There are so many playgrounds in the area it can be hard to know which ones are really worth the time and trouble to visit. We’ve compiled a list of the best play parks in Poole and Bournemouth so you can spend time having fun instead.
1. Upton Country Park, Poole
Excitingly nearby Upton Country Park has had a brand new set of fabulous play areas built for children of all ages to enjoy. These robust timber structures are extensive and span from outside of the Park tea rooms through to the fields beyond.
In the summer, children can also enjoy the fountains outside of the tea rooms in the walled garden.
2. Alum Chine Play Park, Bournemouth
Recently refurbished, this playground has a great location right on the beach, is next to a cafe and is walking distance from Bournemouth town centre. It has a ‘Treasure Island’ theme whose author, Robert Louis Stevenson, lived at the top of Alum Chine between 1885 and 1887.
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3. Whitecliff Recreation Ground Play Area, Poole
This playground has stunning views over the harbour of Brownsea Island and Parkstone Yacht Club. It is in a large enclosed space, so little ones can have a toddle away from dogs too.
4. The Quomps Play Park and Splashpark, Christchurch
Another lovely location, very close to Christchurch town centre and recently refurbished. The splash park is wonderful in the summer.
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5. Poole Park Playgrounds, Poole
The park has two play areas, West Gate and Cygnet which are worth visiting together. There are two cafes serving delicious ice cream and cake in between to make the trip worthwhile.
- poole.gov.uk/sports-and-leisure/parks-and-open-spaces/play-areas/play-areas-near-poole-town/west-gate-play-area
- poole.gov.uk/sports-and-leisure/parks-and-open-spaces/play-areas/play-areas-near-parkstone-and-penn-hill/cygnet-play-area
6. Boscombe Pier and Chine Gardens, Boscombe
Boscombe pier has a range of musical instruments to play, and the Chine Gardens has a water-themed play area which is worth a combined visit.
- bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/boscombe-pier-p1559043
- bournemouth.gov.uk/Parks/FindParksGardens/BoscombeChineGardens.aspx
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7. Hamworthy Park Play Area & Paddling Pool, Poole
The park has beautiful views over the harbour, and an enormous, recently renovated padding pool for children to cool off in the summer.
8. Treasure Island Play Area, Canford Cliffs, Poole
Opened in 2011, this playground is in a great location above Canford Cliff Chine and is within easy reach of the beach and two excellent pubs (The Plantation and The Cliff).
9. Alpine Adventure, Hurn
A bit of an outsider on this list and situated at the back of the Snowtrax Ski Slope, Alpine Adventure is a little-known gem your kids will love.
The area comprises of wooden assult course, trampolines and even a huge pirate ship complete with slide and skeleton pirate hidden below deck.
If you are feeling particularly active, do the ringos first and you will access the adventure park at a discounted rate.
10. Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Ringwood
Our final entry is the play park to end all play parks.
Run by the Forestry Commission, children at Moors Valley are treated to a miniature railway with a 20 minute train journey, two extensive play areas (one for youngsters and the other for older kids), Go Ape and an extensive play trail with nine enormous wooden play structures to have fun in along the way.
Well worth the journey, you will not be disappointed.
That’s the end of our list, thank you for reading. Do you know of any play parks in Poole & Bournemouth we have missed or information we could add? Feel free to get in touch and let us know.
