Ages 4 to 6

Freeborn Way Play Area is at the bottom of  Clinton’s Hill, which is a small, wooded hill. There are pathways through the woods, some are easy access and others are...

Have you ever wanted to visit Ascot Racecourse? Not only is it possible but it also makes a fun afternoon out – picnic on Ascot Heath, play at the Ascot Heath Play...

With its evocative name, connections to Thor and great online reviews, I was expecting a lot from Thundry Meadows. In many ways, I was not...

Finding the well-concealed Rotherwick Play Area and Cricket Ground was worth the effort. It had unusual equipment, a peaceful atmosphere and a...

Aldenham Country Park’s brightly coloured adventure play area is full of places to play. It is situated next to the SEND pavillion and has bookable sessions that...

The picturesque ruins of Waverley Abbey are surrounded by open fields, the River Wey and a small lake, which is home to herons, ducks and swans. Some of...

Our mission today was to show the children how enormous dinosaurs were before Dippy the Diplodocus skeleton leaves the Natural History Museum on 4th January...

Oareborough Play Area is a small play area in Bracknell with equipment that includes swings, a toddler swing, a tractor springer, a double twist, a see...

This local play area is surrounded by a primary school, some trees and a large field. The play equipment is in good condition and includes a obstacle course, a...

Deen City Farm adds some much needed rural tranquility to the heart of South London. There is a small play area and entry is completely free! The small...

Lower Common Play Area hides in a shady woodland clearing. With adventure play equipment, picnic tables and a short walk through the woods, it can be a cool...

Denbies Hillside’s panoramic views sweep up and down the valley and across to Leith Hill Tower. We spent about an hour and a half walking the Denbies...

Discover dinosaurs in deepest, darkest Dorchester… The Dinosaur Museum brings dinosaurs to life with life-sized models, skeletons, information about the scientists...

Magpie Bottom is a small area of woodland in the New Forest with a magical story trail, the remains of a WW2 airfield, and lots of wildlife. The River Avon Water...

Municipal Gardens Play Area is a place to let your imaginations run free. Can you sail your pirate ship past seals, sharks and an octopus to a kingdom with a...

Highcliffe Play Area has a colourful and well-equipped playground and is near to Highcliffe Beach. The play equipment includes a multiplay with a big slide and...

Fox Corner Community Wildlife Area is a tranquil, 14-acre wildlife area with a pond, meadow, woods and two brooks well as bridges, boardwalks and a pond...

When you walk around the lake at Stourhead it doesn’t take long to realise why it was once described as, ‘…a living work of art’ – from almost...

Latchmoor Brook is a shallow stream on the edge of the New Forest where you can see ponies, picnic, paddle and hunt for fossils. You will definitely need your...

The Poohscape Play Area is a perfect place to play before mounting your Expotition to the enchanted places of Ashdown Forest. This sandy play area has...

“The Mystical Tale of Nevi-Wesh” leads you along a story trail through a small area of the New Forest, following in the footsteps of two children as they meet...

In the adventure-filled world of Hobbledown, you can mine for Crystallite, explore the Imaginarium, save Fern the Fairy, play at Hobbledown Village...

The Emma Sallis Adventure Playground at Black Park Country Park hides amongst the trees next to the lake, cafe and toilets. It has some exciting...

Stoke Park Splash Pad is a large, shallow paddling pool decorated with sea creatures. Open during the summer holidays, this is somewhere children...

Today Odiham Castle is the ruined remains of one of King John’s strongholds. But during the 13th and 14th centuries, it witnessed a French...

Tongham Recreation Ground has a colourful play area for a range of ages. It also has a a multi-gym and a large recreation ground where you can play football, tennis...

Avast, ye landlubbers, it’s time for a round of mini-golf…pirate style! This is Mr Mulligan’s Pirate Golf, where it’s just you and your golf ball...

Canon Bowrings Recreation Ground is a three acre open space with wooden play equipment and sports fields. The play area’s equipment is for children...

Located on the banks of the River Thames, with its own cafe and mini golf course and within walking distance of the beautiful Boulters Lock and Ray Mill Island, this...

Deen City Farm brings some much needed rural tranquility to the heart of South London. There is plenty to do and entry is completely free! Children can meet and...

