Wembley Park is a great day out for families of all shapes and sizes. It is easy to get to, there are absolutely tons of things to do at Wembley Park. Including a wide range of activities and attractions, many of which are free and open all year round. Pedestrian boulevards mean that you do not need to be concerned about traffic as they create a safe environment for children to run around uninhibited. Yet Wembley Park may not be the first place you think of when you are looking for things to do in London with kids. In this article, we will look at all the reasons why next time you a looking for a child-friendly day out in London. Wembley Park should be at the top of your list.
AD – Sponsored Post
Things to do at Wembley Park for kids
Historically when you think about Wembley Park, you think about music and sporting events at Wembley. Only today Wembley Park is an up-and-coming new neighbourhood. Yes, there are still plenty of events being hosted in iconic Wembley Stadium and OVO Wembley Arena. But now Wembley Park has its own community. It is packed with art, culture, shops, entertainment and eateries for family members young and old.
How to get to Wembley Park
Tube
If you are travelling from central London then you can reach Wembley Park within 12 minutes (from Baker Street)! With three different tube lines servicing Wembley Park. Including the Jubilee Lines, Metropolitan Line and the Bakerloo Line. It is also serviced by the London overground. Wembley Park is in zone 4.
Train & Bus
There are regular trains to Wembley park on Chiltern Railways and also Southern Railways. Making it extremely accessible from outside of London. We live in Horsham and can reach Wembley Central by changing at Clapham Junction. The train will only take around 28 minutes from Clapham Junction. It is also possible to use the local bus service. Find out more – How to get to Wembley Park.
Car Parking at Wembley Park
When you have been out with the kids all day there is a certain attraction of being able to just jump back in the car. Having cheap (one hour costs £2) and a secure car park makes Wembley Park extremely accessible to those who do not live in London. It is recommended to book one of the car parks in advance, especially on event days. You can book a space and find out more about parking at Wembley Park on the parking at Wembley Park website.
Things to do a Wembley Park London for kids
There is so much to do you could easily spend a whole day and not see it all.
Playparks & Gardens
At last someone with some foresight! The amazing children’s playground is actually undercover meaning that it is suitable for children ages 12 and under all year round. No more wet bottom when you slide down the metal corkscrew slide. I wish everywhere had an all-weather play park
However, if you are visiting when the sun is shining then you may be more interested in Union Park. Which offers green spaces ideal for a picnic, a children’s paddling pool and a wooden play area. There is also a wildflower meadow, nature pond and bug hotel. Union Park will actually cover 7 acres once it is complete and is the first major park to open in the area for over 150 years! But it doesn’t just stop at things for the kids to do. There are sports courts and outdoors training equipment. Not to mention a community centre. The southern section of the new parks is now open and being enjoyed by all that visit.
Fountains & Splash Pad
The boys absolutely love a water fountain or water features in the warm weather. As well as the padding pool at Union Park mentioned above. There are also the fountains of Arena Square Wembley Park for kids to splash around in. Located outside the OVO Arena Wembley. Arena Square is a great place to relax while the kids cool off.
The Square of Fame
Also located in Arena Square is The Square of Fame. Where musical royalty including Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Dolly Parton, George Michael, Westlife, Lionel Richie, Bryan Adams, and Status Quo. In a nod to the Arena’s sporting history, seven-time World Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry, have their names and handprints imprinted on bronze plaques.
BOXPARK Wembley
BOXPARK is a food and retail park made out of recycled shipping containers. During the school holidays, they have a number of different workshops and clubs running many of which are free. You can check out their events page which has details of everything that is going on. BOXPARK is also home to various games and leisure activities.
- MeetspaceVR – The only VR experience in London, offering multiplayer entertainment for up to eight people. You can either play as a group or battle head to head in a range of immersive games, the choice is yours.
- Pop Golf – Puts the music first, with nine crazy holes and a focus on pop music. It’s the perfect activity for slightly older children. And for those of legal age, you can also try out a range of delicious craft beers, cocktails and soft drinks.
- Playbox – A selection of games including UV pool tables, air hockey, shuffleboard table tennis and glow pong. Sessions are bookable online
Cineworld
Located in the London Designer Outlet, Cineworld has nine screens. So is bound to be showing all the new releases. There are 2D, 3D and 4D screens as well as one screen offering 32 D-Box Seats. Which has motion technology and offers a whole new cinema experience. You can get a full list of current showings and book online via the Cineworld website.
