Play parks in Tyne and Wear
If you are looking for inspiration of play grounds across Tyne and Wear, look no further. All the parks listed are accessible via Metro, and up to three kids under the age of 11 travel for free via Metro with an accompanying adult ticket-holder. This means that you can have an affordable day-out for the whole family.
Saltwell Park
The first park on the list has to be Saltwell Park. Named one of the top best parks in the UK, it was initially designed in 1876 as “The People’s Park” , created to improve health and wellbeing for local communities.
There are two well-equipped children’s play areas, within the park. The first is for younger children which features swings, slides and interactive play equipment. It is also fenced off for safety, positioned close to open green areas, making it ideal for picnics and nearby supervision. The second park is for older children, with more climbing structures, it encourages adventurous play. This makes the play parks perfect for families with children of varying ages. There is good facilities within Saltwell Park with public toilets, the Saltwell Towers Café and accessible park entrances.
What makes Saltwell extra special is that beyond just the play areas there are attractions within the park. The pet’s corner is a highlight with exotic birds, as well as a boating lake that in the summer has rowing boats. The towers backdrop the park giving it a storybook feel, making it a memorable family day-out.
The nearest Metro station is Gateshead. You can then either walk up to the park or take the 53/54 Go North East bus directly there.
- South Marine Park
Have the perfect seaside day out in South Marine Park. This park combines proper play facilities with a classic seaside atmosphere. Opened in 1890, the park is a historic Victorian recreational escape. It holds a prestigious Green Flag award, signifying it as one of the UK’s highest-quality green spaces.
Within the main children’s play area there is adventure-style structures as well as soft-surface safety flooring making it great for younger children. Following restoration work, South Marine Park introduced some more exciting features including a seasonal water-play area, physical climbing challenges and sensory play elements.
One of the biggest strengths of the park is that all the facilities are in one compact space with a café, public toilets and picnic tables all within minutes of the play areas.
An unmissable activity within the wider park is the miniature train ride, taking you around the park. Also, be sure to check out the Victorian Bandstand as it often hosts community events and live music.
From playground to promenade, South Marine Park offers an adventure for the whole family, there is everything you need to have a low-stress affordable day-out.
The nearest Metro station is South Shields.
- Northumberland Park
Northumberland Park is a 30-acre Victorian Park located between North Shields and Tynemouth, officially opened in 1885. It was originally created to provide work for unemployed shipbuilders; it is recognised as one of North Tyneside’s finest green spaces for communities to enjoy. This playground is tucked away within trees and greenery, making it a calming and immersive park. Parents often praise this park as ideal for toddlers through to primary-school-aged children, as it has enough challenges to keep older children engaged without feeling overwhelming. The park works particularly well for families as it has excellent onsite facilities, with a visitor centre, public toilets and a café. Everything is spaced close enough to feel convenient, while still allowing the park to feel calm and uncrowded. A stand-out feature has to be the BMX track, for older children. It aims to encourage more adventurous play beyond the traditional playground.
The nearest Metro station is Tynemouth.
- Exhibition Park
Exhibition Park is ideal for families who want playground time without leaving the city. It combines children’s play areas with open paths, wildlife spotting and space for older children to gain independence. The park takes it name from the Royal Jubilee Mining, Engineering and Industrial Exhibition of 1887, which attracted over 2 million visitors, establishing the parks identity as a place for recreation and large public gatherings.
The main children’s playground has traditional equipment with slides, swings and climbing sets. There is also a skate park for older children. Nearby facilities also include a café, public toilets and sports courts.
The nearest Metro station is Jesmond or Haymarket.
- Roker Park
Roker Park is one of the best spots in Sunderland for a combined park and coastal day out. It is just a short walk from Seaburn Metro station making it super accessible via public transport. The park has traditional playground features, with climbing frames, swings and slides. A stand-out point about Roker Park is the miniature railway and sports court, making the day-out go beyond just the playpark. Paths are wide enough for prams and wheelchairs. There are also excellent on-site facilities. Beyond the playpark, Roker Park, also has an ornamental lake and the Roker Ravine which features winding paths, greenery and a small waterfall. This is one of the few places in Tyne and Wear that offer a full playground with a quick walk onto the beach. It is the perfect family day-out.
The nearest Metro station is Seaburn.