Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
2–4 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford is one of London's greatest free family days out. Built for the 2012 Olympics and substantially upgraded since, the park covers 560 acres of landscaped parkland, wetlands, waterways, and gardens. The main park is entirely free to enter and open around the clock — making it accessible at any time for any budget.
Families with young children gravitate toward the splash pads and water play areas in summer, while the various playgrounds scattered across the site keep kids busy regardless of season. Older children and teens enjoy cycling the long paths, exploring the sports heritage around the stadium, and taking in the striking architecture of the Velodrome and Aquatics Centre. The park is also home to ticketed attractions including the ArcelorMittal Orbit viewing tower and slides, London Stadium tours, and various pop-up events throughout the year.
The Tumbling Bay playground is a standout — a large, adventurous free playground with sand, water, and rope climbing structures. Food kiosks and cafes are dotted throughout the park, and the surrounding Westfield Stratford shopping centre provides a full range of restaurant options if you need them. The park is easily accessible from Stratford station on the Underground, Overground, and Elizabeth line.
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Kid Meals
true
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or any sunny day
Wait Times
No queues for open park areas; ticketed venues inside have their own wait times
Nearby Food
Multiple food kiosks and cafes inside the park. Westfield Stratford City is adjacent and has dozens of restaurant and fast food options.
Why Kids Love It
It's a massive, beautifully designed green space with playgrounds, fountains, sports venues, and open water — kids can run, splash, climb, and explore for hours without it costing a thing
Pro Tips from Parents
- The Tumbling Bay playground near the northern end of the park is the best free playground — head there first on busy days before it fills up
- In summer, the water play fountains near the south of the park are a big hit with under-8s — bring a change of clothes
- The park connects to Westfield Stratford for rainy-day retreat or food without leaving the area
What to Bring
- A picnic — there are plenty of grass areas and benches throughout the park
- Spare clothes if visiting in summer, especially for the splash pad areas
- Bikes or scooters if your kids use them — the paths are wide and well-maintained
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 0 for the park; paid attractions inside vary
Tips to Save
- The park itself is entirely free — pack a picnic and spend the whole day without spending anything
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours