The new playground at Canal Park, Kingsbrook, Aylesbury is one I’ve been keeping my eye on for a while. I spotted it being built when I did my review of another playground in Kingsbrook, but this one looked like it would be bigger. I waited what felt like forever for them to open, but it finally is so we went down to check it out.
I’m going to tackle the biggest problem this place has first – parking. There is no dedicated car park which for a playground this cool is a massive oversight! Marsworth Drive itself has some parking laybys and it seems like local residents have plenty of parking so I’mm really hoping it’s not an issue. If you are visiting then please be considerate when parking.
The Toddler’s Playground
For some reason I usually start a playground review at the toddler area and Canal Park at Kingsbrook is no different. Honestly, I think a decent toddler play area usually means a decent park overall. The one here is good, but possibly a little bit too physical for proper toddlers. Smallest Child (3 1/2) loved it. There’s a mini pirate ship play frame, a mini scramble net, a mini fitness trail, a mini climbing frame and a mini . Basically it’s a decent kids playground – but in miniature. A see-saw, rockers and swings complete the set!
The pirate ship is so cute. It’s got a slide, plank to walk, wheel, skull & crossbones and secret tunnel. I’d really love something like this in our garden. I don’t think the kids would ever be off of it!
The main play-frame
The main play-frame at Canal Park in Kingsbrook is massive – it’s actually what made me first notice the playground as it’s quite hidden from the main road. There’s scramble nets, steps, rope bridges, ladders, slides and other stuff. It’s also actually quite complicated for the kids to get around – and that’s a good thing as it gives them a challenge. Even Smallest Child had a go – but she got scared and I had to rescue her.
The rest of the equipment
There’s one of those swing rings that seem really popular with new parks recently (Verulamium Park in St Albans has one, and various other ones I can’t remember right now!). There’s also a nest swing and a rope swing. Get a group of kids together on one of these and they’re happy as Larry for ages.
There’s a plethora of wobbling / balancing equipment for the bigger kids, plus a spider scramble net. The playground at Canal Park in Kingsbrook also has one of those rubber mat bridge things. Going through my photos I realised that I don’t have a good pic of this which is rubbish – bad blogger. I blame the fact that there was almost always a kid on it! Anyway, it’s this black thing in the right hand side;
We visited with some friends, and the boys inevitably made some more friends whilst we were there. This resulted in a small group of them trying to catapult each other off of the rubber mat – with some success. After intense scientific research the perfect ratio is 4:1.
There’s also a multi-sports court with hoops and goals.
The zip-line
The zip-line here was brilliant – for a couple of reasons. 1) it’s a good length and speed – exhilarating but not death defying. 2) it’s not too high off the ground, so nice and easy for all ages to use it. Whilst the boys were flinging each other off the mat, Smallest Child was goes backwards and forwards on this thing – and loving life! Only caveat – When Canal Park at Kingsbrook first opened it promptly closed again. Apparently “a” piece of equipment was faulty – my first suspect is this. No particular reason for that, just seems to most likely. Does anyone know?
The nature reserve
When we visited Canal Park at Kingsbrook the footpaths around the nature reserve were closed. There’s a lake here (which you’re allowed to fish apparently) and access to the canal towpath. This looks like it will be a nice family walk when it’s all finished and open.
Our Canal Park at Kingsbrook review
The playground here is really good for all ages and I’m really looking forward to what the nature area will end up being like
Admission cost
Free
Parking / How to get there
Parking – Not a lot and it’s on-street so please park considerately
Address – Marsworth Drive, Kingsbrook, Aylesbury HP22 7BG
Toilets
None
Food
Picnics allowed
What else is there to do nearby?
Aylesbury has got over 40 parks, and more being added all the time! There’s things like Rogue bowling or Stay & Play. Fancy a walk? Check out Wendover Woods.
Why not try out the Aylesbury version of Treasure Map Trails? You can save 10% on all maps using the code FREETIMEWITHTHEKIDS and this affiliate link
Hi, I’m Vicky. My husband and I live in Aylesbury with our three children; a 14 year old son, an 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I (mostly) love spending time together as a family. We visit all kinds of places and we’re quite happy to drive a fair distance for a decent day out. A few years ago I decided to set up Free Time with the Kids as a way to share our experiences of these family days out.
You’ll find the essential information you need to know before your visit that can be surprisingly hard to find out. Where do I park? How much will it cost me to get in? Are there any discounts available? Are there loos? Can I take a picnic or get food? My aim is to be your go-to guide for all your free and cheap family days out across Bucks, Beds, Oxon, Herts & slightly beyond. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook
