Swing through
the tree tops

Lead your band of adventurers through the forest, across aerial runways and swings, back to your treehouse hideaway. If you suspect danger might be on its way make a secret call to your friends in the sandpit and willow igloo below. They can alert any adventurers in the underground tunnels.

But if forest life gets a bit much, you can always take refuge indoors or at another part of Waterside. You can run your own tuck shop, dance, play football, climb, cook and so much more. Rain or shine, there’s plenty for any adventurer to do at Waterside.

Play is free for six to thirteen-year-olds and supervised by our Awesome playworkers – all you have to do is register and have fun.

Waterside started its life on 24th June 1972 when a group of local residents and children, supported by workers from the National Children’s Bureau, cleared a disused factory site on Baldwin Terrace to make space for children to play. Islington Council then allocated the land, which sat on the edge of the Packington Estate, for use as an adventure playground. With support from play leaders, children began building their own adventure playground which was originally called Baldwin. In 2009 the playground was rebuilt from scratch with the help of local children, and the redevelopment provided a lovely new building and several awards for innovation! And where did the new name come from? Being situated next to the canal, it was renamed Waterside.