The top 10 big parks in London to explore with kids
Renowned for the stunning green spaces of its big parks, London is a fantastic destination for families with young children. Whether local or visiting the city from afar, you’ll always find plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, exploration and relaxation. In this guide, I round up the top 10 big parks in London perfect for families. To that end, I’ve prioritised accessibility, transport links, facilities and kid-friendly activities.
Even with just 10 of the best parks, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
1. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is not only one of the most famous Royal Parks of London, but also a family favourite. Its open grassland, tree-lined avenues and Serpentine Lake offer something for everyone. Kids will love the Diana Memorial Playground, while parents can enjoy the beautiful Italian Gardens and boating opportunities. Hyde Park is well-connected to public transport and has several cafes, baby-changing facilities and sheltered areas in case of rain. Established in 1536 by King Henry VIII as a deer park, the place is steeped in history. The Serpentine Lake, created later in the 18th century, was one of the first artificial lakes designed purely for leisure.
The Diana Memorial Playground is a highlight for families, nestled in a gated area with a guard for added safety. Inside, children can explore a magical wooden pirate ship, teepees, a sensory trail and a variety of climbing frames. Kensington Gardens rest adjacent to the park, home to the iconic Peter Pan Statue commissioned by J.M. Barrie himself. Small animals and fairies surround the central figure, creating a magical spot for storytelling and taking photos.
How to Get There: Access Hyde Park via Lancaster Gate (Central Line) or Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line), both about a 5-minute walk away.
2. Regent's Park
Regent’s Park is another of London’s most famous parks and an absolute must-visit for families. Designed by John Nash in the early 19th century, it is home to the London Zoo and Queen Mary’s Gardens. Together, these offer plenty of opportunities for family adventures.
The park includes a large children’s playground with climbing structures, swings, and sandpits. It’s a perfect spot for little ones to burn off energy while parents relax nearby. Alternatively, nature lovers can explore the beautiful rose gardens, which boast over 12,000 roses in 400 varieties. There is also a boating lake and an open-air theatre during the summer months. This gives it year-round appeal as a destination that changes with the seasons.
How to Get There: The park is accessible from Regent’s Park station (Bakerloo Line) or Great Portland Street station (Circle, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City Lines), both within a 5-10 minute walk.
3. Richmond Park
If your family loves wildlife, Richmond Park is the place to go. Formerly one of King Henry VIII’s hunting grounds, it is still home to both red and fallow deer today. It also boasts the title of being the largest Royal Park, with wide-open spaces ideal for picnics and outdoor play. The park is also a designated National Nature Reserve, burgeoning with majestic oak trees that are over 700 years old.
While there are no formal playgrounds, its open fields and wooded areas are perfect for more natural play experiences. Isabella Plantation, for instance, is a beautiful woodland garden where children can get closer to nature in the big city.
How to Get There: From Richmond Station (District Line and National Rail), the number 65 and 371 buses take approximately 15 minutes to reach The Dysart (which is where you want to alight). Alternatively, it’s also a 20-minute walk from the station.
4. Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the River Thames and the city skyline. It’s a great place for a family picnic, with plenty of open grassland for toddlers to roam. Don’t miss the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian, which add an educational element to your visit. As London’s oldest enclosed Royal Park, dating back to the 15th century, it now serves as a World Heritage Site.
The park sits adjacent to some of London’s top attractions, including the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House. There is also a rather unique museum nearby dedicated to the historic British clipper ship, the Cutty Sark. Families can therefore combine a visit to the park with these fascinating sites for a full day of exploration.
This site features a modern, dedicated children’s playground in the north-east corner of the site. Swings, climbing frames, slides, sand pits and water play all follow a nautical theme, whilst elements positioned at varying heights make the playground more accessible.
How to Get There: The nearest stations to Greenwich Park are Cutty Sark (DLR) and Maze Hill (National Rail), both within a 10-minute walk.
5. Battersea Park
Located in South London, Battersea Park offers a wealth of possibilities for families. It boasts a fantastic children’s zoo, a boating lake, and a playground tailored to younger kids. The park also features beautiful formal gardens and sports facilities. The park opened in 1858 to provide green space for London’s growing Victorian population. It also played a key role in the nation’s history a century later, hosting the Festival of Britain in 1951.
The playground at Battersea Park includes climbing structures, slides and a sandpit, ideal for children under 10. The children’s zoo adds an extra layer of fun, with animals ranging from the African Grey Parrot to the White Nosed Coati.
How to Get There: Battersea Park is a short walk from Battersea Park station (Overground and National Rail) or Queenstown Road station (National Rail).
6. St James's Park
Situated near Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park is one of the most picturesque Royal Parks. Families can enjoy the tree-lined avenues, a large lake with swans and plenty of open space for picnics. The park’s central location makes it an excellent choice for visitors exploring London’s landmarks and shopping establishments. St. James’s Park is also famous for its pelicans, which have been residents since 1664 when they were gifted by the Russian ambassador.
While St. James’s Park doesn’t have a formal playground, children will love watching the birds and exploring the open grassy areas. The park’s central lake and its bridges offer a scenic and engaging walk for families. Additionally, during the warmer months, deckchairs are available to rent, providing a comfortable spot for parents to relax while the kids play.
