Five Kent parks with great playgrounds for families who want a budget day out

Now that the summer holidays are over and you’ve spent all your money at theme parks, gift shops, McDonalds - basically, anything to keep the kids quiet - it’s time to start reigning in the spending again.

If you still want to enjoy great days out with the family but are feeling the post-holiday pinch, we’ve got five brilliant budget-friendly play parks where the children can let loose…

COBTREE MANOR PARK, near Maidstone

Cobtree Manor Park was once home to Maidstone Zoo, which was opened in 1934 by Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake and became the largest private zoo of its time. However, the wildlife park closed in 1959 and, today, a kid’s play area sits in its place. The park still pays homage to its animal roots, with a zoo-themed fort, climbing frame, swings and slides for children, as well as a sculpture trail that gives a nod to Sir Garrard’s menagerie.

Where: Forstal Road in Aylesford, near Maidstone. Entry is free, but parking starts from £2.

LOWER LEAS COASTAL PARK, Folkestone

This huge seaside park is where you’ll find the southeast's largest outdoor play area, so it’s great for active kids who need to burn off some energy. The main play area has tube slides, net tunnels and towers, with a further five smaller play parks surrounding it. There’s also a pirate-themed playground with a shipwreck and climbing walls, a sand digger and rocking boats. It’s all just a stone’s throw from the beach, so if you catch it on a nice day you can always hang around to watch the sunset over Folkestone’s harbour.

Where: Lower Sandgate Road in Folkestone. Entry is free, but parking starts from £1.80.

PEGWELL BAY, Ramsgate

Visitors to Pegwell Bay, just a short drive from Ramsgate, can explore three different playgrounds. There are swings, slides and climbing frames but, if your whole family could do with stretching their legs, the park’s nature reserve is a great spot for walking or cycling. There are beautiful coastal views and a picnic area for when you need a pitstop.

Details: Sandwich Road in Cliffsend, near Ramsgate. Entry is free, but parking starts from £2.

SHORNE WOODS COUNTRY PARK, near Gravesend

There are three play areas at this country park just outside of Gravesend, including one that was given an upgrade only two years ago. The refurbishment included slides, climbing and balancing equipment, cradle swings and a swing and roundabout suitable for wheelchair users. The park also has walking and running trails, fishing spots and a permanent orienteering course.

Where: Brewers Road in Shorne, near Gravesend. Entry is free, but parking starts from £3.

WESTGATE PARKS, Canterbury

Since opening as an adventure play park in 2014, Toddler’s Cove has been a hit with Canterbury families. The playground, nestled in Westgate Parks, is a short stroll outside of the city centre and is open all year round. As a tribute to the park’s history as a site of Roman occupation, there is a Roman-themed climbing frame, alongside the swings, slides, zipwire and picnic tables.

Details: Whitehall Road in Canterbury. Entry is free, there’s no parking on site but there are car parks in Canterbury city centre.