The Best Play Fountains And Splash Parks In London In 2023
Summer is coming and if you’re looking for a fun way to cool the kids down, you need to check out these fabulous splash parks in London!
When we’re visiting London with the kids in the summer, we always factor in some time to cool off.
This can either be by finding a shady spot in one of the beautiful green parks or by splashing about in one of the play fountains in London.
Just remember to pack the swimsuits if it is the latter!
The great thing about these splash parks in London is that they are free to visit.
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Tips for visiting London with kids in the summer
Pack your swimmers and towels into a small day bag. We always carry our Dock & Bay towels with us because they can pack down into a tiny carry case. See the ones we use here on Decathlon or here on Amazon.
London can be very busy during the summer holidays and you should plan your trip in advance. Make sure you book everything in advance,, including tickets to the family-friendly museums in London – even if they are free.
Book your tickets for the main London attractions for families in advance and consider whether buying tickets together can save you money.
The London Explorer Pass includes a large number of top London attractions. Add 2,3,4,5,6 or 7 attractions and make huge savings. See how it all works here.
If you want to do the London Eye, read our tips for visiting the London Eye and buy your London Eye tickets here.
Merlin Entertainments run some of the biggest attractions in London for kids. You can make great savings if you book the Merlin attractions together – or take a look at their new Big City Saver.
- London Dungeon
- Madame Tussauds(see our Madame Tussauds London review here)
- SEA LIFE
- Shrek’s Adventure (see our review of Shrek’s Adventure here).
Check our guide to the best things to do in London with kids that are FREE.
Book your family-friendly restaurant in London in advance.
Check here to see if there are any kids eat free in London places that you like the sound of.
We can also recommend some family accommodation. London hotels for families to suit all budgets, hotels in London with pools and best Premier Inns in London for families.
If the heat is too much and you need an escape from the city, here are some lovely beaches within easy reach of London.
These are our favourite play fountains and splash parks in London
These splash pads in London are all pretty central and easy to get to making it easy to fit them into your London itinerary.
Granary Square fountains
Our favourite splash park in London is the fountains at Granary Square close to London’s Kings Cross Station.
We have been visiting this outdoor water park in London for years because it is one of the largest play fountains in London.
The whole area was regenerated a few years ago and there are lots of shops and restaurants.
Nearby at Kings Cross station is Platform 9 3/4 – a must for Harry Potter fans visiting London.
Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court
The Edmond J. Safra fountains are found in the courtyard of Somerset House.
During the summer months there is usually something going on, with food stalls and bars. One of the times we went, there were bumper cars which the kids loved!
In the winter, the space transforms into a winter wonderland and is one of the best places to go ice skating in London.
City Hall
With views of Tower Bridge and The Tower of London, the play fountains at City Hall can’t really be beaten for views.
There are lots of restaurants in the area, including Five Guys which does great burgers for kids. There are outdoor seating areas at the restaurants next to the water play area so you can sit and relax after lunch and watch the kids play.
If you are visiting the Tower of London, read our review of a family day out at the Tower of London.
Diana Memorial Fountain
The Diana Memorial Fountain was opened by the Queen in July 2004 and offers two streams that cascade down and join at a pool at the bottom.
People are encouraged to sit and cool their feet and children can paddle in the bubbling waters. It can get busy in the summer holidays but is one of the more serene splash parks in London.
Nearby in Kensington Gardens is the hugely popular Diana Memorial Playground.
The fountains are open year round. In the summer months (April to August) they are open from 10am – 8pm.
Kensington Memorial Park Water Play Area
The Kensington Memorial Park splash pad is located in Kensington Memorial Park. This is not to be confused with Kensington Gardens. This park is located in the Westbourne Grove / Notting Hill area of London.
There are three 2-hour sessions during the day. They run from 10.30am- 12.30pm, 1pm – 3pm and 3.30pm – 5.30pm. Tuesdays sessions are slightly different. They run from 12pm – 1.30pm, 2 – 3.30pm and 4 – 5.30pm.
This popular splash pad in London opens from the beginning of May.
Jeppe Heins Appearing Rooms
The Jeppe Heins Appearing Rooms play fountain is located on London’s Southbank, in view of the London Eye.
This London splash pad has been running for years and is a great place to come and cool off with kids in London after visiting the London Eye.
The jets create rooms that disappear as new ones are created. Kids will love dashing from one ‘room’ to another.
It runs from 2nd June to 29th August 2022.
There is always so much going on at London’s Soutbank and you could easily spend a day here. Check out the Jubiliee Playground next to the London Eye or have a drink on the gorgeous Queen Elizabeth Hall roof garden.
Other things to do in the area are:
See our full guide to what to do with kids near Waterloo.
Wembley Park
Wembley Park in North London offers so much for families, including a fabulous London splash pad in the summer months.
Check out all the family-friendly things to do at Wembley Park or maybe you’d like to take a guided tour of Wembley Stadium.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The Waterworks Fountains at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park are open from March to October. This Olympic Park splash fountain is located next to the stadium and the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
There are 195 compueter controlled jets to keep the kids cool and entertained. There is so much going on at the Olympic Park and is perfect if you are looking for days out from London for families in the summer.
Other splash parks and play fountains in London
See also…
Russell Square Gardens Fountain
John Madejski Gardens at the V&A
Shakespeare Water Fountain at Leicester Square
Elephant Springs at Elephant and Castle
Coram’s Fields – not a splash pad but a huge paddling pool with play area.
You can also check out one of the lidos in London if you are looking for outdoor swimming in London or one of the hotels in London with outdoor pools… although spoiler alert – there aren’t many of them!
Do you have any splash parks in London that you would like to recommend? Let us know!