Storybook Gardens

Storybook Gardens is a nursery rhyme-themed amusement park located in Springbank Park, London’s largest outdoor space along the Thames River.

A visit to Storybook Gardens is like walking into a fairy tale with everything a child could wish for. There’s a pirate-themed playground, a Ferris wheel, a summer splash pad, an enchanted garden, a magical castle and drawings and statues of characters like Mother Goose, Pinocchio and Humpty Dumpty are displayed throughout the park.

In the winter, a 250-metre skate trail loops around the park’s grounds.

Visit the Storybook Gardens website

A white castle and large wooden doors at the entrance to a theme park. — London | Storybook Gardens

How to get to Storybook Gardens

Location: 1958 Storybook Lane, London

By car: Free parking is available in front of the Storybook Gardens Castle entrance on Storybook Lane. In addition, overflow parking is offered in Springbank Park.

By transit: Travel to Storybook Gardens in Springbank Park via London Transit bus routes 5 or 17.

Know before you go

Storybook Gardens is an outdoor attraction. The majority of the rides, activities and food services operate in the spring and summer and are weather-dependent. Learn more about their closure and cancellation policy.

A limited number of on-site wheelchairs and strollers are available to loan and water wheelchairs are available for use at the splash pad. Reservations are encouraged.

See accessibility features

Things to do at Storybook Gardens

Discover more activities and experiences.

Discover a mini-play village

Imaginations come to life at the Valley Village Playhouses, a community of mini-play houses and intertwining roads.

Explore a pirate island

Ahoy mateys! Pete’s Friend-Ship is a climbing adventure zone complete with a fun tower slide to zip down, a toddler play area and a giant net to swing and bounce around in.

Join a story or sing-along

Attend special events like live musical performances, puppet shows and storytelling sessions take place throughout the season at the Village Square Stage.

Go on an egg hunt

Bring your kids to the annual Spring Egg Hunt for multi-coloured eggs hidden throughout the park that can be traded in for a prize. Pre-register for this event online.

Enjoy ice skating

Go ice skating during the winter months along the 250-metre skate trail that loops around the park and visit the Beavertail concession for a tasty treat. Skate rentals are available.

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A young girl enjoys meeting a fairytale mascot. — Storybook Gardens | Tourism London Ontario

Interesting facts about Storybook Gardens

Storybook Gardens was first opened to the public in 1958 with the mandate of promoting literacy, interactive play and a connection with nature. Since then, new attractions, programs and enhancements continue to support these themes.

In its early days, one of the park’s popular attractions was a pool of sea lions and then harbour seals. That first year, a seal named Cyril made the news when he famously escaped into the Thames River and continued to swim all the way to Lake Erie. During the ordeal, he was renamed “Slippery the Seal."

Accessibility features

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.

Assistive listening devices available

Assistive listening devices are available for rent or free of charge.

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public hallways that are wide enough to allow people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move easily through the building.

Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available

Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are available, free of charge, or for rent.

Last updated: April 26, 2024