Image: Ben Harrison Photography
Built around the frontage of the historic Doncaster High School for Girls, the state of the art venue houses brand new libraries for adults and children, a Rail Heritage Centre, two museums and an art gallery.
Admission is free.
Have you discovered Geocaching yet? It’s a great FREE thing to do outdoors with the kids, in any weather.
Head over to our Geocaching blog to find out how to get started.
FREE table tennis is back at the Lakeside Village. The Ping Pong parlour is popping up until May 22.
This was really popular in previous years and everyone is welcome to play.
There are also new opening hours at the Lakeside Village – it is now open from 9.30am every weekday morning. (Great if you’re heading there after the school run this Spring/Summer!)
Within easy reach of Doncaster – huge lake to walk around (2 mile lakeside trail suitable for walkers, joggers and cyclists), Woodland walk and bird hides. plus adventure playground, picnic areas and a cafe.
There is also a Room on the Broom Adventure Trail. Activity packs can be purchased from the visitor centre for £2. Follow the trail, find sculptures, look for animal footprints, trace rubbings and have fun doing activities along the way. Accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Anglers Country Park, Haw Park Lane, Wintersett, Wakefield, WF4 2EB
A great, free rainy day activity which can be combined with a visit to The Old George Cafe and Barnsley Market. Both the museum and the gallery have interactive and hands on activities for children.
Parking is available close by, many of which are free at the weekend.
Church St, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2TA
If you fancy a quiet walk in gorgeous woodland then Bawtry Forest is a great place to explore. Perfect for dog walking too but make sure you have your wellies on in winter!
Bawtry Forest, Doncaster, DN10 6DA
Steeped in history and full of charm, Bishops’ House is both a museum and Sheffield’s best preserved timber framed building. It is free to enter.
There are trails for children to follow as well as dressing up clothes.
Young families tend to spend between half an hour and an hour in the house before heading towards the playground in the park. Those with an interest in history or historic buildings can easily spend over an hour looking around.
Being located at the top of leafy Meersbrook Park provides one of the finest views over Sheffield just a few metres away from the house. Bishops’ House is also on the route of Sheffield Round Walk and walkers will often pop in for a look around.
Norton Lees Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S8 9BE
Dramatic moorland rock formations. Explore Brimham Rocks, and have a great day out at nature’s playground.
This amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations makes a great day out for families, climbers and those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and magnificent views over Nidderdale.
We visited recently (August 2020). It’s a wonderful place, the kids loved climbing (my heart was in my mouth a few times as they climbed bigger rocks) but we all loved exploring. The toilets were open and social distancing measures in place.
There’s no admission charge at Brimham Rocks. Parking is free for National Trust members.
Non National Trust members, our car parking charges are as follows: £4 up to three hours, £5 thereafter
The main car park is accessed from the Kingsway on the A18. There is also a secondary car par park accessible from Ashby Road, the A159. Car parking here is free of charge. It is about a 30 minute drive from Doncaster. Central Park is a great place for a picnic, a walk or a bike ride.
Play Facilities at Central Park
At the centre of the park there is an excellent play facility with lots to offer for children of all ages. Featuring the Nutshell Café, this central hub is a vibrant area easily accessed from the car parks via the adjoining footpaths and the boulevard. Picnic tables are available for use in this area.
There is also a fully accessible Splashpad, suitable for accompanied children from three to 12 years old, which operates throughout the summer season. No dogs are allowed in this area.
There is a secure, fully accessible play area split into three zones for children of all ages with seating and grassed picnic areas:
No dogs are allowed in these areas.
Central Park, Kingsway, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN17 1BJ
This is a fabulous park, free to get in aside from parking. There are then optional extras (such as the splash pool in summer or the fairground rides).
Have to say, we have been loads of times and not had to spend a penny – there is loads to keep the children entertained without spending a penny. Play areas for big and little children, sand pit and lots of space to run around and picnic.
Clifton Park, Doncaster Road, Rotherham, S65 2BH
Walk in the footsteps of the Ice Age hunter and enter a world of fire and flint.
Discover a legacy etched in stone with cave art 10,000 years older than the pyramids.
