Best play parks to visit in Bournemouth and Poole
The summer holiday’s are almost upon us and like many people, I am always on the hunt for free things to do with the kids.
One sure fire hit for small people is a visit to the park and we have lots of fabulous ones locally.
Here are some of our favourites:
Play areas in Poole
Poole Park
Poole Park has always been a family favourite, but this year they have redeveloped both play parks and they are better than ever!
Cygnet play area
The smaller of the two play areas, this one is next to The Ark soft play centre and is more suitable for younger visitors.
The play area features a tower climbing frame, slide, rockers, roundabout, swings and a model wooden train for imaginative play.
Westfield play area
The large playground nearest to the lagoon and town centre entrance now has a jungle theme and is brilliant for older children.
It is filled with fun activities, including rope bridges, zip wires and monkey bars, plus equipment suitable for those with additional needs.
The jungle theme includes fabulous animal statues and even a set of bongo’s!!
Treasure Island Play Park
The unique play equipment at this park includes a combined toddler swing seat that allows parents or older children to sit alongside little ones and swing with them.
The Treasure Island play area is the perfect place to fire kids imaginations, with a large wooden pirate ship, a dolphin springer, a suspended boat and junior swings.
Whitecliff
Affectionately know as the “helicopter park” by my children, so called as it has a helicopter shaped climbing frame, this is a great all-round park.
It is fenced off, but sits adjacent to a large field, with wide paved pathways around it, perfect for learning to ride a bike or scooter.
Play areas in Bournemouth
Bournemouth Central Gardens
Tucked away in Bournemouth Central Gardens, just a short walk from the town centre is the Jurassic jungle playground.
This park is best for older children and features wooden adventure style play equipment, interactive play sculpture and planting, play house, slide, nest swing, climbing frame with cargo nets and a zip-line. For younger visitors, there is a small climbing frame, sand pit and toddler swing.
Littledown
Littledown Park is located next to Littledown Leisure Centre, opposite Bournemouth Hospital.
In the enclosed play area, there are climbing frames, swings and a paddling pool, which is open during the summer months.
Outside the enclosed area, there is a zip line, witches at climbing frame / roundabout and swings.
Alum Chine Play Park
If you are looking for a park right on the beach, then Alum Chine play park is for you.
With a Treasure Island theme, it features a beached, desert island ship wreck; spy glass hill lookout with a working telescope; a woodland trail which leads to an actual treasure chest and a water play area.
Redhill Park
Redhill Park has a large field, perfect for ball games, plus paths, a playground, tennis courts, bowling greens and a seasonal paddling pool for hot summer days.
Play Areas in Christchurch
Christchurch Quay
Christchurch Quay is a beautiful place to visit and we love nothing more than feeding the ducks and walking along the river.
Set next to the river is a fun play area which has a good range of play equipment to please all ages.
In the summer, next door is the Quomps splash park, perfect for cooling off on a hot sunny day.
Barrack Road Play Area
Just behind the main high street is the Barrack Road play area, set in a lovely shady area of the park.
There is an infant multi play unit, swings, rocking multi pondo, large cone climber, junior multi play unit, the jupiter roundabout and an accessible swing.
Have I missed any of your favourite play areas around the BCP area?
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
It sounds like there are plenty of great play areas. it’s good to know what they have at each so we can plan for the summer.
Sarah Howe
I love a good play park with the kids. Keeps them so busy and active. Some great suggestions and some lovely photos.