The best parks and play areas for bikes and scooters in Kent

If the kids got new wheels for Christmas and you're looking for a safe place to cycle or scooter near you then look no further.

From country parks and adventure playgrounds to open spaces or coastal paths, we have rounded up some of the best places across Kent to test them out.

1. Betteshanger Country Park

The vast park includes walking and running routes, one of the longest cycle road tracks in the UK and a play area with rope walks, slides, climbing frames, cradle swings, see-saws, swinging steps, stepping stones and a swinging rope snake.

The park is open all year round from 8am but the opening of other facilities at present may differ.

Sandwich Road, Deal CT14 0BF

2. Cobtree Manor Country Park, Aylesford

On the site of the old Maidstone Zoo, the park is part of the Cobtree Manor Estate. There are a number of play areas to choose from, picnic benches and sculpture trail and you can even see parts of the old zoo still standing in the grounds including the elephant house together with information boards to help you understand how the land was once home to a number of wild animals. A great place to explore.

Forstal Road, Aylesford, near Maidstone ME20 7AG.

3. Haysden Country Park, near Tonbridge

With a lake, natural play area, cycle route and picnic tables there is plenty to find fun in at Haysden Country Park. Opening and closing times vary and will be displayed on entrances and exits for visitors.

Lower Haysden Lane, Tonbridge TN11 9BB

4. Jeskyns Community Woodland, near Gravesend

This Forrestry Commission-owned park just off the A2 at Cobham is a perfect place for a play. The paths are gravel and popular with confident young cyclists on two wheels or those with balance bikes but it may prove a trickier surface for scooter users or those still on stabilisers.

The park also has two play areas, complete with a sandpit and tree house. Jeskyns is also popular with dog walkers with dedicated exercise areas and areas where pets are allowed off their leads are clearly signposted to other visitors.

Jeskyns is 200m off the A2 at the Gravesend East junction and reached by following signs to Sole Street.

5. Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone

Overlooking the Channel, the Lower Leas Coastal Park is a secluded haven. Paths wind around the three play zones – wild, fun and formal and the fun zone is home to one of the region’s largest adventure playground. There's plenty of places to try out new wheels and a National Cycle Route even runs through the area.

Lower Sandgate Road, Folkestone CT20 2EX

6. Mote Park, Maidstone

Mote Park is great for cycling and walking - there are lots of trails and paths to follow across the park. Ideal for children of all abilities and using all manner of wheels there are plenty of spots in which to test out new toys.

Be sure not to forget your change for the pay and display machines!

Mote Avenue, Maidstone, ME15 7SU

7. Toddler's Cove, Westgate Gardens

Small scooters and children's bikes are perfectly suited to the picturesque pathways and surroundings of the Westgate Gardens. And nestled at the back of the Gardens is the fantastic Toddler's Cove play area enabling children to ride or scooter to a great place to play. Alongside the large adventure play area is a large riverside picnic site together with nearby parking and toilets.

St Peter's St, Canterbury CT1 2BQ

8. Gravesend Promenade

For a cycle beside the river, head down to the Promenade at Gravesend, also known as Gravesend's Riverside Leisure Area. There are plenty of flat paths and surfaces for learning to cycle and scooter and there are children's play areas and sports courts to enjoy too.

The promenade offers parking at a number of neighbouring council-run car parks and the riverside area is also just a short walk from the town centre.

Gravesend, DA12 2BS

9. Cyclopark, Gravesend

Skate parks, cycle paths and a children's play areas makes the Cyclopark at Gravesend an ideal attraction for anyone looking to get out on new wheels.

To check opening hours in December and January and whether you need to pre-book a slot to visit or for details please click here.

The Tollgate, Watling Street, Gravesend

10. The Leas, Minster

Over on the Isle of Sheppey is hundreds of metres of pathway by the sea just perfect for young riders. The flat surface is ideal for families coming with anything from scooters to cycles, balance bikes to trikes.

There is free parking along the seafront.

11. Tankerton Slopes, Tankerton

The pathways in Whitstable can sometimes be a little busy for young cyclists but head further along the seafront to Tankerton and there is far more room to ride and parking is free in many parts of Tankerton. It can be very windy so wrapping up warm in winter is advisable.

Tankerton Road, Whitstable

To find more suggestions of things to do with the family visit www.mykentfamily.co.uk