Wicksteed Play Area

If you’re local to Kettering, you already know Wicksteed is the go-to for a proper family day out without spending a fortune. The playground itself is well-stocked — slides, swings, a zipline, climbing frame, merry-go-round, and a play train that the little ones absolutely lose their minds over. It’s geared toward under-10s really, but there’s enough open grass space that older kids and adults can spread out too. Parking’s easy, the toilets are there when you need them, and the picnic tables mean you can actually sit down and keep an eye on the kids at the same time. Honestly, for a free play area with this much going on, it’s hard to argue with.