London's best fountains for summer splashing

Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms, Southbank Centre

Water shoots into the air, creating structures that appear and disappear in this playful aquatic sculpture by Danish artist Jeppe Hein. Children (and their adults) are welcome to run through the temporary spaces, but will most likely end up soaked as the jets switch.

Diana Memorial Fountain

Water flows, swirls and bubbles around in two directions at the strangely serene Diana Memorial. Carved from Cornish granite and constantly refreshed by London's water table, it's a striking space for contemplation. Full splashing is not officially condoned - though plenty happens on sunny days - but visitors of all ages are encouraged to sit on the edge and cool down with their feet in the water. Bliss!

The Edmond J. Safra Fountain, Somerset House

After a long time left off, the fountains in Somerset House courtyard will be back on this August as part of the This Bright Land festival. That means, along with the obligatory splashing, there's plenty of other activities and pop-ups to amuse all ages.

Granary Square Fountain, King's Cross

Granary Square makes parenting beyond the home front so pleasant, with Handyside play park and sand pit, and, of course, the incredible play fountain experience.

Kids can run through and splash around in 1,080 choreographed jets, enjoying a fountain show of aqua-choreography (this alone mesmerises little ones; being able to run and play in it is the cherry on the cake).

Swiss Cottage Open Space

In the middle of a peaceful green space in Swiss Cottage, this water feature shoots out streams that arc over a rectangular basin. Play is allowed and actively encouraged and the shallow pool makes the area great for small children and babies.

Marylebone Green Playground Water Park

This well-designed playground in the Southern section of The Regent’s Park (near Great Portland St and Regent’s Park tube stations) includes a sandpit with a water pump and pipe system that will engage budding engineers and provide plenty of cooling splashes for toddlers. Benches right opposite give parents a chance to rest (and try to dodge the splashes) while they supervise.

Merchant Square Fountain Maze, Paddington

Merchant Square's Fountain Maze turns an afternoon splash into a challenge. With 320 jets arranged across three concentric circles, the fountain becomes a playful game: can you get back and forth without getting wet? Can you find new ways in and out of the maze? A totally fab idea when you want to while away a hot and sticky summer afternoon.

John Madejski Garden Fountains, V&A Museum

London's most highbrow paddling pool is hidden in a courtyard in the V&A museum. The stepped elliptical pool reflects the surrounding buildings and provides a peaceful place for paddling.

Causton Street Water Play Park, Pimlico

This unassuming little playground in Pimlico (just around the corner from Tate Britain) has a surprise water fountain section that makes it a great pitstop on sticky days. It’s also worth timing your visit: the fountains are shadiest in the morning.

Waterworks Fountains, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Snake between 195 individually controlled jets of water offer plenty of splashes outside the London Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Parl. Controlled by a computer, the jets create different pathways for maximum adventure.

Battersea Park Pleasure Gardens

One of our favourite spots to explore with the kids, Battersea Park has it all: secret gardens, zoo animals, Buddhas and a brilliant water feature. Perfect for dipping your feet in on hot days, we can also recommend this spot for dog lovers – we saw a French bulldog splashing around with a Frisbee the other day. Surely the best kind of entertainment there is?