Splash pads & lidos: where kids can cool off this summer

When the summer heat arrives, splash pads and lidos are the easiest way for children to cool off, splash about and burn off energy outdoors. Fountains and paddling areas are often free and great for toddlers, while outdoor pools give older kids room to swim. We have picked 11 of the best spots across the UK, from central London to Cornwall, the Peak District and the north-east coast of Scotland.

Intro: when splash pads and lidos help most

Splash pads and lidos come into their own on warm, sunny days, when playgrounds get too hot and children need water. June is a good time to start: the pools are open for the season, but the school summer holidays haven't yet filled them.

• Babies and toddlers (0–3): splash pads and fountains with shallow jets are ideal, as there is no deep water.
• Pre-schoolers (3–5): paddling pools and the shallow end of a lido, always with an adult in arm's reach.
• Older kids (6+): full-size lidos for swimming, jumping and playing in the water for hours.

11 splash pads and lidos at a glance

London has the best free fountains and splash areas, while the coast is home to the most beautiful lidos. Check opening hours and prices on the official website before you go, as many lidos use booked sessions on hot days.

Price per child: £ = under about £8, ££ = about £8–£20, £££ = over £20. Rough guide only, prices change.

Find splash pads and playgrounds in London on the Kid.ooo map

London

The Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park is a shallow stone stream where children can sit on the edge and cool their feet on warm days. At King's Cross, the fountains in Granary Square dance in front of the steps, and toddlers love running through them. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has water play at its Tumbling Bay playground and fountains to splash in. For a proper swim, London Fields Lido in Hackney is heated and open all year.

South coast and South West

Saltdean Lido near Brighton is a restored 1930s gem by the sea. In Lewes, Pells Pool is one of the oldest freshwater lidos in the country, with a children's pool. Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth is a big, community-run pool. In Bristol, Lido Bristol is smaller and pricier, with a poolside restaurant. Down in Cornwall, Jubilee Pool in Penzance is a stunning triangular seawater lido on the rocks.

North and Scotland

Hathersage Swimming Pool in the Peak District is a heated outdoor pool surrounded by hills, perfect after a family walk. Far up the east coast, Stonehaven Open Air Pool is Scotland's much-loved art deco heated seawater pool.

Find outdoor play near Bristol on the Kid.ooo map

What to look for: safety, shade, toilets and café

The best water spots have lifeguards or clear supervision rules, some shade and clean changing rooms. Before you go, check:

• Safety: lifeguard cover at lidos, shallow areas for toddlers and non-slip surfaces around splash pads.
• Shade: trees, umbrellas or a covered area, because children forget they're getting sunburnt when they're wet.
• Toilets and changing: family changing rooms and baby change make a huge difference.
• The café: a kiosk for ice lollies and hot drinks, plus space to spread out a towel and picnic.
• Booking: on hot weekends, many lidos sell timed sessions online, so book early.

Toddlers vs. older kids

Toddlers are happiest at splash pads and fountains; older children want a full pool, a slide or a diving board. For under-threes, free fountains like Granary Square are perfect: no deep water, quick to leave when they've had enough, and no changing rooms needed. Bring swim nappies, a towel and a spare set of clothes.

Children who can swim will love a full lido like Saltdean, Hilsea or Jubilee Pool. Many have shallow areas or family sessions for mixed ages. Pack goggles, a float for weaker swimmers and a warm hoodie for afterwards, as unheated water can feel cold even in June.

Combine it with a day out or lunch

A water morning pairs perfectly with a picnic in the park and a nap in the pushchair afterwards. Many lidos sit inside larger parks with playgrounds, so you can move from pool to swings without getting back in the car. Seaside lidos are close to the beach and fish and chip shops.

If the British summer turns grey, our list of the best soft play centres in the UK has indoor options in every region. For a day out with a cultural twist, see our guide to literary days out for kids. Find cafés near your pool on the Kid.ooo map.

For ocean, animal and outdoor family ideas, take a look at @follow.the.fowlers on Instagram.

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Missing your favourite splash pad or lido? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents find somewhere to cool off this summer.