12 of our favourite outdoor activities for kids in London

Putt in the park

Locations: in various parks across London
Wandsworth: Wandsworth Park, Putney Bridge Road, London, SW18 1PP.
Battersea: Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4NJ.
Acton: Acton Park, East Churchfield Road, W37LL.
Gunnersbury: Bowls Green Pavilion, Popes Lane, Gunnersbury Park, W3 8LQ.
Prices: Adults: £11/Child (under 15): £9/Family of 4: £36/Concession (65+): £9
Putt in the Park is a mini-golf course in London parks. It’s great for families with kids and has fun obstacles like hills and tunnels. There are different themes to choose from, and the surroundings are beautiful. It’s a fun way to spend time outdoors and is suitable for all ages. Special events and promotions are also available. Win, lose or draw the clubhouse is where everyone comes together over Traditional Neapolitan pizza, light bites or a tasty beverage.

Boating on the Serpentine – Hyde Park

Location: Hyde Park
Opening times: April and May: 10am -6pm / from June – August:10am -8pm / Sept: 10am -7pm / Oct – March: closes at dusk.
Pricing:
60 Minutes Boat Hire : Adult: £12.00 / Child: £6.00 (3 to 15 years) /Family: £32.00 (2 adults and up to 3 children) / Concessions: £9.40
30 Minutes Boat Hire: Adult: £10.00/Child: £4.65 (3 to 15 years)/Family: £26.50 (2 adults and up to 3 children)/Concessions: £8.00. Under 3 years are free / under 12 months are not permitted.
You’ll get the coolest view of the city when you rent a boat on the Serpentine! It’s great fun for families, especially for kids who love steering their boats and exploring the lake while taking in the breathtaking views of nature and nearby landmarks.

Ruislip Lido

Location: Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY
Opening times: Open 7 days a week from 1st Oct-31st Mar, the car parks at Ruislip Lido will close at 7 pm. Easy to get to via public transport.
This 60-acre lake, nestled on the edge of a sprawling nature reserve, is the perfect spot for families seeking fun in the sun! Although swimming isn’t allowed, there is a sandy beach and two awesome kids’ playgrounds, a splash park, and a cafe. You can also explore the family walking trails in the nearby woodlands, these are a gentle stroll, playing games and learning about Ruislip Woods as you walk. Also the10am -6pm Woodland Centre offers  craft sessions. There’s even a little train that chugs around the lake and weaves its way through the wood.

Kensington Memorial Park Water Play Area

Location: St Mark’s Road, W10
Opening times: click here
This public water wonderland play area in Kensington is the perfect spot for kids to have fun and cool down in the hot weather. They’ve got all sorts of splash-tastic features, like fountains, jets, sprinklers, and even a splash pad where kids can frolic around and get soaked! The surface is bouncy and cushioned and helps prevent slips. They constantly filter and treat the water to keep it squeaky clean. There are also plenty of grassy spaces with benches, picnic tables, toilets and changing rooms nearby too.

The Magic Garden -Hampton Court Palace

Location: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
Time:  17th April – 28th May & 5th June – 23rd July: Weds-Sun 10 am – 5:30 pm, last admission 4:30 pm
May half-term, 29th May – 4th June – Daily: 10:am-5:30 pm. Last Admission: 16:30. Closed 11 June 2023.
Prices: members go free, The Magic Garden entry is included in your Hampton Court Palace ticket admission ticket: weekday: Adult: £26.30, Child: £13.10, Cons. students, seniors: £21. Weekend: Adult: £29, Child, Cons, students, senior:£23.20. Click the price list for more price variations. 
The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace is a playground straight out of a storybook, with towers, tunnels, and a moat. Come face to face with mysterious mythical beasts, storm the battlements, besiege the towers and explore the secret grotto. Kids can climb, swing, slide, and splash in the water play area. And don’t forget about the maze! The garden is surrounded by lush greenery, making it the perfect place for a picnic or a relaxing break. It’s a magical and unforgettable experience for the whole family!

Diana Memorial Playground – Hyde Park

Location: Hyde Park next to Kensington Palace
Opening times: May to August: 10 am – 7.45 pm (free)
Kids love to play, explore, dash about, and let their imaginations soar. The playground’s centrepiece is a wooden pirate ship, and it also includes a sensory trail, teepees, a beach around the pirate ship and various play sculptures; all set against a lush backdrop of trees and plants. There’s plenty of seating so the grownups can relax too. The playground includes The Broad Walk Café where there is an extensive hot food menu that includes the popular stone-baked pizza, plenty of healthy and vegetarian options as well as a broad kids range.

