Haven Banks Play Area

Right by the river in Exeter, this little spot punches above its weight for families with under-fives. The equipment is basic — swings, a slide, a climbing frame — but it’s well-suited to toddlers who aren’t ready for anything too ambitious. There’s an open grassy patch if your kid just wants to run around, and the water nearby makes for a nice backdrop while you watch them do their thing. It stays pretty clean, which you notice and appreciate. Bring your own chair though, because seating is an afterthought here.