Parks and playgrounds and places to scooter and cycle in Kent

by Lauren Abbott

labbott@thekmgroup.co.uk

The bank holiday weekend is almost upon us!

If you're keen to get the kids out and about without dipping into the pennies too much, throw the bikes (or scooters!) into the back of the car and head for a park.
We've rounded up seven of the best places to pedal and play...

1. Gravesend Promenade

For a cycle beside the river, head down to the Promenade at Gravesend. 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

2. 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 a bit windy so wrapping up warm is advisable. There is a lovely sea-themed play area within Whitstable Castle (and a cafe!) if you get that far.

Tankerton Road, Whitstable

You can make a day of it with a park to play in and a place to cycle

3. 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

4. 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 use the outdoor toys. The park's playground has also recently undergone major redevelopment and is now

Mote Avenue, Maidstone, ME15 7SU

5. 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 big and small, together with picnic benches, a cafe and sculpture trail. 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 by wheel or on foot. Open 7am until dusk.

Forstal Road, Aylesford, near Maidstone ME20 7AG.

6. 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

Try cycling at Betteshanger Country Park in Deal

7. Betteshanger Country Park

The vast park includes walking and running routes, one of the longest cycle road tracks in the UK, bike hire facilities 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 bike hire and cafe opening times will vary. It's the perfect place for a family day out and a picnic.

Sandwich Road, Deal CT14 0BF