Explore life on the edge of the Ice Age world.
There is no charge to visit the Creswell Crags site or to walk around the lake and gorge. It is also free to visit the shop and coffee shop.
There is a £3 charge for all day parking (the ticket machines require exact change – change is available from reception).
Creswell Crags Museum & Heritage Centre
Crags Road, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3LH
The museum collections reflect the daily lives of people in Doncaster from the 18th century to the present day. There is no charge for entry into the Museum but donations are welcome.
Cusworth Park Toilet facilities available 10.30am-4pm.
The historic parkland surrounding Cusworth Hall is open to the public every day of the year. It’s the perfect location for picnics, walks with the dog, or family days out.
Children’s play areas and a playing field are also located within the park and a variety of walking trails are available from the Hall reception. Admission to the park is free but car parking charges apply. The park also features a gorgeous river, alongside three lakes that have stunning decorative scenery.
Toilet facilities are open from 10:30- 4pm.
Situated in Cusworth Hall’s former stable and coach house, Butlers Tea Room and Bistro serves meals, snacks and drinks.
The Old Brewhouse is a cosy microbrewery and bar built into the original brewhouse which served the Wrightson family for centuries.
Cusworth Lane, Doncaster DN67TU
01302 782342
Whether it’s seeing Doncaster’s only public bird aviary, or strolling through the historic Dell gardens, there is a lot to do at Hexthorpe Park.
The park has places to play including toddler and junior play areas (we have enjoyed these in the past and there seemed to be something to suit various ages).
There are also natural play areas, a playing field and multi-games area, skate park, BMX track, tennis courts and a basketball post.
The Dell Cafe provides somewhere to sit and have something to eat and there are also picnic areas and teen sheltered seating.
We thought it was a very pretty park with lots of beautiful scenery including woodlands and the Dell. They have hosted events previously (which we have been to) including one at Halloween and they had lots of activities for the children to take part in, plus performances from local choirs etc in the bandstand. Worth looking out for as it is quite a mysterious place by night and by candlelight looked magical.
Hexthorpe Park, Bramworth Road, DN4 0HY
A well maintained, award winning park for everyone to enjoy with many facilities including open green spaces, a skate park, a great children’s play area, seating, a rose garden, a formal garden and wildlife gardens. There is a great variety of trees and a bridge takes you over the River Idle.
We enjoyed a day out a Kings Park last summer on a lovely sunny day. My mini mumblers enjoyed paddling in the river, playing on the playground and ice creams from the kiosk. There is also a splash park here which looked great but wasn’t in operation at the time due to Covid-19. We’ll definitely visit again this year.
Chancery Lane, Retford, DN22 6DF
Outside, opposite Clarks Outlet, you’ll find our jungle-themed ‘Cheeky Monkeys’ play area suitable for children aged 5 to 12. This area includes a number of inclusive benefits for all children to enjoy such as a sign language wall, quiet teepee area for children to go if they need a timeout and a wheelchair friendly level Connect 4 and tic tack toe game. In addition, there is a climbing wall and a range of exciting playground equipment all made from sustainable wood.
Inside, using the entrance next to Ernest Jones, you’ll find our indoor play area suitable for toddlers. The soft play area features a ball pit, steps and a slide – the ideal place for little ones to explore in.
Lakeside Village also has free parking, a Changing Places toilet for disabled visitors, a dedicated baby changing & feeding room, a quiet room for visitors who might need some time out, and electric vehicle charging points. We are also autism friendly and dog friendly.
White Rose Way, Doncaster, DN4 5PJ
There is plenty of free parking and easy disabled access. Relax and enjoy a walk around our large gardens where you will find well-stocked and competitively priced Trees, Evergreen Shrubs, Magnificent Flowers and Hanging Baskets, most of which are from our own nursery.
If you need a break then a range of food is available from our Boilerhouse Restaurant from breakfast to homemade lunches (carvery on Sunday) or just tea & scones. All freshly prepared on the premises.
Also on-site, we have other outlets including a Pet Centre, Ladies Fashion Boutique, Large Men’s Clothing Outlet & Steam Museum which is free to visit.
