Anonymous wrote:Holland Park has a great playground for kids. There are decent restaurants on Kensington High St. The Design Museum is nearby.
There is a playground at Coram's Fields in Bloomsbury. It's a bit more rundown, but it is near the British Museum. There are a few family friendly restaurants nearby.
Battersea Power Station and Battersea Park are fun for kids. There are a lot of restaurants; the area is heavy on overpriced chains.
Clapham Common also has playgrounds, and there are decent restaurants on Clapham High St.
Richmond and Greenwich have a lot to do, restaurants, and probably more plentiful parking, but they are a hike from the city center. If your friends are coming from the south, these could be easier.
Good list. Regents Park and Hampstead Heath also good park ideas, especially if they are coming down from north of London.