Go Ape

Locations: Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park, Black Park, Chessington and Cockfosters.
Times & Prices: depends on the location and tree top you choose– click here
Go Ape is like a Tarzan-style adventure in the trees, with zip lines, swings, and bridges. The courses range from beginner to expert, and guides make sure you’re safe. High up surrounded by nature working as a team is sure to leave everyone feeling proud and accomplished.

Battersea Park Playground for toddlers and juniors

Location: Battersea Park, Battersea, SW11 4PY
Battersea Park has 3 free play areas that cater to kids of all ages! The Adventure Playground is perfect for older kids aged 8-14 who are up for a challenge, with tough climbing structures that will test their skills. The Young Kids Play Area is a medium-level play area with slides and climbing frames that will keep kids aged 4-7 entertained for hours. For the littlest ones, the Toddler Playground is accessible to everyone and features safe and sturdy equipment, including the beloved wooden train. Best of all, all of these play areas are free and waiting for you to explore!

Kew Gardens

Location: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
Times: Daily, 10 am to 6 pm
Peak Prices: 1st Feb- 31st Oct: the playground entry is included with your Kew Gardens ticket: free for members, Adults: adv- with donation: £19.00/without donation: £17.00, Adult: standard –  with donation: £24.00, without donation: £21.50. Child (4 to 15): with donation: £5.50, without donation: £5.00. Child (under 4): free. Click here for price options
Kew Gardens is about nature, with the playground being split into 4 elements, Earth, Air, Water and Sun. This is a fantastic playground for kids to run, play, and explore. With its tree-top walkway, bamboo tunnels, water play area, slides and sand pits, there’s never a dull moment.

Parliament Hill Lido

Location: Parliament Hill Fields, Gospel Oak, London NW5 1LT
Times & Price: Summer Season-mid May to mid-Sept. Early free flow: 7 am – 9.30 am (vacate water at 10 am).Pre-booked Session 1 – 10.30 am – 1.30 pm. Pre-booked Session 2 – 2.30 pm – 5.30 pm. Lido Early Morning/Evening/Winter – Adult £4.50, Lido Early Morning/Evening/Winter – Concession £2.70. Lido Early Morning/Winter – Junior £1.40. For the full price list click here
There is a main pool and a paddling pool for younger kids both are unheated. Children of all ages can swim here (under eights have to be accompanied by an adult). Afterwards relax at the Lido cafe with stunning views of the Lido pool and surrounding park from the outdoor terrace. Also nearby is Parliament Hill Playground , the paddling pool here is closed until summer. The playground is well maintained, and smartly designed with separate play areas for the older and younger kids.

Uber Boats – Thames Clippers

Location: 24 piers across London – see map
Prices – Click here
Time: Services run from early in the morning until late at night, 7 days a week. Like the tube, the river is divided into zones: West, Central and East. Your ticket must be valid for all the zones you travel through.
All aboard! Thames Clippers provide a fantastic opportunity for families to have fun by experiencing London from the river. It’s also a great way to travel to some of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Tower of London, and  St Katherine’s Docks . Hop off and hop on the Cutty Sark
at Greenwich, then visit the Maritime Museum. Or stay on to The Thames Barrier . Furthermore, Thames Clippers offer various ticket packages, including family tickets, which make it a budget-friendly and a practical way for families to travel around London together.

Hobbledown – Hounslow

Location: Hobbledown Heath, Staines Road, Hounslow, TW14 0HH
Time & Price: During term time, Mon – Thur: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm, Fri: 9.30 am – 7 pm. Sat & Sun: 9 am – 7 pm
During school holidays: Mon – Thurs: 9 am – 6 pm, Fri, Sat & Sun: 9 am – 7 pm
Price: Timeslot tickets: from £17, Anytime tickets from: £19, Afternoon Saver tickets: click here , Toddler Days: 1 Adult and 1 under 5: £10.
Hobbledown, located in Hounslow, is an adventure park like no other, offering a huge range of activities for families and children to enjoy. The park is centred around a mystical hobblers’ world, with enchanting creatures inspired by legendary myths. It offers a wide range of outdoor and indoor activities for all ages, including zip lines, giant slides, and animal encounters. The park also has a high ropes course for older children and adults. Children can engage in a variety of interactive experiences that promote animal welfare and education. These experiences are designed to enable children to learn about and safely interact with animals.