Ducks splashing about are entertaining to watch. It’s a great activity for getting children to understand nature and the environment through watching water birds. In many of these parks, you can also rent a rowing boat or pedalo, allowing you to get closer to the wildlife and create great family memories.
1. London Wetland Centre, Barnes
Visit the London Wetland Centre to see ducks from all over the world. Enjoy close encounters with eider ducks, Hawaiian geese, blue-beaked ducks from Iraq, elegant cranes, and majestic swans. In the family-friendly Headley Hide, learn about the local wild birds and try out a telescope or binoculars. There are regular events for everyone in the family, including an adventure playground and discovery centre. Please note, this site has an admission charge.
2. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Water birds such as ducks, geese, swans and others flock to the Serpentine Lake. The Round Pond is also a popular spot for birds. You can often see long-beaked shoveler ducks here in the winter. Diana Memorial Playground will keep the kids occupied all summer long, and in the summer, the Memorial Fountain is a great place to cool off in the warm weather. Two lakeside cafes will keep the whole family satisfied.
3. Victoria Park
Kids love this East London park, which offers two playgrounds, a paddling pool, and two cafes. Rent a boat and explore the Western Boating Lake, which is popular with ducks, geese, and swans. Visit one of the three islands and cross the restored iron bridge to the ornate Chinese pagoda. The park borders two canals on each side, and two play areas, a paddling pool, two cafés, and boat rentals make it a great place to spend the day.
4. Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is home to more than 30 lakes and ponds, making it an ideal spot for waterbirds. There are many birds and the deceptive “Sham Bridge” in the lakes outside Kenwood House. From Parliament Hill, kids will be amazed at the views across London, and a nearby playground and paddling pool are sure to entertain them.
5. Bushy Park
Although Bushy Park is less famous than Richmond Park, its terrain is flatter and more suitable for children. In addition to the Longford River, there are many ponds with ducks and other wildlife. Among the formal gardens are the Woodland Gardens, which are beautiful all year long, and the Water Gardens. Be on the lookout for wandering deer herds, but be sure to give them space.
6. Clissold Park
This popular Islington park is home to two duck ponds, as well as a stretch of the New River. On sunny days, you can find non-native terrapins relaxing around the ponds. There are also animal enclosures in the park, including goats and deer.
7. Regents Park and Regents Canal
There is a lake teeming with wildlife, plus an ornamental garden with a pond and a waterfall in this lovely Royal Park. You may see long-legged gray herons scurrying around the edges of the lake. There is also the Regents Canal which runs through the park, past London Zoo and to Camden Lock. Take a stroll through the formal gardens or rent a rowing boat and explore the lake.
8. Kelsey Park, Beckenham
A large number of mandarin ducks live in this popular suburban park with their ornate plumage. There is a large lake where the entire family can see wild birds up close and feed them – bring grain, oats, corn, rice, bird seed, or chopped up vegetable scraps. Bring binoculars in spring so you can see herons nesting on the island. A curious squirrel will come right up close when it seeks food. Children can run through the lawns and woodlands and enjoy the playground.
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