Eight of the best family friendly outdoor spaces

If you're stuck for ideas for what to do with your little ones this summer, then why not while away the long afternoons in some of Britain's best open air attractions. Not only will your children get lots of fresh air, they'll see and learn new things too.

1. Pollock country park
Glasgow
http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Parks_Outdoors/Parks_gardens/
About the park: Pollok Country Park in Glasgow was awarded the prestigious title of Britain’s Best Park in 2007. The Park is rich in rural history, formerly being part of the Old Pollok Estate and ancestral home to the Maxwell Family. The Park is also home to the world famous Burrell Collection. There is also a Walled Garden and Woodland garden.
Facilities: Old Stable Courtyard and Sawmill, Heavy Horses, walled gardens, Play park, Countryside Ranger Centre, Glasgow Mountain Bike Circuit, wildlife garden, woodland walks, orienteering course, Highland Cattle, riverside walks, themed trails, picnic areas
Opening times: The Park is open at all times, however the specific facilities within the park are subject to opening times.
Admission cost: See website for costs to specific areas of the park.

2. Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve
Norfolk
http://www.hawkandowl.org/SculthorpeHome/
About the nature reserve: Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve was created by the Hawk and Owl Trust to protect and enhance the special habitat in the Wensum Valley of Norfolk. It includes the valley's only example of saw sedge wetland, a priority habitat for preservation in Europe. Its wildlife includes breeding marsh harriers, water rails and kingfishers as well as barn owls. Otters use its waterways and the fen is home to many species of dragonfly, butterfly and a host of flowering plants.
Facilities: Accessible toilets, interpretive display, live CCTV coverage from reserve at visitor and education centre, hot drinks dispenser, car park
Opening times: Open daily Tuesday to Sunday, April-September -Tues-Wed 8am-6pm and Thurs-Sun 8am-dusk. October-March Tues-Sun 8am-4pm. CLOSED every Monday (except Bank Holidays) and Christmas Day.
Admission cost: Charge for special events and guided walks.

3. Diana memorial gardens – Kensington gardens
London
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/diana_playground.cfm
About the garden: A huge wooden Pirate ship is the amazing centrepiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground. This children's wonderland opened on the 30th June 2000, in memory of the late Princess Diana. Located next to her Kensington Palace home, the playground is a tribute for a Princess who loved children. Children up to the age of 12 are allowed in the playground.
Facilities: The Diana Playground Café, serves fresh salads, sandwiches and drinks as well as offering a children's menu. There are also toilets, including disabled and baby change facilities.
Opening times: May - August: 10am - 7.45pm, April and September: 10am - 6.45pm March & early October: 10am - 5.45pm February & late October: 10pm -4.45pm November - January: 10.00 - 3.45pm
Admission cost: Free

4. Clacton on Sea’s Victorian Pier
Clacton
http://www.clactonpier.co.uk/
About the pier: At Clacton-on-Sea you will find at least seven miles of clean sandy beaches, with a promenade, which stretches from Frinton in the north to Jaywick in the south. They also have a Victorian Pier , which is free to enter. On the pier, you can find amusements such dodgem’s, fishing, free fireworks, restaurants and sun bathing. Or check out the amusement arcades next to the pier, which contain many original Victorian machines.
Facilities: Restaurants, café, toilets
Opening times: All day
Admission cost: Free to walk along the pier

5. Stonehenge
Wiltshire
http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/
About Stonehenge: Visit the amazing Stonehenge. Stonehenge was constructed in three phases and it is estimated that the three phases of the construction required more than thirty million hours of labour. Speculation on the reason it was built range from human sacrifice to astronomy. Visitors are unable to walk between the stones.
Facilities: Toilets
Opening time: Summer 1 Jun to 31 Aug, 9am – 7pm, Autumn 1 Sept to 15 Oct, 9.30am – 6pm, Winter 16 Oct to 15 Mar, 9.30am – 4pm, Boxing Day and New Year's Day 10am – 4pm
Admission cost: Adult £6.50, Child (5 - 15) £3.30, Concession (student, pensioner) £5.20, Family Ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children) £16.30, English Heritage and National Trust Members: Free

6. The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
There are 9 centres across the UK – Arundel, Caerlaverock, Castle Espie, London, Martin Mere, Llanelli, Slimbridge, Washington, Welney,
http://www.wwt.org.uk/
About WWT: Visit the WWT centres and enjoy wetland habitats and their wildlife all year round in accessible and comfortable surroundings. At many of the sites children can enjoy free safaris on quiet electric boats and discover the joys of seeing wild flora & fauna in their natural environment.
Facilities: Toilets, shop
Opening time: See websites for specific centre visiting times
Admission cost: Cost dependent on whether you are a member of WWT. For a breakdown of costs visit the website

7. Ironbridge Open Air Museum of Steel Sculpture
Shropshire
http://www.go2.co.uk/steelsculpture/
About the museum: Ten acres with more than 60 sculptures, including many by steel sculptor Roy The experience is one of exploration and you'll discover more sculptures hidden around the grounds. Occasionally you may find sculptors at work - renovating, installing additions or fabricating new sculptures on site. The Museum also hosts Cast Iron Sculpture Workshops.
Facilities: Toilets, cafe
Opening time: 1st March to 30th November Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm
Open Bank Holiday Mondays
Admission cost: Adults £3.00 (Group of 10 or more per head - £2.50) Children £2.00 (Group of 10 or more per head - £1.50)

8. City farm - Deen City Farm
London 
http://www.deencityfarm.co.uk/
About the farm: Spread over five acres of land in the London borough of Merton. The farm runs a volunteer scheme for people to be part of a rural experience and learn how to look after animals and plants. Unusual animals include Milo and Kimby the alpacas and a snow-white peacock called Derek. The farm also has a riding school
Facilities: Toilets, Riding school
Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4.30pm
Admission cost: No Admission Charge – but donations are welcome 

Can you recommend anywhere for a fun family day out? Why not share it with other mums in the forums