London's 12 most spectacular parks for families

London has more green space than most other world capitals, and it is now, in sunny early spring, that they are at their most glorious. There are parks tucked into every neighbourhood, and one of the great joys of visiting the city is discovering those that suit you.

While most of London’s parks have some sort of play space for young children, they vary in quality. Take advantage of the sunny weather and try one of our favourite London parks for families, where you’ll find playgrounds, wildlife, gardens and plenty of space for a leisurely picnic.

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Central London

1. St James’s Park

Where? Westminster

Arguably the finest of London’s parks for visitors of any age, this a haven for families on a sunny day. The newly refurbished playground will please children from toddlers to around the age of seven, with its sand, swings and climbing areas. The park’s vast range of resident birds – from pelicans to mallards – are friendly enough to feed (bring stale bread with you), and the café offers a range of lunch options, from sandwiches and salads to hot meals. Despite the park’s popularity, there is always space for a picnic.

Best for? All ages - but this would get our vote if you're bringing the grandparents along

Details: Open daily from 5am til midnight. royalparks.org.uk.

2. Coram’s Fields

Where? Bloomsbury

Coram’s Fields, on the site of London’s first home for abandoned children, offers plenty for young kids to do. The landscaping isn’t on par with the Royal Parks, and the on-site animals (rabbits, chickens) aren’t the most spectacular displays, but the location and the safe (well-fenced) and varied playspaces make this a reliable option for young children in Central London.

Best for? Children ages 2-6; anyone tired from the British Museum

Details: Open daily from 9am til dusk. coramsfields.org.

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West London

3. Diana Memorial Playground

Where? Kensington Gardens

Located next to the late princess’s home, at Kensington Palace, this vast playground’s many sections are inspired by the stories of Peter Pan (J M Barrie was another nearby resident). There are teepees, a giant pirate ship and surrounding sandy beach, giant musical instruments, and extensive plantings which offer ample space for hiding.

Best for? Imaginative play and adventure for toddlers to 8 year-olds

Details: The playground opens daily from 10am–7.45pm in summer; it closes earlier in the autumn, winter and spring. Admission charge: free – but as this is a popular playground, you will be turned away if it has reached capacity. royalparks.org.uk.

4. Serpentine Lido

Where? Hyde Park

For more than a century, summertime in London has meant that it’s time to head to the Serpentine Lido. Today, around the lido you’ll find a lawn, sandpit, climbing frame and paddling pool.

Best for: swimmers of all ages; those who don’t fear crowds

Details: Adults ￡4.50, children ￡1.50; serpentinelido.com

5. Holland Park

Where? Holland Park

This may be in one of London's most exclusive neighbourhoods, but the park is open to all and has plenty to offer. Alongside facilities for football, golf, cricket and netball, it provides a base to Kensington & Chelsea’s Ecology Centre, so with forward planning you could hold your picnic on the same day that the venue hosts special events for kids. Children will love the adventure playground, which has climbing structures, zip wire, giant see-saw, and a mini climbing wall.

Best for? Explorers aged 4-10

Details: Open daily from 7.30am until dusk. rbkc.gov.uk

South London

6. Thames Path

Where? Richmond

The Thames path at Richmond is an atmospheric place to spend a sunny afternoon. Walk or bring a bike and head towards Hampton Court, following the directions here, and then return to the charming German beergarden, Stein’s, near Richmond, for a beer, a sausage, and a play (there is a small but enticing playground within the restaurant’s grounds).

Best for? Young children will love Stein’s playground; older children will enjoy being on their bicycles

Details: nationaltrail.co.uk

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7. Go Ape

Where? Battersea Park

Go Ape, the outdoor adventure outfit that offers treetop fun in forests countrywide, opened its first city course in December 2015. Now, almost any budding Tarzan can climb, clamber and swoop through the urban jungle of Battersea Park in London. The surrounding park is perfect for a picnic.

Best for? Classic Go Ape, with extra high and wobbly platforms, suits people ages 10 and up; Tree top juniors has safe but exciting canopy negotiation and a zip wire finale for smaller explorers (ages six-12)

Details: Go Ape from ￡25, Tree Top Juniors ￡18; goape.co.uk.

8. Archbishop’s Park

Where? Westminster/Lambeth

This park wins largely on location. Tucked behind Lambeth Palace, the playground here won’t thrill anyone over the age of about four – though there are things to climb on, a sandbox, and swings. But the location, in central London, make this a good pit-stop between cultural visits – particularly if the Jubilee Gardens playground by the London Eye, with its climbing web and little else, is too crowded. Archbishop’s park is completely cut off from the street, so children can roam freely across the large grassy field. If you don’t fancy crossing the river, the (relatively small) new playground by the Houses of Parliament offers sand and water play, and is well positioned for a touring break for young children.

Best for? Pre-school children

Details: Open daily from dawn til dusk. lambeth.gov.uk.

9. Brockwell Park

Where? Brixton

A picnic here is well-deserved after a swim in Brockwell Lido. For younger visitors (toddlers to age seven), the paddling pool, with its gentle fountains, is best. The park also includes formal flower beds, a walled garden and 19th-century clock tower – but the dual draws for young people are the bizarre miniature railway that really runs, and the well-designed playground, which will keep children up to the age of eight entertained for hours.

Best for? Young children will love the playground and train, but the lido and ample space for sport will draw older children.

Details: Open daily from 7.30am til sunset; lambeth.gov.uk

North London

10. Hampstead Heath

Where? Hampstead

If the ladies’, men’s and mixed bathing ponds seem a bit too murky, take your children to the lido, instead. While still brisk, the water here tends to be warmer, and after you tire the children out in the water, roam the heath and find the perfect picnicking spot for the day. The heath has no great playgrounds – though, if you must, there are plenty in neighbouring Hampstead and Highgate – but the glorious park offers endless space for roaming, plenty of wooded areas for discovering natural forts, and space for sport.

Best for? All ages; anyone wanting to be active

Details: Open daily; cityoflondon.gov.uk

East London

11. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Where? Stratford

North-east of Victoria Park, a real treat for children awaits: Tumbling Bay playground features rock pools, sand pits, treehouses and wobbly bridges, in a creative urban space. Thrill-seekers can pay to have a go at the ArcelorMittal Orbit which, at 178m, is the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide (you must be at least 1.3m tall and 8 years old to attempt this, and weigh under 22 stone; adults: ￡15; children ￡10).

Best for: Everyone.

Details: Open daily; queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk

12. London Fields 

Where? Hackney

London Fields attracts masses of visitors on any sunny day. Things are particularly lively on Saturday, when crowds crash out on the grass after picking up provisions from nearby Broadway Market. Families may wish to avoid these weekend crowds, and head mid-week for the glorious outdoor Olympic-sized lido.

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Best for? Swimmers

Details: Lido costs ￡4.80 for adults and ￡2.85 for 4 children (better.org.uk); hackney.gov.uk