The museum has an impressive collection of restored stationary steam engines. In total around 18 steam engines & pumps are on display, the majority of which can be run on steaming days.
Housed in a purpose built building they have been lovingly restored , rebuilt and maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers, who are always willing to show you around and explain things to you.
Please note that the museum closes from November to March each year.
Longlands Lane, Brodsworth, Doncaster, DN5 7XD
With nine floors of galleries to explore, three cinemas including Yorkshire’s biggest IMAX screen, and a packed programme of events, you’re sure to find something to inspire you.
National Media Museum, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1NQ
Open Daily 10-6pm (Museum and Shop)
Free entry to museum.
The National Railway Museum is another great option for a free, indoor day out. With a little play station for under 5s and over 300 years of railway history to explore, everyone is sure to have fun at the National Railway Museum.
Within an hour of Doncaster and very easy to reach by train as it is very close to York station.
Your ticket will be free but must be prebooked online.
Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
Newmillerdam Country Park has a central lake, surrounded by a surfaced path. It is around a 50 minute drive from Doncaster.
Help Gnome Tony find his gnome friends and the bear that has scared them all away! Enjoy a scenic walk, find the sculptures and complete activities and challenges as you go. Pick up a leaflet from the dispensers in the car park. Suitable for all ages and accessible for pushchairs and most wheelchairs (there are some slopes on the route).
This is a free activity but car park charges apply if parking in the car park for more than two hours.
Barnsley Road, WF2 6QQ (USe Post code WF2 6QP)
The North York Moors National Park is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, spectacular coast, ancient woodland and historic sites.
Find out what there is to see and do and discover how the National Park Authority works with the people who live here to care for this beautiful place.
Padley Gorge is located in the Peak District, near NT Longshaw Estate (we parked there and walked through it to get to Padley Gorge). It was full of families paddling, with plenty of space to put a blanket down and have a picnic there too.
The kids loved climbing over the rocks in the water – we were there for ages and there was an ice cream van too. Longshaw was a nice place to have a family walk and there was a cafe and toilets aswell.
Longshaw, near Sheffield, Derbyshire, S11 7TZ (around a 50 minute drive from Doncaster)
We’ve been here a few times and it’s a great splash park for the kids. It’s now open from 11am- 5pm daily and no booking is required although they ask that you limit your time to 1 hour if people are queuing.
Normanby, North Lincolnshire, DN15 9HU
Reopened on Saturday 28th May 2022.
This is one of the UK’s largest outdoor water play zones and suitable for children of all ages. Think cannons, spray arches, dumping buckets and water wheels!
Aqua-Tek is free with admission tickets to the Science Adventure Centre and free for annual pass holders. Outdoor only tickets are available on the day.
Magna, Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham, S60 1DX (around 30 minutes drive from Doncaster)
Now open at weekends and daily for Summer school holidays.
The Aquapark is open again for summer, where you can climb, slide and make a splash on their floating inflatable Aquapark and tackle the course that features climbing walls, slides, runways and a giant blast bag. All participants must be 7+ years and a height of at least 122cm.
There are also Kayaks, Paddle Boards and Canoes to hire.
The natural lake pool also offers the opportunity for swimmers to brave the elements and enjoy swimming in a safe outdoor environment.
Old Throne Road, Hatfield, Doncaster, DN7 6EQ (around 15 minutes drive from Doncaster)
Now open for the Summer season!
Action packed, fun activities for the whole family in Rother Valley Country Park. Play on the inflatable Aqua Park, learn to kneeboard, water-ski or wakeboard on the full- size Cable Wake Park.
On the main lake you can also hire electric ships, pedal boats, rowing boats and canoes. Water zorbing is available too!
Mansfield Road, Sheffield, S26 5PQ (around 25 minutes drive from Doncaster)
This exciting sea-themed splash pad offers a wide variety of water features over a 45 metre interactive play zone. With a pirate ship, jet sprays, boulders, splash slide and water table there are hours of free fun to be had!
The Splash Pool operates on a seasonal basis and will be open for daily use between 10am and 6pm from May through to September (weather permitting).
