101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers – Redhill Park

For children, there is plenty to do in Redhill Park. There is a large play area, a paddling pool and a cafe which runs weekly kids’ activities. In addition, you can explore nature in the adjoining Redhill Common.

How to get to Redhill Park

Redhill Park is located 3 miles north of central Bournemouth along the A347. By public transport, bus No 5 stops at Combe Avenue at the southern end of the park and bus No 5a stops at Co-Op, opposite the southern end of the park.

Access

The area is flat and easily accessible.

Parking

The park has its own (free) car park. There is also plenty of equally free roadside parking in neighbouring roads.

Opening Times

The park is open round the clock. The paddling pool is open daily between May and September.

Price

Entry to the park and most of the facilities is free. You must pay to use the tennis courts.

Paddling Pool

The popular Paddling Pool has been in situ since the end of World War II. During the war, the park was used as a first aid station and a water tank was sunk into the ground. Once the war was over, this tank was turned into a children’s paddling pool. The large area means that even on busy days, there’s room for everyone. And it’s shallow enough for even young children to paddle in safely.

Redhill Park Paddling Pool
Redhill Park Paddling Pool

Play Area

The Play Area has a range of play equipment, plus a ball court and a skate zone.

Redhill Park Play Area
Redhill Park Play Area

Redhill Park Cafe

There is a very nice cafe in the park – Redhill Park Cafe – which offers a typical cafe menu at breakfast and lunch time with indoor and outdoor seating available. The cafe is open daily from 9.30 am until 5 pm, although these times can vary according to the season. The cafe hosts both regular events for children (and adults) plus a range of special events throughout the year. Check the website for more details.

Ice Cream from Redhill Park Cafe
Ice Cream from Redhill Park Cafe
Messy Moon

Messy Moon is a messy play session for pre school children. These sessions take place on Tuesday mornings and are run by Over the Moon Messy Play. Tickets cost £5.50 for one child (£3.50 for a sibling).

Baby Group

On Wednesday afternoons, parents/carers with children under the age of two can attend a free drop in Baby Group.

Parent Carer Coffee Morning

Twice weekly coffee mornings for parents looking after children with disabilities.

After School Art Club

There is an After School Art Club on Friday afternoons. These drop-in sessions run from 3.30 pm until 4.30 pm and are free to attend.

The Parks Foundation

The cafe is run by The Parks Foundation, who also offer a programme of activities for children. Check out the most up-to-date event schedule for this, and other parks around Bournemouth here.

Tennis Courts

For older children (and adults, of course) there are Tennis Courts. You can book courts for £7 an hour here. Alternatively, you can pay £52 for a year’s access to tennis courts both here and at three other venues. Tennis lessons are also available, starting with Parents & Tots classes suitable for children age 3-5 via Bourne4Tennis.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are toilets with changing facilities next to the cafe.

Redhill Common

The park is next to the Nature Reserve of Redhill Common. On this small area of heathland, you can follow trails and hunt for the residents wildlife, such as lizards, slow worms and butterflies.

  • Updated: June 2026

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.

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