Best Children’s Play Parks In St Ives And Nearby
Fortunately, St Ives and the surrounding area have some fantastic free play parks perfect for letting our youngest ones burn off energy and have some fun. So, when your little explorers need a break from sightseeing or getting covered in sand, check out this round up of our favourite play parks in the St Ives area, plus a few gems in nearby towns you’re likely to visit.
Children's Play Parks in St Ives
St Ives itself boasts three play parks, all offering unique experiences. However, be prepared for a bit of a climb – these parks are located on higher ground, offering stunning views but requiring some uphill walking or, better still, take the frequent buses!Penbeagle Play Park
Penbeagle play park also known as Palemon Best or Penbeagle Rec is located on Penbeagle Lane. This park is a real gem. Head up and out of town via Stennack Hill and turn left at the Fire station. Penbeagle Park offers a good range of play equipment for both toddlers to pre-teens, with a particularly popular zip line that is sure to be a hit with the older kids. There is plenty of green space for kicking a ball or flying a kite and a good number of picnic benches and seating can be found scattered throughout the park making a super spot for a picnic lunch. Next to the park is a really popular and well-built concrete skate park which has plenty of levels for different skaters and scooter abilities. This is a great skatepark and can be really busy. It is something the town council is particularly proud of. Also in the area is St Ives community Orchard which is a lovely outdoor space and often holds events (here is their website for more details). There is a small car park available if you would prefer to drive rather than walk up the hill.
Ayr Play Park
Ayr Play park can also be found by going up Stennack Hill but situated on the other side of St Ives. Turn right at the Doctors Surgery and the park is at the top of Bullans Lane. There is no designated car park at this play park but there is some street parking although this can get very busy in peak season. This park has a nice flat grass area which is perfect for ball games with benches around the perimeter making it easy for parents to keep score. The play park itself features some lovely wooden climbing equipment and a large bucket swing ideally suited to school age children (6 years +) with good gross motor and climbing skills. Smaller children would need close supervision on this equipment. The park is surrounded by bushes and shrubs and so makes a good place for a mini beast bug hunts and other nature explorations. It also means there is the opportunity to find shade on a warm day and somewhere out of the wind when it’s gusty.
Richmond Play Park
Richmond park is in Carbis Bay and easy to spot as it is situated next to the main road that runs through Carbis Bay towards St Ives. The well maintained park has a good range of equipment for different ages and importantly, it’s gated, so you get a little more peace of mind and the children can have a little more independence. There is no designated parking for this play park but Tesco is situated a little way down the road on the opposite side so parking there and walking over is a good and easy option. This is also where the nearest toilets and place to get snacks. The park boasts breathtaking panoramic views of St Ives Bay, but this also means that it is quite exposed to the elements, so be prepared for this with plenty of layers even on a dry day.
Play Parks Worth Visiting Near St Ives
Marazion Play Park
Marazion play park is located at the bottom of Marazion. This park is a popular spot for families paying a visit to St Michaels Mount. The play park is clearly visible from the road as you drive through so you won’t miss it. There is plenty of parking in the Folly Field car park (payment necessary as there are active ANPR cameras). This park is enclosed and is a dog free space so you know that the little ones can run freely without worrying about them disappearing out of sight. Although the play park itself is a dog free, there is a green area surrounding the play park which is a great place to throw a ball for our four legged friends and still be in close/pretty much direct proximity to the park. Inside the park the surface is soft sand, perfect for little feet and epic sand castles. The play equipment has recently been upgraded and there is something for all ages. The climbing frame for the older children is quite high and there is a tyre ladder that lots of children seem to get stuck in (you have been warned). A big pro for this park is that there are public toilets situated right next to it and there is a café in the car park serving food, ice cream and decent coffee to take away.
Penlee Play Park
Penlee Park is a great play park in Penzance. Penlee Park shares a green and wider woodland space with Penlee art gallery, museum and café offering lots of shade and great place to be out in nature. The tennis club is also situated in the park and a bonus is that they have a great café serving a good range of affordable food and drinks. Toilets and food can be found close by but not right next to the play equipment. Both the museum café and tennis club require you to leave the play area and walk a short way through the park to access them. The play area itself is not enclosed although the wider park area is so best to keep a close eye if you have a little one very fond of hide and seek. The park is full of great hiding places and it would be very easy for someone small to quickly become lost or lose their bearings whilst chasing a squirrel. The play area has a very big steep slide and the climbing equipment is high, making Penlee the park of choice with my own children (aged 11 and 7 years). There is also smaller play equipment aimed at younger children, a big bucket type swing and wooden trim trail so the park really caters for all ages. Penlee Play Park has a picnic space, the dog can run and the play equipment is suited to all making this our first choice play park.