As a West Yorkshire based family, we’ve loved venturing into Barnsley to explore the free public outdoor play areas across the borough. All the parks listed here are completely free to access and open to the public year-round. We’ve included a variety of options – from large country parks with themed play features to small neighbourhood playgrounds – to appeal to families in Barnsley’s town centre and surrounding villages like Wombwell and Cudworth.
These sites are managed by Barnsley Council or community groups, ensuring they are welcoming and well-maintained for residents and visitors alike. The beauty of our location in Wakefield is that you can venture into Barnsley, Leeds, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Bradford (to name a few) quite easily and enjoy the amenities they have to offer. Our weekends are typically spent venturing around parks and spaces throughout the county.
Below is an overview table of the play areas, highlighting each park’s pros, cons, and our overall rating based on family-friendly amenities and reviews. Further below, you’ll find a brief description of each location with details on facilities, pros and cons, and why it made our list. If there are any parks we have missed then please feel free to comment below and we will get them added!
Barnsley Parks Overview Table:
| Play Park Name | Pros | Cons | Overall Rating |
| Locke Park (Barnsley) | Large Victorian park with extensive playground, cafe, toilets, great for bikes/scooters | Can get busy; parking/cafe crowded during events | 4.5/5 |
| Cannon Hall Park (Cawthorne) | Adventure playground, museum, lake, gardens, scenic views | Paid parking, smaller play area; can be busy | 4/5 |
| Elsecar Park (Wombwell/Elsecar) | Large play area, sandpit, MUGA, cafe, mini-golf, reservoir walks | Very busy; some features seasonal/paid | 4.5/5 |
| Worsbrough Mill & Country Park | Playground, lakeside trails, nature, working mill, cafe | The playground is smaller, no teen activities; muddy in the rain | 4/5 |
| Wombwell Park | Play area, skate park, open space, well-kept by the community | Limited facilities; no toilets or cafe | 3.5/5 |
| Cudworth Park | Playground, MUGA, bowling green, community upkeep | No toilets/cafe; limited for older children | 3.5/5 |
| Darton Park | Playground, tennis courts, football, skate park | No toilets, limited parking, ageing equipment | 3.5/5 |
| Grimethorpe Millennium Green | Playground, MUGA, community feel, open field | No toilets/cafe; minimal seating/shade; basic layout | 3/5 |
| Dearne Valley Country Park | Trails, wildlife, playground, skate park, bike-friendly | No toilets or cafe; muddy when wet | 4/5 |
| Penny Pie Park | Inclusive play equipment, outdoor fitness facilities, hosts community events | No car park; near busy roads | 4/5 |
| Sugdens Recreation Ground | Multi-age play, MUGA, bowling green, car park access | No toilets or cafe | 3.5/5 |
Each park below includes location details, highlights of the play facilities, pros, cons, and overall rating.
Note: Although we have visited most of the parks on the list we shamefully haven’t reviewed them all! Check back here often for more comprehensive reviews.
Additional information:
Locke Park (Barnsley)
Location: Park Road, Barnsley, S70 1YG
Description: Large Victorian park with modern play area, cafe, tower, bandstand, gardens and paved paths for scooting or cycling. Ideal for picnics and community events.
Pros: Wide range of facilities, buggy-friendly paths, community events.
Cons: Can get crowded on weekends and event days.
Rating: 4.5/5
Cannon Hall Park (Cawthorne)
Location: Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT
Description: Scenic country park with museum, play area, lake, open lawns and seasonal trails. Great for a family walk and picnic.
Pros: Beautiful surroundings, free museum, family-friendly cafe.
Cons: Paid parking, smallish play area, no sports facilities.
Rating: 4/5
Elsecar Park (Wombwell/Elsecar)
Location: Armroyd Lane, Elsecar, S74 8ES
Description: Green Flag park with adventure play area, sand pit, crazy golf, MUGA, cafe, and trails around Elsecar Reservoir.
Pros: Packed with facilities for all ages, well-maintained, good accessibility.
Cons: Very busy on weekends, some attractions limited hours.
Rating: 4.5/5
Worsbrough Mill & Country Park
Location: Worsbrough Bridge, S70 5LJ
Description: Nature-focused park with woodland walks, reservoir, play area, historic watermill and cafe.
Pros: Great for walks, wildlife, duck feeding, and exploring the mill.
Cons: Playground small, some features closed mid-week, limited teen appeal.
Rating: 4/5
Wombwell Park
Location: Off Park Street, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73
Description: Community park with standard playground, open field, small skate area and footpaths.
Pros: Good for locals, skate-friendly, community involvement.
Cons: No toilet or cafe, basic setup.
Rating: 3.5/5
Cudworth Park
Location: Carlton Street, Cudworth, S72 8ST
Description: Village park with play area, MUGA, bowling green and perimeter paths.
Pros: Peaceful, safe, good for toddlers and ball games.
Cons: No on-site parking or toilets, limited range.
Rating: 3.5/5
Darton Park
Location: Church Street, Darton, S75 5LZ
Description: Multi-use community park with playground, skate park, sports pitches and streamside paths.
Pros: Tennis, football, varied play, quiet location.
Cons: No facilities or parking, ageing in parts.
Rating: 3.5/5
Grimethorpe Millennium Green
Location: Off Acorn Way, Grimethorpe, S72
Description: Open green space with kids’ playground, MUGA, heritage monument, and wildflowers.
Pros: Open space, safe and friendly, great for running around.
Cons: No cafe, shade or toilets; basic equipment.
Rating: 3/5
Dearne Valley Country Park
Location: Pontefract Road, Barnsley, S71 1HS
Description: A scenic 80-hectare country park close to Barnsley town centre with a children’s play area, skate park, and walking and cycling trails that link with the Trans Pennine Trail. Great for wildlife spotting and outdoor family adventures.
Pros: Free parking, diverse natural areas, great for bikes and exploring.
Cons: No toilet or cafe facilities, some paths muddy when wet.
Rating: 4/5
Penny Pie Park
Location: Dodworth Road, Barnsley, S70 6PE
Description: Penny Pie Park is a spacious urban green space west of Barnsley town centre. It has a modern inclusive playground, multi-use games area, and outdoor gym. Also hosts events like Barnsley Mini Olympics.
Pros: Inclusive equipment, fitness stations, popular for local events.
Cons: No car park; close to main roads, so supervision is needed.
Rating: 4/5
Sugdens Recreation Ground
Location: Stocks Lane, Barnsley, S75 2BA
Description: Sugdens Recreation Ground in Pogmoor features a play area for under 11s, MUGA, bowling green, and ample open green space.
Pros: Multi-age facilities, car park access, well-kept.
Cons: No toilets or on-site refreshments.
Rating: 3.5/5
Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by Ryan
Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There’s no better way to travel than via bike and it’s an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.