Families enjoy a bit of park life, but some parks are better than others when it comes to play equipment and other facilities.

Once you have found a good one, you will return again and again - and many people are prepared to travel to a park that's got everything.

For some, it will be a sandy play area and a good cafe, for others it will be a well-equipped playground or a pleasant paddling pool.

Here are the top eight parks in and around Huddersfield recommended by mums and dads, with everything you need to know about them.

If you know of another park that deserves to be on the list, then email: andrew.robinson@trinitymirror.com

Greenhead Park, Huddersfield

What's in the play area?

There are three play areas, with a wide range of equipment that will satisfy little ones and teenagers.

One play area features a large tube slide and a zip-line which are both popular with older children. Nearby there's an enclosed play area for younger children that features swings and a slide.

A third play areas has swings for little ones, a climbing frame and other pieces of play equipment.

Enjoying the sunshine in Greenhead Park
Enjoying the sunshine in Greenhead Park

Is there a cafe?

There are two cafes. The Cafe in the Park, near the tennis courts, is open from 10am to 4pm in summer (3pm in winter) for hot and cold food and drinks, ice creams and lollies. Outdoor seating is available.

Greenhead Park Conservatory and cafe
Greenhead Park Conservatory and cafe

A second cafe, The Park, is situated behind the Conservatory at the bottom of the park. It is open from 9am to 4pm with extended hours to 4:30pm on summer weekends and school holidays. There is a children's menu as well as breakfasts and lunches.

How much is a children's meal?

A kid's lunch box (sandwich, drink, chocolate bar, crisps) is £3.95. Child's soup is £1.95. Cheese or beans on toast is £1.75.

How much is a cup of tea or coffee?

£2.25 for a coffee and £1.75 for a tea.

Is there a baby change facility?

Yes.

Are the paths buggy friendly?

Yes.

How much is parking?

On-street parking is free but avoid the spaces set aside for residents. There's a pay-and-display car park behind The Park cafe which costs £1 per hour for up to three hours.

Anything else?

There are open spaces for ball games and for picnics. There's also a paddling pool, bowling greens, tennis courts, petanque, a skate park, bandstand and an ornamental lake where you can feed the ducks. There's a large war memorial as well as a fountain feature.

Greenhead Park's miniature railway
Greenhead Park's miniature railway

Greenhead Park also has a volunteer-run miniature railway (£1.30 a ride).

Beaumont Park, Huddersfield

What's in the play area?

There are two play areas, with a choice of equipment which includes swings and climbing frames.

Beaumont Park bandstand

Is there a cafe?

Yes, in the visitor centre, although it is staffed on a part-time basis (it is generally open on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons and, in the summer, is open Saturdays 12-4pm)

How much is a children's meal?

There are sandwiches for £1.40 and soup for £1.40.

How much is a cup of tea or coffee?

£1 for a tea or a coffee.

Is there a baby changing facility?

Yes, in the visitor centre, although it is only available during opening times.

Are the paths buggy friendly?

The main path is fine for prams, but others are steep or have steps.

How much is parking?

There is on-street parking which is free.

Anything else?

There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, including grottos, ponds, a fountain, sculptures, archways and lots of trees. There is also a bandstand.

Ravensknowle Park, Huddersfield

What's in the play area?

There are climbing frames and swings for children of all ages, as well as a zip wire and some goal posts.

Ravensknowle Park
Ravensknowle Park

Is there a cafe?

No, but refreshments can be bought from the Tolson Museum shop.

Is there a baby changing facility?

Yes, in the museum.

Are the paths buggy friendly?

Yes.

How much is parking?

Free.

WATCH: Play equipment in Ravensknowle Park

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Anything else?

The magnificent Tolson Museum is child friendly and well worth a visit. There are bowling greens, tennis courts and a multi-use games area.

Manor Heath Park, Halifax

The Jungle Experience at Manor Heath Park, Halifax
The Jungle Experience at Manor Heath Park, Halifax

What's in the play area?

There are swings, slides, round-abouts and climbing frames for children of all ages. There is also a watery play area with taps, dams and channels to play with.

Is there a cafe?

Yes, it's called Flutter Bites.

How much is a children's meal?

A children's lunchbox is £3.50 and contains a sandwich, yogurt, a carton of juice and a piece of fruit.

WATCH: A fun day out at Manor Heath's Jungle Experience.

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How much is a cup of tea or coffee?

£1.50 for a tea. A few pence more for a coffee.

Is there a baby changing facility?

Yes, next to the cafe. 20p charge for use of the toilets.

Are the paths buggy friendly?

Yes.

How much is parking?

Yes.

Free on-street parking in some areas (time restrictions may apply). Parking meters on some streets.

Anything else?

Don't miss a visit to the Jungle Experience. The kids will love looking at the giant butterflies, terrapins, fish and quails. £1 entrance fee. Under fives free.

Shibden Park, Halifax

Shibden Park, Halifax
Shibden Park, Halifax

What's in the play area?

The play area has toddler play equipment, swings, cable ride, covered slide and climbing frame for the more adventurous. The equipment is designed to be inclusive for all, enabling children in wheelchairs to ride on the roundabout and play amongst their peers.

Is there a cafe?

Yes, The Mereside - Coffee Culture in the Park, where you can get tasty hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks.

How much is a children's meal?

The children’s menu ranges from £2 to £2.75 for a meal.

How much is a cup of tea or coffee?

Tea is £1.65, regular filter coffee is £2.15.

Is there a baby changing facility?

Toilet facilities are available at Mereside (lower main car park), at the children's play area, and Shibden Hall car park. Baby changing and disabled toilet facilities at all locations.

Are the paths buggy friendly?

Most of them are. Best to use the lower main car park to avoid stone setts.

How much is parking?

Pay and display parking charges apply at all Shibden Park car parks: 9 am to 6 pm daily (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day) 30 pence per hour, £1 all day.

Anything else?

Shibden Park is part of the Shibden Estate, including Shibden Hall which dates back to 1420 and offers a fascinating journey through the lives of the people who lived and worked there. The adjacent 17th century aisled barn and workshops house a carriage collection and displays relating to different crafts, including a blacksmiths, coopers, wheelwrights and saddlers.

Oakwell Hall, Birstall

Oakwell Hall

What's in the play area?

There are two adjacent play areas. One is a fenced in space designed for younger children and children with additional needs with swings, slides and roundabouts. Beyond this is a second play area designed for older children offering more adventurous play experiences in a woodland setting.

Is there a cafe?

Yes, Oaktree Cafe.

Are the paths buggy-friendly?

Yes.

How much is parking?

Free.

Anything else?

Picnic areas, visitor centre including shop, Elizabethan manor house, countryside centre, nature trail, 110 acres of Green Flag Award winning country park to explore, sculptures, Yorkshire in Bloom Gold Award winning period gardens.

Crow Nest Park, Dewsbury

Crow Nest Park, Dewsbury

What's in the play area?

A range of play equipment for children of all ages.

Is there a cafe?

Yes.

Is there a baby changing facility?

Yes, in the museum.

Are the paths buggy-friendly?

Yes.

How much is parking?

Free.

Anything else?

There is a lake, bowling green, tennis courts, outdoor gym equipment and a games area.

Wilton Park, Batley

Wilton Park
Wilton Park

What's in the play area?

A range of equipment for all ages.

Is there a cafe?

Yes.

Is there a baby changing facility?

Yes.

Are the paths buggy-friendly?

They are around the bottom end of the park, along with one good path to the top. Others are not suitable.

How much is parking?

Free.

Anything else?

There is a lake, bowling greens, tennis courts and a multi-use games area.