Best parks for… water fun

From splash pads to fountains: check out these water features in Islington’s parks
As the days get warmer, it’s good to be able to take the kids somewhere they can run around, let off steam, and cool off. Several Islington parks have water play features, providing a fun outlet for kids in warm weather.
Did you know that water play has a range of benefits for children’s development? Outdoor learning and natural play improve children’s wellbeing. Splashing and running around can release endorphins and pent-up energy, help develop hand-eye co-ordination and motor skills, as well as help children improve their social skills and make friends. What’s not to love? Just don’t forget the sun cream and towel…

Paradise Park
Dare to run through the row of sprinklers!
King Square Gardens
Be brave and stand under the bucket that slowly fills with water and overturns when you’re least expecting it!
Rosemary Gardens
Press the buttons on the bright and colourful animal fountains and run from the water they spray at you.
Highbury Fields, Barnard and Whittington Park
Run through sprinkler arches, hit the buttons and dodge the water spraying up from the ground.
More Things to do
- Islington Assembly Hall
- Volunteering in Islington
- Playground equipment for disabled children
- Four accessible activities in Islington parks
- Community gardening in Cally Park
- Five things to do in parks
- Islington Borough Ladies FC football sessions
- Islington walking and running routes
- Five ways to explore Islington on foot
- Tufnell Park Market
- Whitecross Street Market
- Camden Passage
- Stroud Green Market
- Exmouth Market
- Archway Market
- Islington Farmers’ Market
- Chapel Market
- Nag’s Head indoor market
- Nag’s Head open-air weekend market
- Free accessible sports
- Over-55s men’s club
- Free fitness classes with Healthy Generations
- Park cuppa
- Best parks for… water fun
- Islington Square Market
- Free health and history walks
- Three ways to… keep kids active
- Finsbury Park Singers and Finsbury A Capella
- Free Friday lunchtime recitals
- Junior parkrun
- Family narrowboat trips
- Ladies’ football training
- Museum of Homelessness
- Summer cultural events
- Summer Reading Challenge
- Free cycling lessons
- Age UK Islington get-togethers
- Olden Community Garden volunteering sessions
- In conversation with Kate Atkinson
- Celebrating ten years of Islington Bereavement Service
- Apple Day 2025
- Half term fun in libraries
- Black History Month 2025
- Volunteer gardening with The Garden Classroom
- Residents Get Involved Fair
- Festive events
- St Mary’s Festival
- Recovery Street Film Festival
- Autumn cultural things to do: September
- Autumn cultural things to do: October
- Autumn cultural things to do: November / December