It's finally heating up here in London town so it's a good time to keep cool at one of these outdoor splash parks in London.
Kensington Memorial Park
There's tons to do in the great outdoors over at Kensington Memorial Park, including its free water park. Sessions run for two hours so check ahead of arrival for timings. St Mark’s Road, W10 www.rbkc.gov.uk/
King George's Splash Pad
If you're on the Essex side of London then it's well worth heading to Brentwood to King George’s Splash Pad, a brand new facility that includes water jets, fountains, sidewinders, directional jets and cylinder spray. Sessions are 25 minutes long, will need pre-booking and all children need to be accompanied by an adult. We tried it recently and would advise to book a double session as that 25 mins is just too speedy and the kids barely got in the jets before it was time to be hauled out. Ingrave Road, Warley, Brentwood CM13 2FD www.everyoneactive.com
The Children's Play Pavilion & Park Mile End
As well as a fab playground that includes a castle, sand pit and dry riverbed, this fully inclusive spot also boasts an interactive water feature. Open 12-5pm daily, this is a perfect day out if you find yourself in the east of town. Locksley Street, London E14 7EJ www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/
Finchley Lido
If it's a traditional outdoor pool you're after then Finchley Lido is it. 25m in length with a shallow area for the little ones to play, there's also a refreshment pod, sun loungers and deck chairs available so you can make a day of it. Chaplin Square, London N12 0GL www.better.org.uk/
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Water Labyrinth
195 jets of water, people! That's a whole lot of fountain fun for the family. Not only are the fountains great for cooling off in, but they're choreographed in different sequences and heights to keep the kids on their toes (and look pretty epic too).
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park , Stratford, London, E20 2ST www.fountains.co.uk/project/queen-elizabeth-olympic-park
Wimbledon Park
With six paddling pools and two splash pads this free to use splash park pick is a winner for anyone in the Wimbledon area. Home Park Rd, London SW19 8AU www.merton.gov.uk
Barking Park Splash Park
Brownie points for being wheelchair accessible, this East London splash park has a resident park mascot named Splashy, and during school holidays there are extra activities including walk-on-water balls and pedal boats. This gem of a place also organises special sessions for children with extra needs: all the wins. Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex www.splashparkbarking.co.uk
Danson Park Adventures & Danson Splash Park
Over in the borough of Bexley you'll find Danson Park Adventures which provides plenty of full on land and water based fun. It's also got school holiday programmes running which include stand up paddle boarding, sailing and kayaking for your water loving kids. Okay, so not a splash park exactly but it's worth including for kids age 8 and up who have grown out of fountain play. For younger kids there is a small but worthy traditional splash park in Danson Park. Danson Road, Bexleyheath, London, DA6 8HL www.bexley.gov.uk/services
Elephant Springs
Elephant Springs - named for its proximity to Elephant & Castle has plenty of splash action happening with its pumps, jets, cascades and streams. It's also surrounded by a sand pit to really bring that beach feel to a lovely summer's day activity.
Elephant Road, London SE17 1UB www.elephantpark.co.uk
Splash Play at Finsbury Park
Water facilities are free to use at this North London spot, and are set to be open all through summer (weather permitting). All important jet sprays included here. Endymion Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 1EE www.haringey.gov.uk/
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