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Nottinghamshire is lucky to have lots of wonderful outdoor spaces, many of them free to use. Select the area you live in at the bottom of this page to find lists of play parks and county parks in your local area.
If you know about an outdoor space that’s not listed, please let us know by filling out our online form here: Play Parks (Microsoft Form)
Being outdoors is good for all of us, for our minds and bodies. Whether that’s enjoying a walk in the park with your baby in their pram, pushing your toddler on the swings or going on a treasure hunt in the woods or a garden. Playing outside is a great way for children to learn, safely take risks and grow in independence.
The National Childbirth Trust has put together information on the seven benefits of outdoor play
Help your baby sleep better at night: Research shows that babies sleep better(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) at night if they’ve had some fresh air and sunshine during the day. Definitely worth a walk or play outdoors to help your baby sleep better.
Outdoor play is a fun way to learn: Getting outdoors to play is a brilliant sensory experience for babies and toddlers. There is so much for them to see, explore and learn. The changing nature of the outdoors makes it an incredibly stimulating and multi-sensory place to play. This is important as babies and young children learn and gain experience through all their senses.
Developing motor skills: Young children need the opportunity to use their whole body and develop their gross motor skills. Playing outdoors in your garden or local park lets babies crawl or toddle further. As they get older, they’ll have space to run and jump outside. They can also develop their fine motor skills as they pick up natural treasures like leaves and fir cones.
Encourages a healthy lifestyle: Getting outdoors with your toddler can help them burn off some energy and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Through physical activity and challenges, being outdoors helps children sleep, eat, and live more healthily. This encourages them to form healthy habits for life.
Care for the environment: Playing outdoors is a brilliant way to get out in nature and become aware of the environment. Children who gain knowledge and appreciation of nature are more likely to become environmentally aware adults.
Positive impact on the whole family: It’s amazing how fresh air can blow away the cobwebs and make a world of difference to how you feel as a parent. Even a short walk can do the world of good for the whole family. Especially on days after a sleepless night(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) or when your child is feeling grumpy or grizzly at home.
