‘Mumbler Must’ – Parks and Play Areas

This blog was originally published in Nov 2018. We’ve re-shared in case you find hidden gems near you that you didn’t know about. Please follow the latest government advice and COVID-19 restrictions. 

At Mumbler we know it’s hard to keep the kids busy and entertained without spending a fortune. This is why we’ve put together a list of the best parks and play areas around Poole, so you have plenty of great free options to choose from. These have been selected not only by us but also by our lovely community of parents on Facebook. You can join us here.

Please let us know if you’d like us to add anything to this list. We are always happy to review new exciting places.

Poole Park

Poole Park is an absolute ‘Mumbler Must’ for anyone visiting or living in Poole. Some of the park’s great advantages are:

• 2 large play areas suitable for a wide range of ages
• Large green area for sports
• Great walking / scooting path
• It connects with Whitecliff park, making it a great 5k walk / run. The walk is mostly off road
• Pay and display, as well as free street parking available at various locations in and near the park
• Soft play and cafe
• Pub / restaurant
• Mini golf, water sports
• Hungry ducks and swans to feed
• Regular events and activities

Whitecliff Park

This park offers stunning views, a great walking path and large play area for all ages. You can walk or cycle safely along the water all the way to Pool Quay. For a full review visit the Poole Mumbler News Page in Facebook.

Hamworthy Park

This is a fantastic attraction or the entire family. The park has a large play area suitable for younger and older children, a paddling pool operating during the summer (make sure your little ones wear some sort of footwear as the floor can get very hot) and direct access to the beach by foot, though not pushchair / wheelchair friendly. Easy parking, public toilets and snacks cafe also available.

Treasure Island Canford Cliffs

This is a great option if you’d like to also take a walk to the beach.

‘The older kids love the roundabout, which can be wound up one way, then let go and stand well back as they show off their strength (or come flying off). It isn’t fenced in, so some people take their dogs to exercise there too. The pirate ship is wooden with some rope fencing to climb on. There are also trees to climb in the surrounding wooded areas which lead to the chine and down to the beach’. RP Poole Mumbler Chat Group

Avon Heath

‘A bit further afield is Avon Heath Country Park which has a great play area recently refurbished, and best bit is you can see the play area from the cafe.’ BC Poole Mumbler Chat Group

Kings Park

‘Kings Park is also fab for the fenced in play park, which has TWO zipwires, and a brilliant wooden climbing area specifically for older children, while there is plenty for the younger ones too. There’s a great skate park at Kings Park too and loads of areas for dog walking, ball games etc’. RP Poole Mumbler Chat Group

Alexandra Park

‘Alexander park is great for scooters and bikes also has football area. The park has great climbing frame for all ages and the other equipment is varied and fun too’. LH Poole Mumbler Chat Group

Sandbanks Play Area

‘The play area at Sandbanks beach pretty good too. Giant nets to climb, tyre swing and more. Need to pay to park’. KE Poole Mumbler Chat Group

Play area at Rockley Beach

‘The little park down at Rockley Beach is fab. Parking is free, cafe right next to park though not open all year and can wander over to the beach for a play and a paddle’. AH Poole Mumbler Chat Group