Howard Park and Gardens

Howard Park and Gardens features a large adventure play area which includes a water play zone with fountains!

This interactive splash pad area operates daytimes during the warmer months, though specific hours should be gleaned by ringing the council as it will vary seasonally and according to school holiday schedules. It's best to bring a wet suit if you're at the cusp of the seasons or have a cloudy day and either way at least one change of clothes and at least one towel as they always end up back in there once they've been dried and warmed up!

The Climbing Forest is a fun and striking bit of kit and brings together loads of vertical beams to form a complex structure with ropes and nets, providing exercise and stimulation for children over 7. Plus the inclined wall build upper body strength as the wee ones clamber up by using the rope to support themselves.

Amongst other adventurous inserts, a Sand Snake, Wobble Dish and Bouncing Flowers have been included specifically for entertaining younger children. Nest and Tractor Swings plus a slide and see saw round the design off in friendly fashion.

Other features include bowls, picnic area, varied seating options and accessible trails around the rest of the park. There are recycled felled trees and boulders dotted around too which apparently the kids are encouraged to climb on, so as not to feel like the play ends where the playground does. Nice!