Chinooks thumping overhead were all part of the fun when we visited Odiham Recreation Ground. RAF Odiham is nearby and helicopters were regularly...

Next to Mudeford Quay there is a gorgeous adventure play area with a shipwreck, sea views, two beaches and even crabbing. The play equipment includes...

At Tout Quarries, sculptures are hiding around every corner – and when I say hiding, I mean hiding! We have visited twice and still haven’t found every...

The peaceful Heath End Recreation Ground and Play Area, is a little play area nestled under some large trees. When we dropped by, it provided a cool...

Puttles Bridge is another beautiful spot in the New Forest where you can explore the woods and find places to paddle. Next to the car park is a bridge you can paddle...

Wood Moor Play Area is a shady play area on a round, grassy area that is surrounded by a circle of houses. It has a variety of well looked after play equipment, including...

Elles Close Play Area is in a residential area and very close to Farnborough town centre. The play equipment is for children under the age of 8 years and...

I love everything about Kimmeridge Bay – the picturesque drive from the main road, the views out across the bay, the fossils hidden in the cliffs and along the...

Great Binfield, The Giant of Basingstoke is a story trail* that guides you on a quest to find Great Binfield, a giant who lives in a woodland...

I can only guess this play area is called Jurassic Park because of its monster-sized slide, cargo nets and climbing walls, not to mention one of the biggest slides we have...

Hook Meadow Playground is a well equipped play area encircled by a scooter track complete with road markings, twists and turns and little humpback...

Oh no! King Fisher has been captured by the toad army. Can you help the animals of Winnall Moors Nature Reserve to free him? “The Adventure of Winnall...

The river meanders through River Hamble Country Park, past expensive yachts and a medieval ship wreck, play areas and a World War 2 training...

There is something magical about finding your own way across a river, and jumping across the River Mole on the famous Box Hill Stepping Stones is no exception. Once...

The back seat gasped as we arrived at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground and it was easy to see why – the car park was enclosed by a brightly coloured play area, a...

Hollowdene Recreation Ground has a small play area with equipment for use by children under the age of 14 years. If you walk down past the playing fields you come to a...

Don’t be fooled by the Basingstoke Canal Centre’s unassuming appearance – it’s a convenient gateway to the beautiful Basingstoke...

Flood Meadows hides a beautiful surprise – nestled away behind the trees is the young River Wey. Here the river is so near to its northern source that the water...

Hidden around Lakeside Nature Reserve are brass rubbing posts, lakes, an orchid meadow, woodland, and an adventure play area. You can also find...

With a bit of imagination, you can spend your day at Beale Park as jungle explorers, railroad engineers and marauding pirates and still have enough energy left for a dip...

This is a well equipped play area for younger children next to a pond. The play equipment includes a toddler swing, two springers, a slide that is reached by...

Your mission at Little Beaulieu is to sneak past the painting with the moving eyes and slip into the secret passage behind the bookcase. But you’ll have to...

Today I found out that the Dragonfly Trail along the Thursley Common boardwalk has been rebuilt and is open! At its best, there is something almost primeval...

Richmond Close Play Area is a small local play area on a residential road. The play equipment is for children under the age of 12 years old and includes a...

If, like me, you have ever longed to adventure through 100 Aker Wood with Winnie the Pooh and his friends then consider visiting Aldenham Country...

The Runnymede Pleasure Grounds play area is on the banks of the River Thames alongside a splash pad, amusements, boat tour stops, and a cafe. It is a...

Longleat’s magical Festival of Light uses huge lanterns to create worlds from children’s stories. We have walked through the wardrobe into Narnia, explored the...

The children’s section of Woking Library is so inviting that we dropped in for ten minutes and ended up staying for nearly an hour and also left with several second...

Something magical has happened in Leighton-Linslade. Storybook characters, and their belongings, have escaped from their books and hidden themselves...

The windswept purple heath and woodland of Ashdown Forest inspired A.A. Milne to write about the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin and friends...

It’s surprisingly hard to work out where the source of the Thames is. Is it bubbling Lyd Well? The marker stone in Trewsbury Mead? Or Seven Springs, some 14 miles...

West Clandon Playground is a small play area on the edge of the Surrey Hills. It has a zip wire and not one but three slides! The play equipment...

