Warwickshire's best parks for children to play
Warwickshire's parks punch well above their weight when it comes to play. From brand-new riverside installations to pirate ships in the woods, the county has an impressive range of play areas tucked into its town parks and country parks and most of them surrounded by enough open green space to keep the whole family happy long after the climbing frames have been conquered.
Here are some of the best, in no particular order. Want to compare them? Scroll down for our handy comparison of park facilities.
Stratford-upon-Avon Recreation Ground
Swans Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6YY
The play area at Stratford's Rec has just had a major makeover and it's well worth seeking out, (and plenty sought it out even before the make-over). The result is a themed Forest and River play area with over 75 new play features, a refurbished paddling pool with additional water play features around the poolside, an improved sandpit and new inclusive equipment designed for children of a range of abilities. The play area is free to use and sits within the broader Rec, which also includes a children's cycle training track with realistic road markings, signs and working traffic lights - a brilliant feature for younger riders. The paddling pool opens daily from 1 May to 30 September (11am–7pm, weather permitting).
The Recreation Car Park is the best car park for families with younger children due to its proximity to the play area. St Nicholas Park, Warwick Location: CV34 4QU
St Nicholas Park, Warwick
Banbury Road, Warwick, CV34 4QY
This popular family park is a destination in its own right. Alongside a large children's play area, the Fun Park offers rides and amusements for younger children including the Funland Express train, Teacups and Orbital Cars - a proper small funfair that operates throughout the season. Adventure mini-golf adds another activity layer, and the whole park sits beside the River Avon with spectacular views across to Warwick Castle. For families with very young children, an outdoor paddling pool is a summer feature - just make sure you pack some spare dry clothes. Check the Warwick District Council website for current availability before visiting as it has been undergoing refurbishment in early 2026.
Riversley Park, Nuneaton
Coton Road, Nuneaton, CV10
Louis's Park, the play area within Riversley Park, is one of the most distinctive in Warwickshire - a beach-themed space named in memory of Fusilier Louis Carter, a local soldier who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2009. Opened in 2010, it features a pyramid tower, climbing frames, slides and a water and sand play area - so make sure you bring buckets and spades. The setting alongside the River Anker is attractive, and the park's free Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery next door, with its child-friendly displays on local history and George Eliot, makes this a genuinely rounded family outing. A free junior parkrun takes place in the park every Sunday morning at 9am for children aged 4–14.
The Riverlands, Henley-in-Arden
Town centre, off the High Street, B95
Henley's Riverlands is a lovely stop for families with younger children. The play equipment includes a junior play area alongside the River Alne, with picnic benches and open green space for a run-around. Simple, relaxed and free - and a natural complement to an ice cream and a wander along one of the finest medieval streets in England.
Go Bigger - Country Park Play Areas
Warwickshire's country parks are among the best destinations in the county for a full family day out, and several have excellent play provision to match their wider offer.
Kingsbury Water Park
Bodymoor Heath, near Sutton Coldfield Car park postcode: B76 0DY
Located right by the main car park is Lake View Play Area has play equipment zoned for different ages, plus a wheelchair swing. If you take a short walk or hop onto the miniature train trip to Far Leys you’ll find a charming wooden play area. Plus, take or hire bikes for several routes around the lakes.
Pooley Country Park, Polesworth
Pooley Lane, Polesworth, B78 1JA. Car park on site (charged).
For families, there is a well-equipped adventure play area with a balance trail added in 2022. The Pit Stop Coffee Shop - open weekends, bank holidays and Warwickshire school holidays - has a soft play area for under-fives alongside as well as food for when the youngsters have worked up an appetite. The award-winning Polesworth Poets Trail - which begins at the medieval abbey in the village and brings 27 poems into the landscape - and the free Child Friendly Warwickshire Trail, with a trail sheet collected from the café and a small prize on completion give children a mission to complete whilst still burning off energy.
Ryton Pools Country Park
Ryton Road, near Bubbenhall, Coventry, Warwickshire, with a primary postcode of CV8 3BH or CV8 3BG
This park has two themed play areas at either end of the park, which nicely encourages families to walk between them. The Pirate Play Area near the visitor centre is aimed at younger children (roughly 5–12) with pirate-themed climbing frames, tunnels and a boat-shaped multi-play structure with rope climb and slide. The Foothills Adventure Play Area on the far side of the park is aimed at older children with larger timber climbing structures. A miniature railway operates on Sunday afternoons from Easter to the end of September - worth timing a visit around.
Hartshill Hayes Country Park, Nuneaton
Oldbury Road, Hartshill, Nuneaton, CV10 0TE. Car park on site (charged).
Hartshill Hayes won't be the first choice if a large play area is the priority - the adventure playground near the car park is compact. But as a family destination it more than earns its place. The 137 acres of ancient woodland and open hilltop meadow offer some of the finest views in Warwickshire, and the setting for woodland adventures with geocaching to try, a Rich Woodland Walk audio trail, and the simple pleasure of running free through proper woodland. A tea kiosk operates on site alongside the visitor centre, toilets and picnic areas. Dogs are welcome throughout.
Good for: Woodland walks, bluebells, wide open hilltop views, geocaching, dog walking, school and family outings.
Spend more time outdoors on family adventures
For the full picture on Warwickshire's town parks and gardens, including riverside walks, formal gardens and spaces for all ages, see our Town Parks and Gardens guide. And for wider outdoor adventures, our Country Parks and Nature Reserves pages have everything you need to plan a bigger day out.