PLAYGROUNDS

Antrim Garden (Belsize Park)
Really lovely playground, ideal for under 3′s. It is small and gated, so it’s perfect for those that have started walking to stumble around. Small climbing frame, 2 baby swings, rocking toy & see-saw. After the Rhyme Times at Belsize Library, carers & kids tend to go to the park.

Swiss Cottage Playground & Greenery (Swiss Cottage..)

Just outside the Swiss Cottage leisure centre is a small gated playground. There is a small slide, bouncey bits, flower speakerphones(?) & 2 swings. To the side of this is a large water feature which pumps water during Summer. It’s great for the kids to run through it, and there are also hillocks for children to run up and down. When the water fountain isn’t on, the kids play football or skate/scooter there.

Broadhurst Garden Playground (Finchley Road / West Hampstead)
This one is quite small but I like to go there after our session at Sunshine Playgroup. There is one decent sized slide, 2 baby swings, climbing frame and balance zone. The park is also right by the train tracks (although elevated), so the children love to spot trains here. Choo choo! Nearest Coffee: independent cafes by Finchley Rd tube stn.

Fortune Green Playground (West Hampstead)
This is quite an extensive playground which my daughter loved running around in. It also borders a nice sized park, with lots of dog walkers. Also a great gentle sloping pavement for little ones to practice cycling

Downshire Hill Playground (Hampstead)
This playground sits conveniently between Freemasons Arm & Hampstead Heath. It has a big sand pit, 2 baby swings,  2 normal swings, a climbing set as well as some wooden animals for bigger kids to climb on. There also seems to be an ice cream van in semi-permanent residence there (although perhaps I just go that way when it’s sunny). Nearest Coffee: Freemasons Arm

Vale of Health Playground (Hampstead). Muddy, grassy and well loved playground. Lots of space to run around.

Parliament Hill Playground (Hampstead Heath)
This playground is an absolute stunner after a relatively recent refurb. It’s really big, and has activities for babies and primary school aged children. There is also a paddling pool, which is a welcome relief when the weather is hot. Nearest Coffee: cafe in parliament hill.

Hampstead Heath (East) Toddler Playground (Hampstead Heath)
If the big Parliament Hill Playground is too overwhelming for your little one, there is a much smaller playground for under 3s on the East side of the Heath. It is also gated, no dogs allowed etc. Nearest Coffee: cafe in parliament hill.

Kilburn Grange Park (Kilburn / West Hampstead)
Set between Kilburn and West Hampstead, this park has a massive play area which has won an architecture award. Please do take note that there is no toilet in this park, so you will have to plan accordingly.

Russell Nurseries & Belsize Wood (Belsize Park)
Not strictly a playground, but this is a lovely patch of woodland which your little one might enjoy. Also a great shortcut onto Lawn Road (and can cut through to South End Green/Hampstead Heath). Flip side is lots of stairs, so not very buggy friendly. Please note - Belsize Wood is only open on weekends 8-4pm. Nearest coffee: Gails, Chez Nous, Starbucks etc.

Golders Hill Park (Hampstead/Golders Green)
This park has a FREE zoo and butterfly house. They are open when the park is open.

Primrose Hill Playground (South side of Primrose Hill) - there's a nice range of climbing frames for younger and older kids, with children and public toilets next to it. There's also a sandpit and a musical floor. Great for a pit stop after London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo. There is a lovely playground in the kids zone at the back (pictured). The kids zone is quite extensive and we can stay there the entire time. Whilst it isn't free, I think it's worth getting membership if you are in the area as it's so much fun and you get your money back after 2-3 visits.

Gloucester Avenue - Regents Park

New nature based playground with lots of wood, plants and big sand area.

Princess Diana Memorial Playground. This playground has a massive pirate ship, grass mound slides and teepees. I love it!

BIG PARKS NEARBY…

Primrose Hill

Regents Park

Hampstead Heath