CHILDREN’S PLAY PARKS & PLAY SPACES in & around Westbourne

If you’re after chilled play areas right in Westbourne or nearby Alum Chine, you’ve got some lovely options for the kids to burn off energy while you soak up the relaxed vibe.

Westbourne

Lollipops Play Cafe (16 Lansdowne Road, Westbourne, BH4 9EH)
This is the star of Westbourne for indoor play. Tucked in a converted church hall, it’s got a three-level play frame for kids up to five, with slides, tunnels, and a small garden area for sunny days. The cafe’s modern, serving decent coffee and snacks, so you can chill while the little ones go nuts. They run holiday activities and character-themed birthday parties too. Open Monday–Friday 9:30am–2:30pm, weekends 9:45am–2:45pm (check for bookings). Call 01202 766710 or visit lollipopsplaycafe.com. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Westbourne Recreation Ground (Sherborn Crescent, BH4 9HJ)
A small but sweet outdoor park just off Westbourne’s high street, about a 5-minute walk from the centre. It’s got swings, a slide, and a climbing frame, all fenced in for safety. Best for younger kids (under 8), it’s a great spot for a quick play if you’re already in Westbourne grabbing a coffee or shopping. No dedicated parking, but you can park on nearby streets. Quiet and low-key with benches to relax.

Alum Chine

Alum Chine Play Park (West Overcliff Drive, BH4 8AB)
Right by Alum Chine’s tropical gardens and a short stroll from the beach, this outdoor play area is a Bournemouth classic, about 5–7 minutes’ drive or a 15-minute walk from Westbourne’s centre. It’s got a pirate-themed setup with a ship-shaped climbing frame, slides, swings, and ropes, plus a sandpit for the littles. There’s a separate toddler area too. The vibe’s super chilled with sea views, and you can pair it with a beach trip or a walk through the gardens. Toilets and a cafe (The Beach Hut Cafe) are nearby, and parking’s available along the Overcliff (free in some spots, check signs). Suits kids up to about 12.

Alum Chine Tropical Gardens Play Area (West Cliff Road, BH4 8AX)
Nestled within the Tropical Gardens, a stone’s throw from the main Alum Chine play park, this smaller play spot is more toddler-focused. It’s got swings, a mini climbing frame, and a slide, surrounded by lush greenery that gives it a proper relaxed feel. It’s perfect if you want a quieter vibe away from the busier beachside park. No loos or cafe right here, but you’re close to the beach facilities. Street parking nearby. Best for under-5s.

Argyll Gardens Play Area (West Cliff Road, BH4 8AN)
Technically just bordering Alum Chine, this one’s a 5-minute drive from Westbourne or a 10-minute walk. It’s a compact outdoor park with swings, a slide, climbing nets, and a spinning bowl, all set in a green, open space. It’s got a chilled, community feel, with benches for parents and enough room for a picnic. Good for kids up to 10, and it’s close to Alum Chine beach if you want to mix play with a paddle. Limited street parking, but it’s free.

These spots keep it local, with Westbourne offering a couple of solid options for quick trips and Alum Chine shining for its beachy, outdoor play areas. Lollipops is your go-to for indoor or rainy days, while Alum Chine’s play park is the one for sunny, seaside vibes.

Here are some nearby play areas close to Westbourne, perfect for a relaxed day out with the little ones.

Whitecliff Play Park (Whitecliff Harbourside Park, Poole)
A bit of a drive—about 15 minutes from Westbourne—this one’s worth it for a proper outdoor adventure. It’s right by Poole’s coast, so you get seafront views and a massive play area with a sand pit, climbing frames, swings, and a play boat. Perfect for kids of all ages, and there’s plenty of green space for a picnic. Free parking and loos at the pavilion make it super easy. If the sun’s out, you can follow up with a stroll along the harbourside.

Lemur Landings (Tower Park, Poole, BH12 4NY)
Roughly 10–15 minutes by car, this indoor soft play at Tower Park is a lifesaver on rainy days. It’s one of Dorset’s biggest, with a multi-level frame, slides, tunnels, and a ball pit. There’s a dedicated toddler area and a role-play village for under-sevens, plus a climbing zone for older kids. The cafe’s family-friendly with locally sourced grub, and you can make a day of it since Tower Park’s got a cinema and other bits nearby. Call 01202 740500 or check lemurlandings.co.uk.

Hamworthy Park (Lulworth Ave, Poole, BH15 4DH)
Another outdoor option, about 20 minutes from Westbourne. This place is a family favourite with a huge play area, splash park, swings, slides, and climbing frames. The beach is right there, so you can mix park time with a paddle. There’s a cafe for a quick drink, picnic tables, and toilets, plus three car parks. It’s free and perfect for a sunny day.

Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre (Stoney Lane South, Christchurch, BH23 1HW)
A 15-minute drive towards Christchurch, this indoor soft play is great for kids five and under. It’s got multi-level areas, tunnels, obstacles, and a slide, all themed around the sea. Sessions are 55 minutes for £4, and booking’s recommended via tworiversmeet.co.uk or 01202 817777. Ideal for a quick, budget-friendly stop.

