Parks and Play Areas in Dorset

Whitecliff Playpark

Whitecliff Play Park is ideally situated in Whitecliff Harbourside Park which is on the very coast of Poole, meaning on a warm summer's day, children can have a good run around the open green space, a few hours in the playground followed by a walk along the seafront!

Location: Whitecliff Road, BH14 8DU

Play Equipment: Sand pit and diggers, net climbing frame, play boat, helicopter themed climbing frame, cradle swings, junior swings, buddy swing and a large multi play unit

Facilities: Free parking on site, toilet facilities at the pavilion. 

TGt Rating: 5/5

 

Kingston Road Play Area

Kingston Road Play Area is one of the best parks to go to in Poole if you have different aged children, as they accommodate for both younger and older children. The younger children's play area is ideal, as it's fenced and raised - separate to the older children's equipment.

Location: Longfleet Road, BH15 2LP

Play Equipment: Climbing frame and play house, activity play panels, springy rockers, see-saw for young children, cradle swings, a cone climber, a see-saw for older children, a buddy swing, a rocker, balance trail and junior swings

Facilities: Limited parking on roads nearby. Please note that the play area opens at 10:30am daily.

TGt Rating: 5/5
 

Sterte Green Play Area

Sterte Green is a relatively new play area to Poole, so the equipment is very modern and perfect for the kids to enjoy hours of fun on! There's plenty of open space on site too, so you can make a day of it and bring a picnic along!

Location: Sterte Avenue, BH15 2BA

Play Equipment: large wooden pirate ship with slides and rigging, roundabout with wheelchair spaces, springer, balance raft, gondola rope swing, swings (including toddler swing), long swing frame with nest and junior seat

Facilities: Picnic table with seats, limited parking on roads nearby.

TGt Rating: 4/5
 

Treasure Island Play Area

Ahoy, me hearties! Everyone loves Treasure Island Play Area for it's pirate-themed play equipment, so if your little one is into pirates - this is the perfect place to come!  

Location: Cliff Drive, Poole BH13 7JF

Play Equipment: Large wooden pirate ship, a dolphin springer, suspended boat, junior swings and mixed cradle swings, climbing frame, slide, roundabout, balance beam and rope bridge. Suitable for 5 – 12-year olds.

Facilities: Toilets on Canford Cliffs Promenade, picnic tables. Limited parking nearby, but Pay and Display parking is available in Ravine Road

TGt Rating: 4/5

West Gate Play Area

West Gate Play Area is located just a stone throw's away from popular Poole Park, where there's a cafe, boating lake and all the facilities you could need. Why not enjoy a wander around the lake after your trip to the playground?

Location: Sandbanks Road, BH15 1TP

Play Equipment: Climbing frame, toddler slide, large slide, cabin slide, talk tubes, swings, cradle swings and seating

Facilities: Three car parks in Poole Park, or alternatively limited parking on nearby roads. Toilets in Poole Park West Gate and picnic tables on site.

TGt Rating: 4/5

King's Road Play Area

King's Road Play Area is an enclosed play area with activities suited to children under the age of eleven.

Location: Dorchester, DT1 1QU

Play Equipment: 

• Swings
• Slides
• Rockers
• Climbing Frame

Facilities: The area has seats and picnic tables available.

TGt Rating: 3/5

Photo Credit: https://www.dorchester-tc.gov.uk/Services/Play+areas/Kings+Park

Hamworthy Park and Beach

Hamworthy's famous beach and park are one of the best outdoor areas to spend an afternoon in the sun with the kids at in Poole. This beautiful beach promenade is usually packed with families and tourists during the summer months looking for something fun to do. Take a beautiful stroll down the scenic beachfront, swing around on the Hamworthy playpark, cool down in their splashpark, and recover with a warm drink in the Park Cafe.

Location: Lulworth Ave, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4DH

Play Equipment: Huge play area, splash park, swings, slides, climbing frames, monkey bars, and so much more.

Facilities: The Park Cafe, beach, beach huts, public toilets, and nearby parking.

TGt Rating: 5/5

Jurassic Play Jungle

Jurassic Play Jungle is a charming playground featuring wooden play structures, nestled in Bournemouth Central Gardens, just a short stroll from the town centre.

Location: 24 Bradburne Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5SS

Play Equipment: Swings, Zip Wire, Slide and Climbing Frame

Facilities: Coffee shop nearby.

TGt Rating: 3/5

Radipole Park and Gardens

These 'hidden gardens of Weymouth' provide stunning flowers and plants, as well as a variety of trees making it a beautiful setting for wedding photographers. 

Location: Radipole Park Drive, DT3 5EZ

Play Equipment: The play area, skatepark and football pitch are popular attractions.

Facilities: The large grassed area is perfect for those wanting to have picnics. A small free of charge car park is available to visitors to the gardens. 

TGt Rating: 4/5 

Image Credit: https://www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/parks-gardens/radipole-park/

Lodmoor Country Park

Lodmoor Country Park is a popular park that includes fun trails and playgrounds as well as family-friendly attractions such as a mini-train ride and aquarium. Most of the park is free to access allowing you to enjoy lots of sport and recreation areas and nature reserves.

Location: Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, DT4 7SX

Play Equipment: 

• Tree Trail
• Green Gym
• Pirate Ship Play Park
• Children's Green Gym
• Lodmoor RSPB Nature Reserve
• Sea Life Centre
• Sandworld
• Rio Grande Railway
• 9-Hole Pitch and Putt
• Leisureranch

Facilities: Whether you're seeking a leisurely meal or a quick snack, The Lodmoor pub offers a spacious restaurant as well as options for lighter fare. Picnic tables and barbecue bins are conveniently placed for public use year-round. Additionally, visitors can access public and disabled toilet facilities around the clock, every day of the year.

The park features wheelchair-accessible pathways, mostly level with informal gravel paths. Ample parking for both cars and coaches is provided in the pay-and-display car park.

TGt Rating: 3/5

Image Credit: https://www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/parks-gardens/lodmoor-country-park-park-run-park-yoga/