LONDON'S BEST PLAYGROUNDS

Our kids love exploring new playgrounds around town. Selfishly we do too because we get bored of the same old equipment. Below is a list of some of the best and most unique playgrounds in town. Leave a comment to add your favourite to the list:

SPRINGBANK PARK
We have always loved this shaded playground in the middle of the park next to a wading pool complete with stairs to the river. With the new renovations sponsored by former talk show host Jennie Jones, this park is now tops in the city. It is totally accessible with equipment you won't see anywhere else in town. We also love the spongy floor around the playground, the swings, sand pit and the proximity to Springbank's famous train, merry-go-round, great walking path and washrooms.

GIBBONS PARK - 2a GROSVENOR ST.
The shade at this great playground and the adjoining splash pad is perfect for a hot day. We love the climbable trees, great river access, picnic tables and the washrooms nearby.  We wish the geese and ducks made less of a mess, but they are entertaining. This is also seems to be a great place to catch Pokemons.

MEDWAY-KIWANIS - ​1051 WONDERLAND ROAD N
Next to the Medway Arena and the Aquatic Centre, this park boasts a fishing themed splash pad, three climbers, a skate park and swings. The spining toy, climbers, drums and the hill that you can roll down are unique features that our kids enjoy.

WESTMINSTER OPTIMIST PLAYGROUND - 650 OSGOODE DR.
Adjacent to Westminster Pool near the Adelaide St. extension this playground, built in 2013, has two structures and swings. It is certainly lacking shade but has some fun and colourful equipment that you don't see elsewhere. It also has a basketball court and lots of parking at nearby Wilton Grove P.S.

PLANE TREE PARK - 214 PLANE TREE DR.
​In the middle of one of London's nicer neighbourhoods, off of Fanshawe Park Road, this playground is something to see. Perhaps most notable is the sea serpent coming out of the ground. We also like all the different climbing options. The ramp entrance on one structure makes it at least somewhat accessible. We always appreciate swings and we like some of the hidden features underneath structures.

​ED BLAKE PARK - 449 BARKER ST.
This newer north east playground and splash pad is great spot to play and cool off. It is right next to a small stream that is sometimes home to ducks. We like the tropical themed splash pad, the picnic tables, gardens and variety of structures to play on. We look forward to more shade as the trees grow. 

 NOR'WEST OPTIMIST PARK
44 HAWTHORNE ROAD
Next to Emily Carr Public School ​this very new park has a cool tree house theme. Little climbers can choose a tree or log stepping stones to get up to the tree house. The giant spider-web climber, musical features on the preschool climber and the proximity to open space makes this a great stop. 

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BASIL GROVER - 555 WHARNCLIFFE RD S
The view of the city from this park is worth a trip. The green space and trees also make the park enjoyable. It's little bouncy cars, fun teeter totters, little zip lines, new washrooms and swings are also great features. Everything is accessible. Our kids affectionately call it the whirly-girly park because of their favourite spinning seat. 

Some other great options above from left to right: the Saturn Playground and Splash Pad in Lambeth; Murray Park with a wading pool, tennis courts and nice soccer field; and the Komoka Community Centre and splash pad.
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OTHER GREAT RESOURCES:
London Playground Review​ - a great Facebook group with playground updates
Skate Park List  - a list of all the skate parks in the city