Church Street, Langold, Worksop (around 25 minutes drive from Doncaster)
At Wheelgate Park you can experience one of the largest outdoor water parks in the UK, featuring five fast and furious water slides and a splash shop (just in case you forget something).
This water play area is amazing, it’s huge! We have visited before and there are lots of water firing cannons and buckets tipping. There are changing rooms here aswell, which always helps.
The water park and splash park are now open for 2022. Save 15% on park tickets when they are pre-booked online, then select your splash play booking slot.
White Post, Farnsfield, Newark, Notts, NG22 8HX (around 40 minutes drive from Doncaster)
The Water Splash at Clifton Park, Rotherham is a full acre of water park fun! With fountains, a paddling pool, a whirlpool and over 70 water jets that activate at random, the Water Splash is amazing fun for people of all ages. There is a café close by so if your kids are a bit older then you can relax with a cuppa or an ice cream, and watch the kids have a brilliant time!
The Water Splash is normally free of charge, however there is a charge for parking. It’s open weekends and Rotherham school holidays from 8th April until the end of August 2022 (weather permitting). Clifton Park are also running TODDLER SPLASH sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer term for children under 5. The cost is £2.70 per child entry and runs from 11am- 1:30pm. You can get your wrist bands from the kiosk from 10:30am.
Clifton Park, Clifton Lane, Rotherham, S65 2AA (around 25 minutes drive from Doncaster)
Kings Park in Retford is a great place to visit on a sunny day because it has a splash park to play in and a river for paddling! The Splash park is located next to the children’s playground and is open from May to September. It has water cannons, a pirate ship, jets, hanging buckets plus a sand play area. There’s plenty of space to picnic here too and a kiosk selling drinks and ice creams.
Chancery Lane, Retford, DN22 6DF (around 30 minutes drive from Doncaster)
Bentley Park is a fantastic outdoor space, with the borough’s only water play area. We visited in June and the water area is very small but there’s lots of other play equipment in the park to keep children busy. We combined our visit with a trip to the new Boston & Co cafe (just next to the playground) which was really nice. It had highchairs, a baby changing area, a children’s menu and a small play corner for little ones.
Askern Road, Bentley (opposite the Bentley Baptist Church), Doncaster, DN5 0HU
For more ideas of things to do this Summer head over to our Summer Holidays What’s On Guide
You might also be interested in Pools & Leisure Centres
We have so many parks and playgrounds to enjoy in and around Doncaster. Here are are a few that we’d recommend and you can find the full list here in our Parks & Playgrounds area.
One of the largest parks in Doncaster, there is lots of open space and lots to keep children entertained, including toddler and junior play areas, with zipwire and climbing frame, plus a brilliant new woodland adventure play area (which is left of the car park and cafe, hidden from view a bit, but follow the path and go through the hedge). Worth noting that it is ALL FREE, even car parking. They also have a sensory trail, which you can see as you go towards the woodland adventure play area. This is an inclusive outdoor experience suitable for families whose children have special educational needs and disabilities. For more information, take a look at the Sandall Park website.
A range of sports facilities are available including outdoor gym equipment, basketball post and 3 football pitches.
We have enjoyed a picnic many times at Sandall Park, but there is also a cafe.
If you’re looking to get fit, there are Fit and Fun Walks, plus the Doncaster Parkrun here. See our adult fitness pages for more information.
We have also hidden a Doncaster Mumbler Geocache here as part of the #100ThingsDN campaign. Can you find it?
Sandall Park, Thorne Road (opposite KFC). DN2 5DW
Cusworth Hall (Museum and Park)
The historic parkland surrounding Cusworth Hall is open to the public every day of the year. It’s the perfect location for picnics, walks with the dog, or family days out.
Children’s play areas and a playing field are also located within the Park and a variety of walking trails are available from the Hall reception. Admission to the Park is free, but there are car parking charges. Have some change with you or you can pay by card.
Cusworth Hall, Cusworth Lane, Doncaster, DN6 7TU
Askern Boating Lake has beautiful scenery, various spots and play facilities and a cafe with a view of the lake.
There are toddler and junior play areas, playing fields for the kids to have a good run around, sports pitches (football and cricket), plus places to eat (cafe and picnic areas).
