As the mercury rises, Londoners are on the hunt for the best spots to beat the heat and enjoy some family time. Luckily, the capital is brimming with completely free hotspots perfect for chilling out and indulging in a splash about.
The Olympic Park Splash Fountain in Stratford is a crowd-pleaser among residents, boasting free access and high praise on Google.
With an impressive 4.7-stars on Google, this aquatic playground features 195 jets that dance to their own unique rhythm, providing endless fun right at the feet of the famed Olympic Stadium. Open every day during the summer months from 10 am till 5 pm, barring any special event alterations such as West Ham match days, it’s a must-visit.
Excited visitors have been quick to praise Stratford’s splash pad as the perfect place for kids to cool off in the hot weather. One eager reviewer wrote: “Great free water splash area, open from 10am to 4pm, kids love it. Bring a picnic and let them go crazy. No changing facilities so bring a big towel to cover up.”
Another visitor wrote: “Great area for kids to splash about. The fountain is actually just a snake shape in the ground with water squirts firing upwards about 1m on times sequence. Kids will like trying to run through it without getting caught in a full squirt and soaked. Benches around the side to sit.”
For further water-filled fun in the Olympic Park, head to the Tumbling Bay playground. This playscape is designed to mirror the natural environment with wooden climbing frames, sandpits and rockpools. These pools form part of a water feature where kids can splash, climb and even make the water run themselves.
The playground has 4.5 stars on Google, with one reviewer saying: “It has 4 water fountains and quite a few sandy areas. Very sturdy climbing frames and slides. Excellent recreation area for the whole family. Nearby coffee shop is quite good.”
A further review said: “A great place place to bring children for bit of adventure! The playground goes from the large slide visible from the path on Essex Waybright round to the Timber Lodge cafe where there’s a very large sandpit. There is something for all ages, even for the adults. Swings for the under and over 5s as well as high and low bridges, climbing rope nets and fun slides. My children didn’t want to leave!”
You can find the thrilling fountains at The South Plaza within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2ST. The Tumbling Bay playground can be found at Olympic Park Ave, London E20 1DY.
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