Mum-of-four and founder of The Hiking Household, Laura Earl, has found the perfect solution to entertaining her children during the summer break.
The hardest task Laura had this summer was finding free entertainment for her children, so now she is sharing the best, free green spaces around Cumbria to save you the stress.
And the best part?
These parks are conveniently located near bus routes, allowing families to leave their cars behind and make a full day of it.
According to Laura, one of the top parks to visit in Cumbria is Chances Park in Carlisle.
This park offers tarmac paths for bikes, scooters, and strollers, as well as a gated play area for younger children and a climbing area and zip line for older kids.
With its variety of attractions, Chances Park is the go-to destination for Laura and her children when they want to enjoy a playground that caters to all ages.
Chances Park can be accessed via bus route 61, 62, 300, 400, 554 and 600.
Another park worth visiting is Barrow Park, Barrow.
This park boasts an impressive range of facilities, including a putting green, boating lake, and a play area for younger children.
With a cafe on-site and its proximity to Barrow Park Leisure Centre, this park offers a complete day out for the whole family.
Barrow Park can be accessed via bus route 1, 4, 6, X6 and 6C.
For those with younger children, Castle Park in Whitehaven is a great option.
This small park is wheelchair accessible and features a newly renovated adventure playground with swings, climbing frames, and more.
With its tarmac paths and large grass area, Castle Park is perfect for picnics and gentle walks.
Castle Park can be accessed via bus route 1, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 29 and 30.
Vulcan Park in Workington is a 14-acre park located in the town centre.
Its wide tarmac paths make it accessible to all, and there is a fenced-off play area for younger children.
Older kids can enjoy the playing field, basketball court, and small agility course.
With plenty of benches positioned throughout the park, parents and grandparents can comfortably watch their children play for hours.
Vulcan Park can be accessed via bus route 29, 30, 50, 51, 52, 300, X4 and X5.
Ford Park in Ulverston is a charity-run park that offers something for everyone.
From trails and playgrounds to orchards and kitchen gardens, there is a wide range of activities to enjoy.
The park also hosts family fun days and outdoor theatre productions, making it a must-visit destination for families.
Ford Park can be accessed on bus route 6, 6C and X6.
Abbot Hall Park in Kendal, just a short walk from the town centre, is perfect for younger children.
Its pram and wheelchair-friendly paths lead to a playground that offers great fun for all ages.
The park's open grass field is ideal for family sports and picnics, and it's only a short walk to Kendal Castle, another great place to explore with little ones.
Abbot Hall Park can be accessed bus route 6C, X6, 40, 41, 41A, 46, 555, 567 and 755.
Castle Park in Penrith, within walking distance from the town centre, provides bowling facilities, crazy golf, tennis courts, and a fantastic children's play area.
Castle Park can be accessed via bus route X4, X5, 508 and 563.
Hammonds Pond in Carlisle is a park that offers activities for children of all ages.
With facilities for football, basketball, and biking, as well as a refurbished play area, there is something for everyone.
The park also features a lovely circular route around the pond, where families can enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery.
The bike track is always popular with Laura's children.
Hammonds Pond can be accessed via bus route 67.
Petteril Valley Park, another park in Carlisle, is known for its two play areas situated at either end of the walk.
Families can enjoy walking along the flat, tarmac path while enjoying countryside views and the excitement of passing trains.
Petteril Valley Park can be accessed by bus route 104.
Finally, Lightburn Park in Ulverston is a small park with excellent facilities, including a children's play area, skate ramp, climbing area, football pitch, and basketball court.
Families can also extend their trip by walking alongside Dragley Beck.
Lightburn Park can be accessed by bus route 6 and X6.
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