Things to do in East Midlands, England: The Best Playgrounds

The Toy Library is in the heart of Lincoln and allows children to enjoy soft & sensory play in a safe environment. With over 900 toys that can be hired by our members at very low cost, we offer crafts & children's parties! FREE parking. Discounted pay to play rates for members, please check our website for pricing

Situated within Whisby Nature Park, The Natural World Centre is just five miles from Lincoln City centre. Whisby Nature Park is managed by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and offers over six miles of all ability footpaths, ideal for a relaxing day out or a bit of wildlife watching. At the Natural World Centre, you’ll find a great bistro serving hot and cold snacks, meals and treats from locally sourced produce, a fantastically stocked shop and amazing adventure play for children of all ages. It’s only natural you’ll want to stay!

Set in the beautiful countryside about half a mile south of Ruddington, Rushcliffe Country Park is an ideal place to get away from it all. With a network of over 8 kilometres of footpaths, grassland, conservation and landscaped areas, the park is excellent for walking, jogging, cycling, spotting wildlife and exercising your dog. Bring your family and a picnic and encourage your children to let off steam in the extensive play area, which has around 20 pieces of modern equipment for children up to the age of 12. The play area includes a swing suitable for less able children (safety equipment is available on request) and part of the equipment is accessible to wheelchair users. For older children there's a skateboard midi half pipe, and a 4X/ BMX cycle track situated nearby. Access to the park is free. The County Park has a visitor’s car park and for just £1, you can park for your whole visit (up to a full day).

Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and is one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands. It offers a place to escape from day to day living and city life and experience a little bit of countryside on Derby’s doorstep. But behind the modern day park lays a fascinating history that is waiting to be discovered. The park as we know it today can be traced back to the medieval period, when the first park was laid out. Over the following centuries the park went through many changes, from arable fields to an enclosed designed 18th century park and hall and finally at the beginning of the 20th century into the public park of today. The park has many features that mark this history: ancient veteran trees, historic lost roads, old arable field patterns, the 18th century park and buildings and the remains of a Second World War army camp.

Wacky Warehouse at the Old Farmhouse, whether you are looking to Book a Birthday Party, Purchase a Membership Card, meet up with friends, get messy with your kids during our Arts and Craft sessions, pop in for Tots Club or simply relax with a coffee and magazine whilst your child plays, Wacky is the perfect venue for you!