Greenfields is a tranquil play area with a rural feel and views over the surrounding countryside. Inside the enclosed area is equipment for children to the age of...

Mill Chase Play Area is a small, enclosed play area next to a large field. The play equipment includes toddler swings, a tyre swing, a multiplay for younger children...

Used as the location for some of the Harry Potter films – Hagrid’s Hut and some shots of the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmede Station, Black Park...

Ashdown Forest is a place to make your own magical memories, inspire your children to run wild, and fall in love with Pooh Bear again. With...

Stansted Park has a wooden play area inside the Walled Garden and next to the cafe so the children can play while you eat.  The play area has equipment that...

Penns Farm Children’s Play Area is a small, wooden play area next to the Taro Leisure Centre and an expanse of playing fields. The play equipment includes: a wooden...

Shawfield Recreation Ground is a local play area with a field and a kick wall. The play equipment includes swings, toddler swings, two multiplays with...

Visiting the excellent Holloway Hill Recreation Ground and Play Area is like walking into a fairy tale village with bridges, a tower or lighthouse and a cottage...

The colourful Jubilee Playground, also known as Thursley Road Recreation Ground, is a play area with a village green feel that overlooks a cricket...

Cove Green Recreation Ground has a small play area on one edge. The play equipment includes swings, toddler swings, a multiplay with a slide, tunnel and a...

Moors Valley Country Park is outstanding, a special combination of fun, magic and nature. We were blown away by the marvellous play areas, enchanting play...

Royal Victoria Country Park has a story trail along which you follow Professor Nutrino, a Time Agent, as she battles to fix a tear in time… with a little help from...

Winchester Science Centre is packed with hands on exhibits exploring science, maths and technology including the chance to walk through a human...

150 million years ago, the Dorset coast was a shallow, tropical sea patrolled by huge marine reptiles, predators and fish. All that remains today are fossils...

Ahoy, me hearties!  A pirate ship lurks offshore in the play area at Moor Road Recreation Ground. Can you scale the rigging, board the ship and save the day? The pirate...

Our challenge was to find the source of the Thames. We began at Buscot Lock, walking upstream to the river’s last lock and the statue of Old Father Thames...

A walk up Chinthurst Hill is guaranteed to involve some climbing – there are stairs and gentle slopes to tackle on the path and trees and tangled...

Whether it’s sneaking, springing, crawling or climbing, Ninja Warrior UK in Guildford is the place to perfect the ninja skills you never knew you...

Chapel Pond Drive Play Park is a small and local play area. This playground is said to be suitable for children to the age of 11 years old and has equipment that includes...

At Headley Heath you can follow undulating trails through heathland, woodland and chalk hillside, passing ponds, view points and...

Welcome to the Jungle! Woking Park and Play Area must be one of the best places to bring children in our area and it’s completely free. The playground takes you...

Calton Gardens Play Area is a small, local play area. The play equipment is aimed at children up to the age of 12 years old and includes a slide, toddler swings...

Hurst Castle is an artillery fort that was built in the 16th century by Henry VIII to protect the Solent, Southampton and Portsmouth. It is one of the best...

Rowhill Nature Reserve hides the source of the River Blackwater amongst charismatically named areas like Stickleback Pond, Rhododendron...

As we walked into Sunninghill Library my children squealed with delight and dived straight into the boxes of books. And it was easy to see why. The children’s...

Holybourne Play Area is a wooden play area with a spacious, natural feel and an area where you can become a human sundial! The play equipment includes, a circle...

Sandhurst Memorial Park is full of things to tackle, places to explore and activities to try, including varied play equipment, a picturesque pond...

Wonersh Play Area is a playground in the Surrey Hills with a variety of equipment that you can easily turn into a long obstacle course. The play equipment includes: a...

Lightwater Country Park has everything younger children enjoy and all in a relatively small space. At its centre is a newly refurbished adventure play area and...

Butser Hill is one of the highest points in Hampshire with a story trail, kite flying and beautiful views that stretch out across the South Downs and onto...

The beautifully located Shere Recreation Ground is in the Surrey Hills and has a small play area with a beautiful backdrop. We often combine a visit to this play...

Riverside Park Nature Reserve is full of surprises – there is something different around every corner, whether it’s stumbling across a bird hide, seeing a lock...

