We can’t help it, we love planning – we love notebooks and lists and ticking things off. Isn’t it just so satisfying when you can tick something off your to-do list? There are countless of notebooks on the shelves (that started out as aspirational novels) filled with to-do lists. One of these to-do lists is “outdoor things” and with Christmas holidays coming up and the kids going to be at home all. the. time. it’s important to have a few planned days where you can get out of the house and not be forced to watch Dora the Explorer for 5 hours in a row.
So we planned…and came up with a shortlist of lovely parks for a simple, outdoorsy day (hopefully) just a tube or bus ride away:
1. Holland Park Adventure Playground
Closest tube stations: Notting Hill, Kensington High Street
Swings, slides, zip gliders! So much joy in one place! The park also has an Ecology Centre that even runs activities for children over the holidays.2. Battersea Park
This park has an animal zoo, you can rent a go-kart or a bicycle, row on the lake, play at the tennis courts and (speaking from experience) there are plenty of trees kids will love to climb but do keep an eye on them!3. St James’ Park
Closest tube: St James’ Park
Feeding the Pelicans (and the ducks!) and squirrels always keeps children entertained and is a wonderful walk for the whole family.4. Kensington Gardens
This place is HUGE and has so much to offer. The best place for kids is the Diana Memorial Playground: a Peter-pan themed playground that is so enchanting it makes you want to be able to play in it too.And, of course, for ‘tis the season:
5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Rides, Santa Land, Ice Rink, Christmas Circus and mulled wine for the grown ups – keeps the entire family happy. There’s also a Christmas market to explore and buy any festive items.
Further Information:
- Royal Parks website
- London Playgrounds
Get your kids ready for the autumn weather with some warm clothes and waterproof boots (they’ll probably want to splash in puddles).
