Top 10 outdoor play areas to take the kids this half term

The February school holidays are upon us which means parents across the town will be looking for different ways to keep their children entertained.

Where better than the park? Our town is full of hundreds of free, outdoor play areas where you can take the kids to burn off that excess energy.

We've put together a list of 10 that would make an easy and cheap day out.

Top 10 outdoor play areas to take the kids this half term

1. Crabtree

It's got climbing frames, a tyre swing and (more importantly) a zipwire. There is no better place to look than this and it is only a short walk away from the second destination on our list.

2. Black Dam 

The play area in Black Dam has a high slide and a spinning dish to make kids dizzy. It's also got the beautiful nature of Black Dam ponds nearby to explore nearby. What more could you want?

3. War Memorial Park

Just a stone's throw away from the previous suggestion, the War Memorial Park play area provides hours of fun. It's not far from the playing fields either, so bring a ball and enjoy a day out. If you get bored, you can always head into the town centre or even down to number four on the list...

4. Eastrop Park

It's got a rope climbing frame, it's got slides, it's got swings and more. Eastrop is a fab day out and you can enjoy the surrounding entertainment it provides if your kids have had enough.

5. Brighton Hill Park

A lovely little park right behind our Cafe of the Year. You can grab a yummy snack from Cafe Dome while your little ones tire themselves out in the play area. The park also makes for a nice walk and there are various shops nearby in case you need some retail therapy.

6. Beggarwood Park

The park itself makes for a wonderful walk and the play area has more than enough to keep the kids busy. There's a zipwire and just further down you will find a BMX track for the more adventurous individuals. Fancy a bite to eat? The Holly Blue is just over the road and the friendly staff will make you the perfect lunch.

7. The Lime Pits

A classic play area with tonnes of open space nearby for a beautiful walk, the Lime Pits has a junior, a toddler and a senior play area plus an adventure trail. Recently refurbished, it has a picnic area where you can sit down and enjoy a bite to eat.

8. Loddon Valley open space

A short walk from Barton's Mill, this fun little play area has a nice open field nearby and you can find some goal posts a bit further down. You can enjoy a nice lunch at the pub once you're done playing.

9. Chineham Games Area

Fun swings, long slides and even a playing field. What more could you want from a park? This spacious play area provides hours of fun.

10. Rooksdown Playground

A lovely little play area with things to do for all ages, it's even got a skate park nearby and a circle walk. Kids can take to new heights on the climbing frame and test their balance on the stepping stones.