Locks Ride Recreation Ground Splash Pad and Play Area is the perfect place to spend a summery day. It has a beautiful play area with sand pits, water play areas...

Whether bogs or streams, sculptures or duck ponds, pine woods or boardwalks, there is plenty to explore at Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve. The reserve is...

A sea scene is playing out at Osbourne Road Play Area, with sea creatures, palm trees, a wooden island and two ships, one with a cannon. Friend or foe? The...

Ockford Ridge Play Area has: swings, toddler swings, a small balance course, a multi-play with a slide, ladder, space-themed climbing wall and climbing...

The views at Uppark are beautiful, whether looking towards the house or away from it. The house has stunning symmetry and colour as well as spectacular views...

The Lepe Country Park Play Area is one of only a handful of beachside play areas we have found and it’s a beauty, with views across The Solent and out to...

I have always loved the idea of finding a secret garden, so you can imagine how excited I was to stumble across a secret orchard on Normandy Common. And it’s not...

Highclere Road Play Area is a small play area for children to the age of 12 years old, which has swings, a cockerel shaped springer, a small multiplay with a slide...

With picturesque views to admire, mini-beasts to discover, stepping stones to navigate and a natural play trail to tackle, Box Hill is a perfect spot for an adventure and...

Like a scene from Peter Pan, Byfleet Recreation Ground and Play Area has a pirate shipwreck with a grinning crocodile lurking nearby. You can almost hear the...

Rectory Road Play Area has a safari-themed multiplay where you can drive a jeep to a treehouse hideout and slide down an elephant! The play equipment is for children...

The St James Play Area is one of two play areas in the beautiful Farnham Park. The play equipment is aimed at children from 0 to 14 years old and includes...

Pirate hats at the ready for a visit to Aarons Hill Play Area – there are not one but two ships to sail over sandy seas! One ship is a multiplay with sides to climb...

Moors Valley Country Park is full of fantastical places to play, some in traditional play area settings and others scattered through its beautiful...

Boundstone Recreation Ground is a small play area on top of a hill with a zip wire. The play equipment is for children to the age of 14 and includes a wooden climbing...

Tarn Close Play Area is a small local play area in a residential area. The play equipment is for children under the age of 12 years old and includes a...

With a rocket blasting through the main foyer, trunks full of costumes to try on and the Polka Theatre Play Area, Polka Theatre is an atmospheric play...

It’s not often you are given the chance to visit the 1940s but a trip on Swanage Railway is one of those occasions! This full-size heritage railway operates a range...

Ash Common Recreation Ground and Play Area is a typical, traditional-style play area with a little play train called the Ash Express. The play area’s...

Crystal Palace Park Play Area is a dinosaur-themed play area in Crystal Palace Park, an exciting London park which is full of things to do, including...

The atmospheric Natural History Museum at Tring is jam-packed with animals displayed in original, floor-to-ceiling, glass cases. It’s a fascinating place to...

When we visited Pumpkin Time at Sunnyfields Farm in 2020, there were pumpkins galore – piles of pumpkins, a pumpkin tunnel, and a field where you can pick a...

Crockford Bridge Farm hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival with pumpkin activities, carving and displays along with a play area and food and drink...

Keith Lucas Road Play Area in Farnborough is a small local play area. The play equipment includes swings, toddler swings, a multiplay with a slide, net, fireman’s...

Oakhanger Play Area is a small but well-equipped adventure play area on the edge of Shortheath Common. It’s a great spot to play, picnic and walk. The play...

There is a magical patch of wild at the foot of Lutcombe Bottom that is easier to access than the rest of the Ashford Hangers. This area has a shallow stream...

Aspen Grove Play Area is a small, enclosed play area in a residential cul-de-sac with: toddler swings, a wobbly balance beam, a helter-skelter style slide with easy...

The Highland Water flows through the trees at Millyford Bridge offering the chance to paddle, climb, balance, explore, cycle or picnic your way through the...

Longbourne Green Play Area is a small local play area in the middle of a field.  The play equipment includes a multiplay and slide with a bridge, net and climbing...

The atmospheric Chamberlain Gardens Play Area has: swings, toddler swings, a horse springer, a four-way springer, a slide with a bridge and easy to climb...