Art Trail
The free art trail is located throughout the Wembley Park area and on their beautiful boulevards. I really like that the eighteen pieces are varied. So the children can enjoy painting, digital media, upcycling and mixed media pieces. You can find the art trail walking route online, it will take between thirty minutes to an hour depending on your walking rate and starts at Wembley Park tube station.
Culture
There are lots of options when it comes to getting your cultural hit. This information is correct at the time of writing and it is worth using the links below to get the most up-to-date information.
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
A different modern theatre space which can evolve with the needs of each production. It seats between 1000 and 2000 people depending on the demands of the stage show. Head to the website to see what is coming up and to buy your tickets.
OVO Arena
Formerly the SSE Arena Wembley, the OVO Arena has shown live music and entertainment for over eighty years. Including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Madonna, ABBA and Michael Jackson. Each year it welcomes over 100 different musical acts and shows. You can find the full programme of upcoming events and other book tickets online or at the box office in Arena Square. If you are celebrating or are looking to impress. Then you can upgrade to Club seats which give you not only the best views but also access to the VIP lounge.
Jubilee Dance Party
This was held on the 4th of June, but it gives you a taste of the sorts of free events Wembley Park provides. The event included live music, circus acts, wild entertainment and family-friendly activities.
International Busking Day
This is an amazing day festival which is held each year in the Summer. This year it involved nine stages and 100 acts. As well as a great choice of food and specific acts that have been highlighted for the children. There is something for the whole family
Wemba’s Dream
This is a free event running on the 10th of September, although you will need to book a ticket in advance. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra they’ll be joined by Mahogany Carnival Arts, spoken word group WordUp, the Sujata Banerjee Dance Company and Wembley Park Live Academy graduate, singer-harpist Aoife O’Dea for a multi-dimensional event that explores the theme of journeys
Shopping – London Designer Outlet
The London Designer Outlet is packed full of designer brands but with 85% off the retail price during the sales. Or between 30-70% off at all other times when compared to the high street and other shopping centre. There is a wide choice that so that no matter what you are looking for you should find what you are after. Some of the brands include the Adidas Outlet, Puma and the Nike Factory Store, the Sony Centre, Kurt Geiger, North Face, Levi’s, Superdry, Converse and Sketchers/Clarks. Check out the LDO Shopping Guide which gives you a full list of all the shops.
Wembley Library
I always think that a library brings a community together. Wembley library offers a whole host of books in multiple languages, newspapers, magazines and reference books. Along with access to computers, scanners, copiers, printers and free wifi. Not only that but there are a whole host of activities and clubs. Clubs operate on both a weekly and monthly basis, from knitting to IT and scrabble to Rhyme time. There is also extra support with the Work Rights Centre, funded by the Wembley Park Community Fund, which provides free advice with a weekly clinic. If you are looking for advice and support when it comes to employment.
Where to eat and drink at Wembley Park for kids
There is a whole host of different places to eat when visiting Wembley Park. You will also be pleased to hear that there are also plenty of coffee shops to stop in while exploring the area. With regards to th restaurants, most of these can either be found at the London Designer Outlet or BOXPARK.
The challenge is deciding on which of the family-friendly restaurants to pick. There are your normal high street sample restaurants. Such as Nandos, Wangamas, Pizza Express, Las Iguanas and TGI Fridays. This is great if you have a fussy eater as we do. But what I really like is that there are so many other independent restaurants that I have not heard of before. I am not sure I have seen such a wide range of different types of food. Including Thai, Indian, Sushi, Mexican, Caribbean and various street food vendors. There really is something for everyone including the famous bakery Bread Ahead and authentic Italian trattoria Pasta Remoli.
Where to stay at Wembley Park
There are so many things to do at Wembley Park that you could really make a weekend of it. If you are considering staying overnight in Wembley Park then there is the Hilton London Wembley. Just a few steps away from the OVO Arena and half a mile from Wembley Park Station it is the perfect location to explore the area. Offering child-friendly, comfortable hotel accommodation. Not only that but it also has an indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre.
Have you visited Wembley Park? let me know about your experience and if I have forgotten anything in the comments below.
If you’ve liked this post please follow me on my social media channels:
Mudpie Fridays: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | LinkedIn
One Response
So much to do in this area. Good to see there is a convenient and child friendly hotel for an overnight stay