If you fancy a walk, there are various walking routes.
Askern Boating Lake, Off Station Road, DN6 0JB
We stumbled across Hexthorpe Park when attending an event a few years ago.
The park has places to play including toddler and junior play areas (there seems to be something to suit various ages).
There are also natural play areas, a playing field and multi-games area, skate park, BMX track, tennis courts and a basketball post.
The Dell Cafe provides somewhere to sit and have something to eat and there are also picnic areas and teen sheltered seating.
We thought it was a very pretty park with lots of beautiful scenery including woodlands and the Dell and the public bird aviary. They have hosted events previously, which we have been to, including one at Halloween and they had lots of activities for the children to take part in, plus performances from local choirs etc in the bandstand. Worth looking out for as it is quite a mysterious place by night and by candlelight looked magical.
Hexthorpe Park, Bramworth Road, DN4 0HY
This is a fabulous park, free to get in aside from parking. There are then optional extras (such as the splash pool in summer or the fairground rides).
Have to say, we have been loads of times and not had to spend a penny – there is loads to keep the children entertained and it is a great place to picnic. Play areas for big and little children, sand pit and lots of space to run around and picnic.
Clifton Park, Doncaster Road, Rotherham, S65 2BH
See more parks and playgrounds here.
Remember too that there is a free Lakeside Trail that is a great idea for school holidays. See more about the Lakeside Trail here.
Peasholm Park Scarborough, North Yorkshire is open for everyone to enjoy all year round, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Entrance to the Park, which is never closed, is FREE.
A former quarrying site is now an award-winning park and local nature reserve, with a wide range of things to see and do.
There is a toddler play area, with slide, swings, a rope net pyramid and sand pit, plus a junior play area with climbing frame, tightrope walk, a hammock and zipwire. There is also a playing field and sports facilities including a multi-use games area and outdoor gym equipment.
Enjoy one of the walking routes and nature walks, along with an orienteering course if you want to do some exploring.
As a nature reserve, you will be able to see a variety or wildlife, so it’s a great place for a nature trail.
Quarry Park is just over 5 miles outside Doncaster town centre on the A18 to Dunsville. Parking facilities are available near to the Post Office on the High Street, Dunsville.
The Park has fantastic facilities for families to enjoy a brilliant day out in the fresh air. We currently have a take away service at the Stables Café located at the Park Courtyard Area, Ice Cream Vans are located in the park daily and you can bring your own picnic.
The park has plenty of open spaces to play your own outdoor games, walk, cycle visit the play areas, ride on the miniature train, feed the birds and animals at station farm.
The activity centre is located on the main lake and has pedal boats for 4 people, rowing boats for four people and canoes for 1, 2 and 3 people for leisure hire. Water zorbing is popular with children and 5 minutes in one of these will tire out the most active of children.
For families who want to learn something together the Activity Centre offers lessons and courses that you as a family can take part in together, taster sessions in canoeing and sailing, level 1 and 2 in sailing, 1 star and 2 star canoeing. You can even have an instructor for Archery for your family. Lessons and courses are to be booked in advance.
Mansfield Road, Wales Bar, Sheffield, S26 5PQ (around a 30 minute drive from Doncaster)
Free to enter and lots to see including the impressive Hall of Steel and Henry VIII’s armour.
We visited June 2022 and there were also interactive shows throughout the day.
My children loved the huge elephant and they were doing about Saxons at school so enjoyed seeeing more about this period.
Lots of restaurants nearby and walkable from the train station.
Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT
A great place to enjoy the outdoors in woodland, enjoying a picnic, walking and playing.
There is a play area, sensory area and car parking.
Covill’s Trail is a 2km circular path through the wood, suitable for pushchairs.
The postcode for Sandall Beat Road is DN2 6JP and there is free parking.
One of the largest parks in Doncaster, Sandall Park is home to beautiful scenery and a variety of facilities.
There is lots of open space and lots to keep children entertained, including toddler and junior play areas, with zipwire and climbing frame, plus a brilliant new woodland adventure play area. They also have a sensory trail, which is an inclusive outdoor experience suitable for families whose children have special educational needs and disabilities.
