Country parks with children’s play areas in Kent

Whether you’re looking for a cheap day out over the school holidays or want to get your kids out in the fresh air, you can’t beat a trip to your local park.

Kent is full of beautiful country parks and, the best part is, lots of them have fantastic children’s playgrounds where you can let the youngsters run wild.

BROCKHILL COUNTRY PARK, near Hythe

Woods, meadows, lakes and play areas - what’s not to love? This park is teeming with wildlife and has some great areas to explore, including the deer paddock and the valley. The play area is aimed at children aged 3-11 years old and has swings, climbing frames, monkey bars and animal brass rubbings.

Details: Open 9am until dusk, onsite parking costs £2.50 on weekdays and £3.50 on weekends.

CAPSTONE COUNTRY PARK, Gillingham

This former farm has been turned into a stunning park within the Kent Downs and now provides a huge space to walk, run, cycle or simply take in the views. Go for a stroll around the lake, enjoy a picnic in the open meadows or follow the mapped-out trails around the park. The playground has lots of fun features, including a balance beam and climbing frame.

Details: Open 6am to 4.30pm in February, with hours extended to 6pm in March, 7.30pm in April and 8.30pm from May until August. Onsite parking costs £2.50.

LEYBOURNE LAKES, near Malling

Set in 230 acres of meadows, wetlands and lakes, this beautiful park is a slice of country life. The play area is located next to the cafe, so you can grab a bite to eat and a hot drink while you wander around this peaceful space.

Details: Open 7am to 6pm in February and March, with hours extended to 8pm in April and 9pm from May to August. Onsite parking costs between £1.50 and £5.

LOWER LEAS COASTAL PARK, Folkestone

This huge seaside park is where you’ll find the southeast's largest outdoor playground. 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.

Details: Open 8am to 8pm, onsite parking costs £1.80 per hour or £10.80 for the day.

LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK, near Swanley

If your kids are feeling adventurous, they can swing among the trees and soar through the skies on the zip wire and cradle swing, hidden along the park’s Discovery Trail. For those who like to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground, the main play area has slides and swings aimed at toddlers and younger children..

Details: Open 9am until dusk, onsite parking costs £2.50 on weekdays and £3.50 on weekends.

MANOR PARK, West Malling

Once part of the manor’s 18th century estate, the space has since opened as a country park with woodland, wildflower meadows and a lake. There are picnic areas and a cafe where you can pick up snacks and drinks, dog walking routes, and a children’s play area with plenty of nearby seating for the grown ups.

Details: Open 9am until dusk, onsite parking costs £2 on weekdays and £3 on weekends.

SHORNE WOODS COUNTRY PARK, near Gravesend

There are three play areas at this country park, including one that was given an upgrade only three 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.

Details: Open 9am until dusk, onsite parking costs £3 on weekdays and £4 on weekends.

TESTON BRIDGE COUNTRY PARK, near Maidstone

Enjoy a rural stroll along the riverside at this 32-acre park. The space, just four miles outside of Maidstone, has lots of history, including the 15th century Teston Bridge, and some striking wildflower meadows. The play area has swings and slides, and it’s also perfect for ball games and picnics.

Details: Open 9am until dusk, onsite parking costs £2 on weekdays and £3 on weekends.