The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
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Located by London’s Marble Arch, Hyde Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks. It stretches across 350 acres and is home to numerous landmarks such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain; the Serpentine Lake; and Speakers’ Corner. It is also adjacent to Kensington Gardens.
There are plenty of activities that your kids will love in Hyde Park. The Serpentine Lido and its paddling pool are both open from June to September, providing the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer’s day. The nearby Lido Bar and Café serve refreshments for those who don’t fancy getting their hair wet, as well as a great resting spot from which to view the park in its continual vibrancy. The kids’ menu at this cafe is also cheaper than the one at the Serpentine cafe across the water though there are fewer choices. You can also go on one of the park’s rowing or pedal boats from April until October.
If you just fancy a stroll in the park there is plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy including the Diana Memorial Fountain. If it’s sunny, why not bring a picnic? Hyde Park is also famous for its horse riding paths and is home to two stables. If your kids are pony-mad and you don’t mind splashing out on lessons, this is the most central place to learn to ride. Click here for more information.
Winter Wonderland has now sadly closed, but don’t worry it will be back next Christmas!
Hyde Park has always been a great spot for meeting up with friends. There’s an insane amount of park to explore. We tend to find new spots every time we go. I love having picnic here and in summer going to the Lido to cool off. Sometimes we’ll go to one of the cafes there to treat ourselves but the great thing about Hyde Park for us is that it is so central so we can buy food at the supermarket and bring it into the park for a little get together.
You can find loads more information by Laura Porter at aboutlondonlaura.com
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain really is amazing. The kids love to play there and its a great lesson in bereavement and memorialisation – explain that the memorial is for Prince William’s mummy. Its also a wonderful way to explore the way the sound of the water changes as the fountain curves and dips in the different ways. It’s a must for all visitors and Londoners alike!
Had a great time here with my 4 & 6 year old boys this Feb half term – spent ages playing pooh sticks in Diana’s Memorial Fountain, lots of kids paddling too. Did a great walk from Hyde Park through Green Park to Buckingham Palace and St James’ Park all the way to Horse Guards Parade, Downing Street, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben! Great way to take in lots of sights for free! Bring some peanuts to feed the hungry squirrels – source of endless amusement in all three parks – just be prepared to share the nuts with all the other kids in the park!