Maidenhead in Berkshire has some great play parks on offer. Many with large surrounding park areas for free play that are also perfect for picnics and outdoor exercise.
1. Alfred Major Recreation Park, Cookham, SL6 9NR
Not quite Maidenhead (just a few minutes away from the town centre) but this park was a big hit with my boys. 14 acres of green space which includes a fabulous gated play area with lots to do for all ages as well as plenty of open space for my eldest to play football. They also had a skatepark, basketball court and outdoor gym area.
Dogs are allowed in the free play areas but not in the play park.
There is no set car park but there is free parking available on residential roads – Hillcrest Avenue (SL6 9NQ) or High Road by Cookham Rise school (SL6 9JF) Parking on High Road is closer to the play park. There is also Cookham high street close by for any refreshments.
2. Grenfell Park, Maidenhead SL6 1EX
Quite tucked away within walking distance of Maidenhead train station is Grenfell Park. The first play park in Maidenhead. A surprisingly large play area with a small café kiosk for refreshments and toilet facilities. We did find this play park was more suitable for slightly older children (3yrs+) It has a gated play area with wood chip flooring, a multisport caged area for football and basketball as well as an outdoor gym area, rope swing and zip wire. The car park is small but there is additional residential parking nearby.
3. Ockwells Park, Maidenhead, SL6 3YX
Situated in the Cox Green area of Maidenhead, Ockwells Park has recently undergone some refurbishment to its play area. With a big free car park, this large public open space is a popular one for dog walkers and families. It has a large grassed area perfect for ball sports and picnics as well as an onsite café and soft play (not yet open)
What is lovely about Ockwells are the sheep grazing in the nearby pen as well as the lovely walking routes around Thrift Wood and Thrift Farm.
4. Riverside Gardens, Maidenhead, SL6 8NS
There is a lot on offer at Riverside Gardens. Located just off the Cookham Road, this has a beach vibe with its cute sand play area and hammock as well as plenty of climbing apparatus. A lovely grassed area with a zip wire backs on to it with plenty of space for picnics and ball games. It has a pay and display car park with a café onsite and crazy golf.
This is a great play park to then take a stroll down by the river across to Ray Mill Island. A beautiful tranquil space perfect to feed the ducks and say hello to the guinea pigs and caged birds.
5. Oaken Grove, Maidenhead, SL6 6EU
8 hectares of open space with lots on offer for all ages, Oaken Grove its easy to see why this was on my boys top 5 and mine. The gated play park appears a little dated but has a sand area, climbing apparatus for different ages, a basketball hoop, trampoline, zip line and swings.
The onsite café sells delicious takeaway drinks and foods which then leads on to the stunning Sir Nicholas Winton garden.
There is also a large grassed area for additional sports and picnic area as well as a separate gated dog free grassed area.
Bookable tennis courts, outdoor gym equipment as well as caged multi use sports area, it’s one of Maidenheads much loved public spaces.
Free parking can be accessed either via Courthouse Road, Ashcroft Road or Oaken Grove.
6. Boyn Grove Park, Maidenhead, SL6 6JD
Boyn Grove Park is a few minutes drive from Norden Farm Arts Centre so if you fancy a takeout cafe, swing by there first and grab a coffee. Big kids will enjoy the climbing opportunities with a pyramid spiders web, curved monkey bars (there’s no way I’d manage those) and a variety of exciting ways to descend to the ground down dual metal runs.
For younger kids there’s a selection of smaller climbing apparatus and slides with bark on the ground so you don’t end up getting too muddy on a damp day. Full Boyn Grove Park Review
If you’re looking for more fun places to explore around Maidenhead, Braywick Park and Nature Reserve is a great place for a little family walk.
Ray Mill Island is also a lovely spot especially on a sunny day. It’s not huge but it’s so wonderfully tranquil. Once you cross over the footbridge at Boulters Lock, you enter a lovely chilled out world with mature trees, grassy areas and the highlight being all the ducks and geese.
