I don’t think I’m asking for much! Toddler appropriate play equipment in a safe place. Other things to do nearby so we can make it a proper trip out. Ideally away from the older kids and a variety of things to keep them entertained. Thanks to our local Leeds Mumblers who have offered suggestions for this…. here’s the result, your favourite playgrounds and outdoor play areas for toddlers in Leeds.

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Springhead Park, Rothwell

I was genuinely surprised by the love that this place got! Not because it isn’t brilliant (it’s one of my favourites!), but because lots of the recommendations came from North Leeds mums… so you lot are clearly happy to travel to enjoy this gem! This large NEW play area is completely separate to the older kids area and there’s lots in there to enjoy. There’s a cafe in the park and a little beck running through. Drop down the hill to see the aviary and cross the main road into the woodland of Oulton Hall to do some exploring!

Ps pop down the road to Woodlesford Lock to enjoy a family walk and see the Gruffalo sculptures!

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Moortown Park, North Leeds

Another playground which got A LOT of love from local parents. There is a separate enclosed toddler area with a giant sandpit, and Moortown High Street with shops and cafes are just a short walk away!

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Grass Hoppers at Tong Garden Centre

Although this one is paid for, it’s certainly worth the entry fee, with a huge outdoor area including play equipment (with a giant fort), a zip wire, a sandpit, bouncing pillows and much more. You’ll need to book onto a session to visit. Read more about the outdoor play area at Grass Hoppers here.

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Lotherton

Although this is council run, it is within the grounds of Lotherton, so will incur (a low) cost. The enclosed area contains play equipment for toddlers and slightly older children, but with large equipment in the grassed areas, you’ll often find the enclosed area full of mainly pre-schoolers.

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Horsforth Hall Park

The playground in Horsforth Hall Park has two distinct areas, one with a huge sandpit(perfect for toddlers) and one with more standard play equipment. The park itself has a Japanese water garden, a bandstand, a skate park and some pretty woodland to wander through. There’s a number of bars and restaurants on the nearby Town Street if you’re looking for a bite to eat too!

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Other mentions from parents;

• Roundhay Park. Head to the playground next to Lakeside that caters for younger children. Its set out like a fort, and toddlers will love the small train.
• Scarcroft Village Hall Playground, North Leeds has been recommended by Mumblers for it’s proximity to Hetchell Wood!
• Pudsey Park, just off the main shopping street and bus station doesn’t have a separate play area for toddlers, but some prefer that! There is a separate skate area with ramps.
• Middleton Park has a fab play area with loads of facilities and trails to do with the kids. Middleton Railway is a great day out! Read more about Middleton Park here.
• Temple Newsam doesn’t have a separate space for pre-schoolers BUT it is set to one side, and with everything else that is at Temple Newsam it definitely warrants a visit!
• Oakwell Hall, Birstall is a toddler’s delight, with the play area just added to the little stream and woodland walks to explore!
• Crag House Farm (the Headquarters to the charity Caring for Life) offers outdoor play equipment, a nature trail, outdoor games and a child-friendly cafe.
• Follifoot has a mixture of equipment and different sized forts with slides, small climbing walls and beams… and there’s lots of grassy areas too! Thanks to Ralph for recommending this one (check him out over on Instagram).
• The Arium, Thorner has a great free playground for younger children; there’s lots of space to run around and burn off that toddler energy!

For suggestions of more playgrounds around Leeds click here.

For the best walks around Leeds with toddlers, head to the Muddy Boots Mummy page.