Cobree Manor Park is on a site that has been delighting youngsters for decades.

Back in the last century there was a zoo at the Aylesford park and it was the four-legged animals that drew in the crowds. Today, it's the brilliant adventure playground and open spaces that have two-legged animals of an entirely different kind flocking through the gates.

The revamped children's area is based on the park’s history as Maidstone Zoo, with animal-themed equipment.

The zoo was set up and run by owner Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake, who was 12-times Mayor of Maidstone. On his death in 1964, Sir Garrard left the grounds to the people of Maidstone and the park eventually opened in the 1970s.

As well as the modern play areas, cafe and nature trails, the park also includes some of the buildings left over from its previous incarnation – including its own elephant house.

The play equipment also including swings, slides and a zip wire.

Address: Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road, Maidstone ME20 7AG

Opening times: Dawn to dusk

Cost: Free but parking charges are set to be introduced in May when the new visitor centre and cafe are scheduled to open.

Contact:www.kent.gov.uk