Poole Park (Poole, BH15 2SF)
About 10 minutes from Westbourne, this is a proper family-friendly gem. The play area’s got swings, slides, climbing frames, and a sandpit, all set in a massive park with a lake and green spaces. There’s a splash park for hot days, plus a cafe for ice creams or a quick coffee. Free parking and toilets make it hassle-free, and you can stretch the day with a walk or a pedalo ride on the lake. Great for all ages.

Kingston Road Play Area (Poole, BH15 3LU)
Roughly 12 minutes away, this one’s a hit for mixed-age siblings. It’s got two zones: a fenced, raised area for younger kids with a playhouse, springy rockers, and cradle swings, and a separate bit for older ones with a cone climber and buddy swing. The setup’s modern, and there’s seating for parents to chill. Limited parking on nearby roads, but it’s free and enclosed for safety.

Sterte Green (Poole, BH15 2AH)
A 10-minute drive, this newer play area’s got a cracking pirate ship with slides and rigging, plus a wheelchair-accessible roundabout, swings, and a balance raft. It’s surrounded by open space, so bring a picnic and let the kids run riot. Equipment suits a range of ages, and it’s all shiny and well-kept. Parking’s limited on nearby streets, but it’s free and quiet.

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park (Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, BH16 6EU)
A 20-minute drive, but worth it for a full-on day out. This award-winning farm has indoor and outdoor play areas with slides, bouncy castles, ride-on tractors, and a soft play barn. Kids can also meet animals or try tractor trailer rides. The restaurant’s got decent food, and there’s a gift shop. Best for under-8s, but there’s enough to keep everyone happy. Check farmerpalmers.co.uk or call 01202 622022.

Moors Valley Country Park (Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET)
About 25 minutes from Westbourne, this place is a woodland wonderland. The play area’s got a huge wooden adventure playground with slides, swings, and climbing frames, plus a separate toddler zone. There’s also a steam train, trails, and picnic spots. The cafe’s handy, and parking’s free. It’s ace for kids of all ages and perfect for a chilled, nature-filled day.

Upton Country Park (Poole Road, Upton, Poole, BH17 7BJ)
Roughly 15 minutes from Westbourne, this massive park’s a proper treat. The play area’s got climbing frames, slides, and swings, with plenty of space for toddlers and older kids. It’s set in gorgeous grounds with trails and picnic spots, plus a walled garden for a quiet wander. The Tearooms do decent snacks, and there’s free parking and loos. Ideal for a sunny day stretch.

Branksome Recreation Ground (Recreation Road, Poole, BH12 2EA)
About 10 minutes away, this local park’s got a solid play area with swings, a climbing frame, slide, and a roundabout. It’s fenced in, so great for keeping an eye on younger kids, and there’s open space for ball games or a picnic. Best for under-10s, it’s low-key with street parking nearby. Perfect for a quick visit when you don’t want a big trek.

Slades Farm Play Area (Ensbury Park, Bournemouth, BH10 4EP)
A 10-minute drive, this one’s tucked in a community park with a modern setup. Think slides, climbing nets, swings, and a zip line for older kids, plus toddler-friendly bits like spring rockers. It’s got benches for parents to chill and a skate park nearby if you’ve got teens tagging along. Free parking and open space make it a stress-free stop.

The Ark (Unit C, Dolphin Centre, Poole, BH15 1QE)
Around 12 minutes by car, this indoor soft play in Poole’s Dolphin Centre is a lifesaver for rainy days. It’s got a three-level play frame, slides, ball pits, and a toddler area, all pirate-themed. There’s also ice skating and a cafe with kid-friendly food. Suits kids up to 11, but best for under-8s. Check thearkpoole.com or call 01202 665050 for session times.

Canford Park SANG (Canford Park, Poole, BH21 3BJ)
About 20 minutes from Westbourne, this newer play area’s part of a nature reserve with a rustic vibe. It’s got wooden climbing structures, a slide, and swings, designed to blend into the surroundings. The open fields and trails are great for a wander, and it’s quiet enough to feel properly chilled. Free parking, but no cafe, so pack snacks. Good for all ages.

Pubs with Play Areas
If you fancy combining playtime with a pint, check out The Acorn (Northmead Drive, Creekmoor, Poole, BH17 7XZ), about 15 minutes away. It’s got a big wooden play frame with swings and a slide in the beer garden, plus a kids’ menu. Or try The Yachtsman (Lake Road, Hamworthy, Poole, BH15 4LW), same distance, with a large play area and activity packs to keep the kids busy. Both are proper family-friendly with decent food.

Most of these spots are geared towards younger kids, but places like Lemur Landings and Hamworthy have stuff for older ones too.

For a great day, Lollipops is your best bet for staying local, but Whitecliff or Hamworthy are ace for a bit of fresh air.