multiple inflatables, while Hainault Forest and Hainault Forest Express combine an adventure playground with a train ride. Battersea Power Station hosts Electric Summer, with rides, games, roller skating and a Big Wheel. Local parks, playgrounds and outdoor spaces where children can run, climb and play.