Best Playgrounds in South Shields

South Shields is a brilliant place for children who like to be outdoors. The town has seafront play parks, adventure playgrounds with climbing walls and towers, and a boating lake with pedalos — all within walking distance of the beach. Here are the best playgrounds and outdoor play areas for children in South Shields.

South Marine Park

South Marine Park on Sea Road is the green heart of the South Shields seafront and has two play parks suitable for different age ranges. Younger children have a fenced area with smaller equipment, while older children can use the larger adventure playground nearby. The park also has a boating lake with swan pedalos and rowing boats for hire, the Lakeshore Railroad miniature steam railway, and a bandstand.

The play parks are free to use, well maintained, and within easy reach of the beach, ice cream kiosks, and public toilets.

Best for: Two play parks for different ages, a boating lake with pedalos, and a miniature steam railway — all free and right on the seafront.

---

Bents Park

Bents Park sits on the coast road between South Marine Park and Marsden, facing the sea. The children's play area was upgraded with adventure towers, climbing walls, a wonky walk, and sensory play equipment designed to encourage outdoor adventure. The park itself is a wide, grassy space popular for picnics and events — including the free summer concerts at Bents Park.

Best for: Upgraded adventure playground with climbing walls, towers, and sensory play — set in wide open parkland facing the sea.

---

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park on Sea Road is the North East's biggest free-admission fun park, and while it is not a playground in the traditional sense, it has rides and attractions suitable for younger children as well as thrill seekers. Entry is free — you only pay for the rides you use, either by contactless Fun Card or wristband. On a sunny day, it is a natural extension of a trip to the seafront play parks.

Best for: Free admission with over 40 rides — pay only for what you ride. A natural extension of a seafront day out with the children.

---

Haven Point (rainy day option)

When the weather turns, Haven Point on Pier Parade has leisure waters with slides and water play areas that younger children love. It is not a playground, but it fills the same need on a wet day. Adult swim sessions cost around five pounds, and there is a dedicated toddler pool area.

Best for: Indoor leisure waters with slides and water play for younger children — the best rainy-day alternative to outdoor playgrounds.

---

The Dunes Adventure Island (indoor soft play)

The Dunes Adventure Island on Sea Road has the largest indoor soft play area in the North of England. The main area is themed around a galleon with five levels of giant slides, rope bridges, an indoor football pitch, and foam cannons. There is a separate dedicated toddler area with smaller slides and a sensory section. The venue also has ten-pin bowling and an arcade.

For more indoor play options, see our guide to soft play in South Shields.

Best for: The largest indoor soft play in the North of England — five levels of slides, rope bridges, and a dedicated toddler sensory area.

---

Planning your visit

South Marine Park and Bents Park are both free and open all year round. For a full day out, combine the South Marine Park play parks with a ride on the miniature railway, a pedalo on the boating lake, and fish and chips from Colmans on Ocean Road. The play parks are well connected — you can walk between South Marine Park, Bents Park, and Ocean Beach Pleasure Park along the seafront promenade.

For more family activities, see our guides to summer activities, soft play, and free things to do in South Shields.

---

Looking for more? See our guides to things to do and beaches in South Shields.