Great Parks and Green Spaces: Free Days Out in York

At Muddy Boots we value the importance of getting children outside. In our nurseries we prioritise outdoor learning, whatever the weather, letting children be curious as they explore the environment around them. If you want to bring the Muddy Boots ethos home with you, why not visit one of these amazing spaces in York to get your little slice of adventure, locally.

York Museum Gardens, York

Located near the train station, York Museum Gardens forms a little haven to escape from the city. There’s so much to discover as you’re surrounded by beautiful flowers, lots of wildlife and historical features. Within the same area, there are also Artist and Edible Wood gardens, allowing you to discover contemporary art and learn all about (and try) edible plants!

Rowntree Park, York

Just south of the city centre, Rowntree Park has a lot to offer. From ponds and woodland walks to playgrounds and sports courts, you’re never short of something to do! If you’re looking for something more, you can also attend the ‘Very Young Friends of Rowntree Park’ sessions for £3 per child to discover some nature based arts and crafts activities.

York City Walls Trail, York

Enjoy a circular walk around the city and take in the sites through the City Walls Trail. On average the full circuit takes about 2 hours, with plenty to look at along your way. Whether you take a gentle stroll admiring the flowers on the slopes, or create your own adventure telling stories of great battle, traversing the Walls is a great way to spend some time in the city. You can also listen to an audio tour of the walls through the Friends of York Walls website to learn about the history of the walls and its fantastic architecture.

Homestead Park, York

Just over a mile from the city centre, Homestead Park is a well known and highly recommended place to visit, featuring beautiful walk through gardens that make picturesque picnic spots, as well as tree trails where you can find lots of wildlife. The layout of the plant displays within the park are made to fit a different theme each year, so why not visit more than once?

Glen Gardens, Heworth

Situated near bowling lawns, Glen Gardens offer a peaceful escape into nature, perfect for bike rides, gentle strolls or even a little picnic. The gardens also feature a children’s play park, suitable for various ages, as well as sports courts. Take in the scenery, or even donate a book through the poetry book exchange, however you spend your time here, it’s worth it.

Ashkam Bog Nature Reserve, Ashkam Bryan

An ancient, fascinating bit of nature, Ashkam Bog Nature Reserve is really quite the wonder. While wellies are heavily recommended for most of the site, there is a boardwalk that loops around the reserve where you can safely take in the beautiful surroundings. During wetter weather this park is definitely for the more adventurous type, so if you’re feeling confident head on over!

Conclusion

These are just a handful of the fantastic parks and green spaces across York, perfect for a fun and free day of adventure. Inspired by the Muddy Boots way of life, there’s plenty to discover in each of these places, as well as lots of opportunities to get messy!

If you’re looking to travel further afield, check out our other blog on Fun and Free Days Out Across Yorkshire for even more inspiration on where to visit with your family this Summer.