Cayley posted 4 weeks ago
💦 The Best Splash Pads & Paddling Pools in and Around Wimbledon
Looking for an easy, budget-friendly way to keep the kids cool this summer? We’ve got you covered! ☀️💦
When the sun comes out, there’s nothing better than a trip to a local splash pad or paddling pool. No expensive day out, no long journey and no need to entertain the kids for hours, just pack the swimming stuff, sun cream, a towel and let them get wet!
Luckily for families around Wimbledon, Morden, Mitcham and Wandsworth, we are seriously spoilt for choice.
Here are some of our favourite local water-play spots to try this summer, including the ones that are perfect for toddlers and little ones.
📍 Home Park Road entrance, SW19 7HU
💰 FREE
🕙 10am–5pm
📅 15 June–6 September 2026
If you’re looking for a classic summer afternoon out, Wimbledon Park is hard to beat.
The splash pad is a great spot for little ones to cool down, with plenty of water play and space to run around. And the best part? You can easily make a whole day of it.
Once everyone is sufficiently soaked, there’s loads more to explore around Wimbledon Park, including play areas, a sandpit, green space, tennis courts, adventure golf, a café and the lake.
There are also toilets on site and plenty of space for a picnic.
Hello Kids Wimbledon tip: Go early on a really hot day if you want to avoid the busiest period!
Check the latest opening information with Merton Council
📍 Martin Way, Morden, SW20 9BX
💰 FREE
🕙 10am–5pm
📅 18 July–31 August 2026
One for the RP families!
Joseph Hood has a brilliant interactive water-play area which was upgraded recently, making it a particularly good option for younger children.
And it’s not just about the water — there are two play areas, tennis courts, outdoor table tennis, sports pitches and plenty of open space. NB – The one playground is currently under renovation.
It’s the sort of place where you can easily spend a couple of hours without spending a penny.
Perfect for: Toddlers and younger children who want a bit of water play followed by some playground time.
Joseph Hood Recreation Ground – Merton Council
📍 London Road, Morden, SM4 4SF
💰 FREE
🕙 10am–5pm
📅 18 July–31 August 2026
Morden Park is another great option if you’re looking for a free summer activity close to home.
The park has a children’s play area and a seasonal paddling pool/water-play area, so you can combine getting soaked with some time in the playground and a picnic on the grass.
Important: Merton Council has advised that the interactive water play has experienced intermittent technical issues this summer, so it’s worth checking that it is operating before making a special trip.
Check current water-play information before visiting
📍 Tudor Drive, Morden, SM4 4PN
💰 FREE
🕙 10am–5pm
📅 18 July–31 August 2026
This one is a great option for a full-on park day.
As well as the paddling pool, King George’s has a really good play area with equipment for both toddlers and older children — including an aerial runway, which is always a winner!
There’s also a kickabout area and plenty of space to run around.
Hello Kids tip: Perfect if you have children of different ages who all need entertaining.
King George’s Playing Fields information
📍 London Road, Mitcham, CR4 3LB
💰 FREE
🕙 10am–5pm
📅 15 June–6 September 2026
A brilliant little option if you’re based around Mitcham, Tooting or Wimbledon.
Tamworth’s splash pad is particularly good for younger children, with sprays and water features that are great for cooling off without needing a traditional swimming pool.
There’s also a playground nearby, making it easy to combine water play and a bit of climbing, sliding and swinging.
Perfect for: A quick summer outing when you don’t want to travel far.
Merton Council – Splash Pads & Paddling Pools
📍 South Gardens, SW19 2NT
💰 FREE
🕙 10am–5pm
📅 11 July–31 August 2026
A lovely local option for families in Colliers Wood, Wimbledon and South Wimbledon.
Unlike the larger splash pads, this is a traditional paddling pool, making it a good choice if your little one prefers sitting, splashing and playing in the water rather than running through fountains.
There’s also a children’s play area nearby.
Perfect for: Toddlers who love a good splash!
Merton Council – Colliers Wood paddling pool information
📍 Marina Avenue, Motspur Park, KT3 6NG
💰 FREE
🕙 10am–5pm
📅 11 July–31 August 2026
This is one of those slightly underrated local gems.
The paddling pool is just one part of a much bigger park, which also has a large play area, adventure golf, tennis courts, outdoor table tennis, café, toilets, outdoor gym and plenty of green space.
So if you’re looking for somewhere that can entertain the kids for several hours, this is definitely worth adding to your summer list.
Hello Kids tip: Pack a picnic — or grab something from the café — and make a proper afternoon of it.
Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields – Merton Council
📍 Rowan Road, SW16 5JF
💰 FREE
🕙 10am–5pm
📅 18 July–31 August 2026
Just outside the immediate Wimbledon area, but definitely worth knowing about if you’re happy to venture towards Streatham.
Rowan Recreation Ground has a seasonal paddling pool, making it another easy option for a hot summer day.
It’s a great one to keep in your back pocket when your usual local splash spots are packed.
Merton Council – Rowan Recreation Ground information
📍 Clapham Common, SW4
💰 FREE
If you’re willing to travel a little further towards Wandsworth and Clapham, Clapham Common is another brilliant water-play option.
The zero-depth waterplay area has jets, sprays and plenty of opportunities for children to run around and get completely soaked.
And because it’s on Clapham Common, you have huge amounts of green space around you, so it’s easy to turn the splash pad into a full afternoon out with a picnic and some playground time.
The waterplay area reopened for the 2026 season in May and is expected to be particularly popular on hot days.
Hello Wimbledon Kids tip: This one can get BUSY when temperatures soar, so go early if you can!
Clapham Common Management Advisory Committee – waterplay updates
Wimbledon Park
Joseph Hood Recreation Ground
Colliers Wood Recreation Ground
Wimbledon Park
King George’s Playing Fields
Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields
Pretty much all of the options above! Merton’s seasonal splash pads and paddling pools are free to use.
Wimbledon Park — because there is SO much else to do once you’re done with the water.
Clapham Common or Wimbledon Park
Don’t leave the house without:
🩱 Swimming costume / trunks
🩲 Swimming nappy if needed
🧴 Sun cream
🧢 Sun hat
🧺 Towel
👕 Spare clothes
🥤 Water bottle
🧺 Picnic or snacks for afterwards
👟 Shoes that can get wet
👜 A plastic/wet bag for soggy clothes
One important thing to remember: Merton Council requires children using its water-play facilities to wear suitable swimming clothing, including swimming nappies, swimming trunks or a swimming costume. Food and drink should also be kept out of the water-play facility itself. (Merton Council)
See how many we can tick off!
Whether you’ve got a toddler who thinks every puddle is the best thing ever, or bigger kids who need somewhere to burn off some energy, there are plenty of ways to have a cheap (or completely free!) summer day out right here on our doorstep.
Save this guide for the next time you hear:
“Muuuuum, I’m bored!” 😂💦
And if you visit one of these splash pads, tag @hellokidswimbledon — we’d love to see your summer adventures!
Opening dates and operating hours can change because of weather, maintenance or technical issues, so always check the relevant council information before setting off.
