Not so long ago, the only reason to plan a day out at Wembley Park with kids would be either to catch the football or head to a concert – but whether you’re visiting with toddlers or teens, there’s so much more to tempt families these days.
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Easy to reach from central London, there are regular family-friendly events taking place – many of them completely free – as well as activities to enjoy year-round in the pedestrianised heart of Wembley Park.
So if you haven’t considered the area for a family day out, here are some of the best things to do at Wembley Park for kids – and everything you need to know about visiting, from where to eat to where to stay.
How to get to Wembley Park
The easiest way to get to Wembley Park is by tube – both the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines stop at Wembley Park underground station, and it’s only 12 minutes from Baker Street.
The Bakerloo line and London Overground trains also stop at Wembley Central station, although that’s slightly more of a walk to Wembley Park’s family-friendly attractions.
There are also trains to Wembley Stadium station from Watford and central London. Or check out parking options at Wembley Park if you’re driving to the area.
Check out this post for tips on using the London Underground with kids
Things to do on a day out at Wembley Park with kids
Whether you’re visiting for one of the regular family-friendly festivals, looking for ways to fill a few hours around a game or concert, or planning a full day at Wembley Park for kids, you can find everything from art and culture to free fun and shopping.
Playparks & gardens
For younger kids, there’s not one but two all-weather play parks – one play area is on Wembley Park Boulevard by the London Designer Outlet.
Designed for kids under 12, there’s a slide, climbing frame, towers and roundabout to play on.
The second play park is in Union Park, around five minutes’ walk from Arena Square, which will cover seven acres when it’s complete.
With the park’s wooden playground and paddling pool for sunny days, it’s the kind of spot where kids can play for hours, or spot the busy inhabitants of the nearby bee hotel in the park.
For parents, it’s a lovely tranquil spot to relax with wildflowers and an urban meadow, pond and trees dotted around. Elvin Gardens also has its own smaller play area too.
Fountains & splash pad
When the sun’s shining, you can’t beat scampering through the dancing fountains and there are several places for kids to cool down and play in Wembley Park.
Union Park has a splash pad as well as its paddling pool, plus there are fountains in Arena Square too (when events permit).
Keep an eye out for The Square of Fame names and handprints as you do!
Family fun at BOXPARK Wembley
There’s plenty to do on a rainy day at Wembley Park for kids too – in fact, you won’t want to save these family activities for bad weather!
Head to Boxpark Wembley, where you’ll find music video-themed neon crazy golf course Pop Golf in Unit 30 – perfect for tweens and teens in particular – under-18s are welcome before 6pm.
Each of the nine dazzlingly neon holes is themed with pop hits, including some retro favourites to match the 80s and 90s décor, all adding to the challenge – and giving parents a chance to wallow in a spot of nostalgia.
Or check out Playbox, with a whole range of quirky games, including day-glo ping pong, pool tables, shuffleboard and football tables – book a session and try your favourites.
For something really memorable, kids aged 10+ can join in with virtual reality experience meetspaceVR, playing the family-friendly Engineerium game.
The free-roaming experience can be played by groups of up to eight, and with your own body as the controller, you feel like you’re completely immersed in the gravity-defying VR experience.
Catch a film
There’s sure to be something to watch at one of the nine screens at the state-of-the-art Cineworld Complex, including kids’ movies among the Hollywood blockbusters.
As well as traditional 2D, you’ll find 3D screenings and even 4D with screens which have 32 D-BOX seats with motion technology.
If you’d like to stand in the footsteps of some other A-listers, head to Arena Square, where stars from Madonna and Kylie, to sporting heroes and a whole string of other musicians, including Dolly Parton, George Michael and Bryan Adams, have all left their handprints imprinted in bronze plaques at The Square of Fame.
Follow the Art Trail
If you’re looking for art of a different kind, there’s always something new for art lovers to discover at Wembley Park.
The public art on show includes a regularly changing art trail of 18 pieces, which has featured everything from colourful street art to doodled cinder blocks, sculptures and murals.
The latest trail, Visions of Home, runs to the end of October, with six works in a number of different mediums, including upcycled materials and digital media as well as paint, all from the perspective of Ukrainian artists.
There’s interactive art to enjoy too – keep an eye out for the Shadow Wall, a light-based installation that mimics your movements. Perfect for unleashing your playful side, you can dance and pose in order to see your digital shadow come to life.
If your kids are inspired to get creative themselves, keep an eye out for the regular Kids Table events at Boxpark Wembley, with free crafts for ages 3+. Takes place on most Sundays from 12-4pm.
Enjoy some culture
Among the year-round attractions, you’ll find regular festivals and events taking over Wembley Park, from national celebrations such as the Jubilee to other events highlighting the area’s vibrant multicultural mix.
July sees the music and dance acts of International Busking Day, although you’re never short of music with over 100 events each year at the Ovo Arena Wembley.
Or check out the latest performances at the Troubadour Theatre. Disney’s award-winning Broadway production Newsies is playing from November to February 2023.
Hit the shops
If you’re looking for a souvenir of your day – or searching for some of the best prices on designer buys with teens – there’s everything from the London Designer Outlet to Wembley Park’s independent shops.
The London Designer Outlet, London’s first designer outlet, sits alongside Wembley Stadium and is home to brands like Superdry as well as high street favourites and designers including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, accessories and athleisure.
As well as discounts year-round, you can find as much as 85% off during sales.
For more ideas of things to do in London with kids, check out my top picks
Where to eat at Wembley Park with kids
With so much to see and do, you’ll need to refuel at least once – and even picky eaters will find plenty of choice.
There are over 60 places to eat at Wembley Park, with some quirky options and tempting street food alongside family favourites like Zizzi, Byron Burger, Wagamama and Nandos.
For something equally kid-friendly but a bit different from the old favourites, London chain Pasta Remoli has fantastic fresh pasta dishes, as well as a children’s menu.
With older kids (or mini gourmets), head to Boxpark for some very Instagrammable creations – everything from the award-winning gravy-dipped burgers at Nanny Bills to poké bowls at Island Poké and veggie charcoal pizza bases from Zia Lucia, plus South American, Filipino and Indian street food, and Caribbean dishes.
There’s dessert too, of course: stop for an Udderlicious ice cream or one of the latest flavour creations from Longboys doughnuts – anything from raspberry rose lychee to lemon meringue pie.
And for a proper treat, indulge with one of the sweet creations from Haute Dolci while enjoying its indoor tree laden with pink cherry blossom.
Keep an eye out for The Kids’ Table events at Boxpark Wembley too, which take place on most Sundays from 12-4pm, with arts, crafts and other creative fun to entertain kids aged 3+ as you eat.
Where to stay at Wembley Park with kids
While Wembley Park is easy to reach from central London or if you’re heading in from outside the city, it’s easy to see why you might need longer to explore – or a great family-friendly hotel if you’re out late for a concert at the Arena.
Hilton London Wembley is right in the heart of Wembley Park, with Wembley Stadium, The OVO Arena, and shopping at London Designer Outlet right on the doorstep.
There are family rooms sleeping four, with two king beds, as well as connecting rooms if you’ve got a bigger family or older teens.
There’s also a pool at the hotel, always a hit with kids and ideal if you’re looking to wind down after a busy day.
Under 18s stay free if they share a room with a paying adult on a room-only rate too, which under-fives get a free breakfast from the buffet.
Disclosure: Paid collaboration with Wembley Park – all opinions are my own (including the fact that pools and ice-cream are always a winner with kids)
Images courtesy of Wembley Park
