With two play areas, ornamental lake, oodles of ducks and geese, a skate park, six tennis courts, a basketball court and a reading cafe complete with little library, it's no wonder that Rowntree Park is so popular with York's families.

It's open all year round, aside from Christmas Day, and is generally accessible from 8 am until dusk (but check for the most recent opening hours). The Friends and Young Friends of Rowntree Park are fantastic volunteer-led organisations that run great activities for families throughout the year, so keep your eye out.

Take a scooter, ball or your tennis kit (book online first) or just put the baby in the buggy and give them their first swing! Pack a picnic if you like, just avoid the grass that the geese have taken a shine to (we'll say no more). There are squirrels galore and plenty of interesting plants and trees to spot. Its riverside location is fantastic but does mean that the park occasionally floods. It's a short walk from here into York city centre. Find out what's on at Rowntree Park by following them on Facebook.

For another green park near York city centre, York Museum Gardens is also an excellent place for children to explore.