Great Hollands is the largest of Bracknell Town Council’s recreation areas. It has a range of facilities including a paddling pool, sports pitches and a play...

The Sands Recreation Ground and Play Area hides well but is worth finding. It is a small but has everything you need for a relaxed afternoon’s play – a...

Hollybrook Adventure Play Area is a modern, adventure play area built between rows of houses. It has equipment, including a basket swing, a spinner, a...

Inside The Look Out Discovery Centre is a fun-packed, hands-on science centre with over 90 activities including an indoor stream, a building...

If you have ever caught a fleeting glimpse of a deer and wished the experience had lasted longer, then Bolderwood is the place for you. Famous for the herds...

South Hill Park is a grand stately home turned arts venue, which is surrounded by gardens, lakes, woods, and three very different play areas. The grounds divide...

Polka Theatre is an atmospheric play venue as well as a theatre dedicated to children of all ages. It has two play areas – one outside and one...

Abinger Hammer Playground is the perfect place to take a picnic and spend a lazy afternoon splashing through the River Tillingbourne. When we visited the river was...

Compton Recreation Ground is a small, local play area. The play area has play equipment that includes toddler swings, a multiplay with a slide, springers, a long...

With sandy paths galore, James Bond connections and World War 2 remnants, Hankley Common is somewhere that is full of surprises. Hankley Common has beautiful...

The Rowles’ Family Play Area is a rural play area with wooden equipment and a large field in the picturesque village of Wherwell. The play equipment includes toddler...

Sitting on the edge of Yateley Green is a brightly coloured play area with a skate park, climbing area and large tube slide and a lily pond. The play equipment...

Bufton Field Play Area is a colourful play area with well looked after equipment, including a roundabout, a four-way springer, mix and match...

With not one but two sandy beaches you can swim and paddle from, it’s easy to see why Frensham Great Pond is a popular local spot to cool off on a hot...

Following the Riverside Railway Walk is just like riding a train. The route is fairly straight, passes old railway relics, crosses several sturdy bridges and...

The nautically themed River Hamble Country Park Adventure Play Area has two ships to sail, explore or capture. It has access to the River Hamble, a...

A walk to St Catherine’s Hill involves the River Wey, bridges, a lock, a sacred spring and water meadows. St Catherine’s Hill used to be called Drakehull (or...

We had no idea what to expect as we cautiously peered through a hole in the trees and down a dark footpath. We had accepted a challenge to find the...

This pretty pool is actually a ford in the River Whitewater where you can paddle, splash and splosh. It is quiet, peaceful and muddy. From here you can easily walk along...

Upper Green Play Area has an open, rural feel and wooden play equipment, including an obstacle course and a zip wire. The play equipment includes a multiplay...

What would you discover if you “took a stroll through a deep dark wood”? In Alice Holt Forest, it could be almost anything – play trails, cycle tracks...

Ascot Heath Children’s Play Area is in the centre of Ascot Racecourse and is somewhere you can play, scooter or cycle. The play equipment is said to be...

War Memorial Playing Field and Play Area is a recreation ground on the edge of Chilbolton Cow Common.  The play equipment includes toddler swings, swings...

If you know someone who longs to discover more about birds of prey, then consider a visit to the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Their mission is to conserve birds of prey...

With woods and paths to explore, places to build hideouts, scooter and cycle tracks, a gorgeous waterfall, some lost ruins from Rome, and a wooden...

As you walk through the gates of Morden Hall Park you leave behind the hectic pace of South London and step into a peaceful country estate with a...

Furzey Gardens hides an enchanted fairy kingdom, complete with a castle, a ferry company, wooden hideouts and about 40 fairy doors scattered throughout...

Hidden within a large housing development is Langdale Drive and its charming, woodland play area. Inside the enclosed junior area are: toddler swings a see...

There is something majestic about Snaprails Park and Play Area. I think it is the mature landscaping of the grounds, which were originally part of an estate...

“Wagons roll!” at Post Haste Play Area, which has a multiplay stagecoach being led by an elephant springer. The play equipment includes a...

Newlands Corner is one of the most spectacular picnic spots we have visited. The views are simply breathtaking. This is also the spot chosen by Agatha Christie...

