The East London water park with inflatable obstacle course kids can’t get enough of

It’s London’s largest splash park

If you are hunting for a fun-filled day out with the kids this summer, look no further than Barking Park in East London. Tucked away in a leafy corner of the borough just a short walk from Barking station, the park is home to Splash Park Barking, a water play attraction that has quickly become one of the capital’s best-kept secrets.

The splash park itself is a water oasis packed with fountains, water jets, and splash zones, built on the spot of the old Barking Lido. The former open-air swimming pool in Barking Park was opened in 1931 but closed in 1988, later being infilled and fitted with fountains to create the Splash Park, which opened in 2012.

The park, designed for children aged 3 to 12, hosts bookable sessions lasting 90 minutes at a time, giving kids plenty of time to run wild and get thoroughly soaked. One of the most popular features is Splashy the Mascot, who hosts mini discos during each session, keeping the energy high and the smiles even higher.

Parents are also welcome to jump in and join the fun, or alternatively take a well-earned rest on the deck chairs provided nearby. For a small additional charge on top of the standard session fee, you can also try the walk-on-water balls and pedal boats, both of which tend to go down brilliantly with younger visitors, suggests Essex Live.

Once your 90-minute splash session is up, it’s worth taking a trip to the Magical Unicorn Lake. The lake is home to a fleet of unicorn-shaped pedal boats, each of which can seat up to five people, meaning the whole family can hop aboard together.

Another highlight of Barking Park that kids will absolutely love is Bounsea, a giant inflatable obstacle course full of slides, climbing walls, ball pits and plenty of places to bounce. Bounsea isn’t just for children either – it’s also a great workout for parents, with one high-energy session enough to burn up to 600 calories, perfect for a fun family workout.

You can find out more about Splashy Land and Bounsea and how to book tickets on the official website here.

Facilities and food

The park is well set up for families, with shaded seating areas, baby changing facilities, and lifeguards on duty throughout. There are onsite kiosks offering a range of snacks and drinks, but if you prefer to save a bit of money you are welcome to bring your own picnic-style food – just bear in mind that outside food is not permitted inside the blue water play zone itself.

One important thing to note before you plan your visit: Splash Park Barking operates on a weather-dependent basis, so it is always worth checking the forecast and the park’s website before you head out. The park is open from May to September.

Exploring the wider Barking Park

Once you have dried off, it is well worth taking some time to explore the rest of Barking Park itself. Opened in 1898, it is a beautifully kept green space with a pleasant mixture of wooded and open paths running along the southern bank of the park’s lake. The surrounding area has plenty more to offer too, with neighbouring South Park and Loxford Park both within easy walking distance, each offering their own mix of open green space, trees, and recreational facilities.

Getting there

Getting there is straightforward. Barking station is served by the London Overground, the District and Hammersmith and City tube lines, and National Rail services, making it easy to reach from across London and beyond. Once you arrive at the station, the park is just a short walk away.

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