Free fun with Peter Pan, pirates and injuns at Kensington Gardens

KimT's London for Kids Blog

As a cash-strapped parent I like things that are free. Especially if they are really good fun for the diddlies. And Kensington Gardens has lots to amuse the little folk – there’s the nearby Hyde Park with the Serpentine Lake for boating and all its cafes and the Diana Memorial Fountain where paddling in the warm weather is a delight.

But the Diana Memorial Playground, which opened in 2000, deserves a special mention as a fabulous place for kids. It covers a huge area and contains an assortment of attractions for children of all ages and abilities. There’s a huge wooden pirate ship for make-believe games, rocks to scramble over and sand pits that come complete with wooden crocodiles as well as boats on ropes that swing and sway as if they were truly on an ocean.

And for those who more into Red Indians than pirates there are real tee pee tents. And there is a sort of sensory trail and maze from which you can hear the gentle sounds of the chimes as you walk past. And there are lots of sculptures as well as some artful designs using climbing plants.

For the more active youngsters there’s an elevated wooden walk way – complete with large metal slides and numerous raised wooden huts which fit the bill for those who have a hankering for tree houses. It’s an open air fort - did you see the Lost Boys?

The playground covers a surprisingly large area with all manner of lovely nooks and crannies for wonderful adventures. There are also swings – and set in areas with wood chips on the ground to prevent grazed knees if the unsteady happen to fall over. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that it is a magical place. And for a cold, bright January it was absolutely packed with happy families.

Right outside the playground is a café where there’s a children’s menu and coffee for tired adults – and here is where those who are on dog duty can wait. There’s also the marvellous ancient Elfin Oak which is carved with tiny figures of gnomes, witches and elves.

Posted Date
Jan 29, 2012 in KimT's London for Kids Blog by KimT