Miller’s Ark might be small but it is jam-packed with animals to feed, cuddle and brush. We had close-encounters with so many animals – goats and sheep, pigs...

Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area is a small play area with a busy industrial estate at one end and the River Blackwater at the other. The play equipment...

Norden Station doesn’t have a waiting room, it has a train-themed play area called The Sidings! All aboard… The play equipment is based on Swanage Railway...

Timberline Adventure Play Area is a huge obstacle course that is a fun place to play The Floor is Lava. It is hidden away in Alice Holt Forest, about a five minute walk...

Walking through the forest at Rushmere Country Park is like strolling through a fairy tale. It feels every bit the enchanted forest with fairy doors, giants’...

Abinger Hammer Play Area is a small, wooden play area next to the River Tillingbourne. When we visited the river was shallow, slow flowing and...

Magical Shepherd Meadows is a picturesque mix of meadows, river and woodlands, full of head high flowers, butterflies, birds and ducks…lots and...

Runfold Recreation Ground Play Area is simply two swings and two toddler swings in the corner of a large field. When in the area, we prefer to visit The Sands...

Tucked away above Festival Place shopping centre is Basingstoke Discovery Centre, a large, modern library with a lively children’s section full of books and...

I first fell in love with Basildon Park whilst watching Mr Bingley gaze longingly after Jane Bennet from the house’s balcony in the 2005 film of Pride and...

Zebon Copse Play Area is a fantastic play area with modern equipment, a large playing field and plenty of nature nearby – both the Zebon Copse...

The atmospheric ruins of Nymans overlook rolling countryside from the top of a hill. Beautifully manicured gardens surround the house and...

Paddock Way Children’s Play Area is a colourful play area with a very big tyre swing!  The play equipment includes two climbing frames, a big tyre swing, a basket...

South Warnborough All-Games Play Area has a lovely location, with views over the surrounding fields towards RAF Odiham, and a good mixture of play and...

According to the information boards, Hawley Meadows gives an impression of how the Blackwater Valley would have looked 100 years ago. It must have...

Frensham Common is an area of open and airy heathland with woods, beautiful viewpoints and two popular ponds – Frensham Great Pond and Frensham...

Sitting high on a hill, Corfe Castle guards a gap in the Purbeck Hills, and is a fun castle to explore. Corfe Castle dates back to about 1066 and the Norman invasion of...

Parson’s Close Recreation Ground is the play area at the end of the magical Leighton-Linslade Children’s Trail. If you visit, you will see that something...

Centred around a large green with a pretty duck pond and brightly coloured play area, Pirbright Green and Play Area is an interesting place to spend an...

A pirate ship has run aground at California Country Park! Its crew – a parrot, an owl and an octopus wearing a Jolly Roger eyepatch – man the decks but...

Birdworld and Underwater World is one of the largest bird parks in the UK. It was also a first for us – the first time we have visited somewhere that my...

Flowing through the trees of The Savill Garden is the newly opened Adventure Play, a group of beautiful wooden huts, tree houses and tube slides connected by...

Buscot Village Play Area has a circular obstacle course and is a five minute walk from the River Thames and about a ten minute walk from Buscot Lock. The...

Normandy Common is a series of mini-adventures all within easy reach of Normandy Common Play Area. Will you try street snooker or table tennis? Will...

Ancells Farm Park Play Area is a well equipped adventure play area with equipment for children of all ages. Over the road is Ancells Farm Nature Reserve, a...

Littlehampton West Beach feels wild – an uninterrupted stretch of sand extending as far as the eye can see, flanked by sand dunes and turquoise waters. It is...

The water-meadows of Runnymede are where King John sealed Magna Carta in 1215, taking a step towards freedom and modern democracy. They are also home...

A ruined, medieval castle and the beautiful Basingstoke Canal seemed the perfect settings to try another one of Hampshire County Council’s Story...

Hidden in Sidney Woods is a stretch of the Wey and Arun canal. Now disused, this stretch of the canal has been reclaimed by nature, which makes for an interesting...

Peakfields Play Area is a small playground that is surrounded by houses and has a playing field. The play area equipment is for children to the age of 14 years and...

Balmer Lawn is a beautiful spot to splash around in the Lymington River.  Both banks are grassy and there are areas of shade too. The river is shallow...