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.