How to Get There: Access St. James’s Park from St. James’s Park station (Circle and District Lines) or Green Park station (Piccadilly and Jubilee lines).
7. Victoria Park
Known affectionately as “Vicky Park,” this East End treasure is London’s oldest public park, and is perfect for families. It features a boating lake, large playgrounds, two cafes, a regular Sunday market with live music, and open spaces ideal for picnics and games. Opened in 1845, it was designed to improve the health of East End residents. Today, it continues to do just that as a vibrant community hub that also hosts family-friendly festivals during the summer months.
The playgrounds at Victoria Park are some of the best in London, featuring large climbing structures, water play areas and swings. The slides here are massive, offering a thrilling experience for older children, while a dedicated toddler area ensures even the littlest visitors can join in on the fun. These thoughtfully designed spaces make it a top destination for families.
How to Get There: Victoria Park is located within easy walking distance of Cambridge Heath station (Overground), but is also about a 15-minute walk from both Mile End (Central, District and Hammersmith & City lines) and Bethnal Green (Central Line). Buses are also available, most directly from Mile End.
8. Hampstead Heath
For families who love a bit of adventure, Hampstead Heath offers rugged beauty and plenty of space to explore. Parliament Hill is an absolute highlight, providing stunning views of the city, and there are also numerous nature trails. The Heath’s historical significance dates back to medieval times, with Parliament Hill earning its name from the anti-royalist meetings of the English Civil War.
The park contains six individual playground areas, with the most popular being Parliament Hill Playground, featuring climbing frames, slides and even a zip line. There’s also a paddling pool during the summer months, making it a popular choice for families. For refreshments, visitors can stop by the Parliament Hill Café, which offers light meals, snacks, and drinks, or the northerly Kenwood House Café, located within the grounds of Kenwood House. This latter option serves a variety of food options in a scenic setting.
How to Get There: Hampstead Heath and Gospel Oak stations (Overground) will get you into the park the quickest, with minimum fuss navigating nearby roads. However, these are both located just south of the park. If you need to access the middle and more northerly regions, then I would recommend arriving via Hampstead station or Golders Green station (Northern Line), both within 5-10 minutes’ walking distance to the west.
9. Holland Park
Holland Park is a tranquil oasis in West London, featuring the beautiful Kyoto Garden, a playground, a rose garden and plenty of open grassland for toddlers to explore. The park’s Kyoto Garden was gifted by Japan in 1991 to symbolise the friendship between the two nations, making for a peaceful and culturally rich destination.
The adventure playground at Holland Park is perfect for kids, with climbing equipment, swings, and even a giant see-saw. For parents, there are several cafes nearby, including the popular Holland Park Café, which serves light meals and snacks. The park is well-equipped with toilets and baby-changing facilities to ensure a comfortable visit for families.
How to Get There: The nearest station is Holland Park station (Central Line), just a short walk away. I will say, however, that if you’re coming from this direction, the entrances on both Holland Park Road and Abbotsbury Road South are situated on a steep incline. For visitors with wheelchairs or heavy prams, I’d recommend approaching from Kensington Olympia (District and Overground).
10. Bushy Park
Adjacent to Hampton Court Palace, Bushy Park is another of London’s largest Royal Parks. Families can enjoy the wide-open spaces, fallow deer and scenic waterways. The park’s Chestnut Avenue, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is a highlight, and the Diana Fountain serves as a striking centrepiece, dating to the 17th century.
While Bushy Park doesn’t have formal playgrounds, the natural landscape offers plenty of opportunities for children to climb trees, explore wooded areas and play games in the open fields. There are two main cafés within the park: the Pheasantry Café, located near the main car park, and the Diana Fountain Café. Both serve a variety of refreshments, including hot meals, sandwiches, and treats. Toilets are available in key areas of the park, and many include baby-changing facilities, making it a family-friendly destination.
How to Get There: Bushy Park can be accessed via Hampton Court station (National Rail), followed by a short walk.
Big Parks in London: The Roundup
The London parks listed here are veritable sanctuaries in the midst of a bustling metropolis. Yet they are more than just green spaces. They are playgrounds, adventure zones, wildlife habitats and cultural landmarks rolled into one. They have also been shaped by the various histories, landscapes and identities of their local areas. As such, each has something special to offer visitors.
Whether your family chooses to revel in the magical make-believe of adventure playgrounds, make a day of a trip to the zoo, or simply roam through lush, view-studded expanses, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In some cases, you’ll be able to do all three! Even better, no single visit at any one point of the year will encapsulate all that you can hope to achieve. With this list at hand, you’ll always have plenty to discover anew, while your children’s preferences will also change as they grow.
So lace up your walking shoes, pack a picnic and get ready to dive into ten new gateways to exploration, education and family memories. London’s big parks await!
P.S. Read this post for more information about taking your children to Hyde Park, Greenwich Park or Regent’s Park, particularly if they’re a toddler. You’ll also find additional suggestions for green spaces, museums and attractions in London worth visiting.