A range of sports facilities are available including outdoor gym equipment, basketball post and 3 football pitches.
We have enjoyed a picnic many times at Sandall Park, but there is also a cafe.
If you’re looking to get fit, there are Fit and Fun Walks, plus the Doncaster Parkrun here. See our adult fitness pages for more information.
Sandall Park, Thorne Road (opposite KFC). DN2 5DW
Situated close to the city centre, Sheffield Botanical Gardens were opened in 1836 and now cover 19 acres on a south-west sloping site. The Gardens are listed by English Heritage as a Grade II site of special historic and architectural interest. The Grade 2 Glass Pavilions house a wonderful collection of plants from the temperate areas of the world and provide a wonderful backdrop for the sweeping lawns with their magnificent trees and central Broadwalk.
Several winding paths take the visitor on an exploration through over 18 different garden areas based on geographical or botanical themes. Much loved by children of all ages is a rare Grade II listed Bear Pit which can be found hidden between the recently renovated Mediterranean and Himalayan gardens. A well-preserved fossil of a tree-like Lepidodendron (could be 312 million years old) is displayed in the Evolution garden.
Entry to the gardens is free and can be combined with a visit to The Curator’s House which is an independent café bistro set within the grounds of the gardens.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens are one mile southwest of the city centre. The main entrance is on Clarkehouse Road (S10 2LN), just along from the Hallamshire Hospital. There are also entrances at Botanical Road and Thompson Road (S11 8RB) which is off Ecclesall Road.
With activity trails, play areas, bike hire, wild running and mountain biking trails, Sherwood Pines will set the scene for a great day out for all.
We have visited this place a lot and love it every time. They often have different trails available such as the Gruffalo orienteering challenge and the new Superworm trail, which is really interactive.
It’s a great place to cycle, there are lots of bike trails to suit all abilities. There are some purpose built World War I trenches too that you can climb down into – it’s a little walk to find them.
There is lots of space to picnic and a great cafe. There is also a Go Ape for adults, a high ropes adventure for children over 1 metre tall and a Go Ape Nets Adventure suitable for anyone aged 1+.
There is a charge for parking but other than that you could spend a whole day here with a picnic and not spend a penny.
Edwinstowe, Mansfield NG21 9JL
Picturesque Sprotbrough Flash is one of the richest wildlife sites in South Yorkshire. A mosaic of open water, wetland, woodland and limestone grassland, the site offers a year-round treat for wildlife enthusiasts.
Sprotbrough Flash is half a mile south of Sprotbrough village. You can park just off the road on Nursery Lane next to the river – please note that this can get very busy. From here it is a two minute walk along the towpath to the nature reserve. A footpath follows the Don, taking you past a screen and two bird hides, and you can walk back through the woods.
The woodland is not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs. The towpath along the river Don is level and accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs, although it is a fair distance to the bird hides. Both hides are wheelchair-accessible. Dogs can be walked here on leads.
Thoresby Park, about 40 mins from Doncaster, is a lovely place to visit all year round with a range of attractions for all of the family no matter how young or old.
Opening times are from 9am until 5.00pm and admission is FREE. The cost of parking is currently £1.50 for up to an hour or £3.50 for the full day.
Beautiful surroundings, arts and crafts gallery, outside play area and seasonal trails. There’s lots of space to run around and picnic.
There is a licensed cafe and some shops in the courtyard.
Wentworth Garden Centre is a lovely place to visit with free car parking.
There is a family friendly cafe, a lovely garden centre and pet shop to look around and a free children’s play area.
For an additional fee you can enter the family farm where you can feed the animals and also enjoy more play areas! There is also a walled garden which you can take a stroll around for a small fee.
Wentworth Garden Centre Hague Lane, Wentworth Rotherham, South Yorkshire
S62 7TF Phone: 01226 744842
Weston Park is an award winning, family friendly museum with lots of interactive exhibits for children as well as a cafe on site.
The museum is free to enter but it doesn’t have a car park of its own. The nearest public car park is the Q-Park on Durham Road. Visitors using this car park are able to claim 25% off the price of their parking – just ask a member of staff for a discount voucher.
Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP
