Picture books set in parks

Parks and playgrounds are so important for children’s all-round development. They provide opportunities to exercise, use their imaginations, socialise, and reconnect with nature.

Yet outdoor play has declined by 50% in a generation, a finding that sits at the heart of the 2025 report Everything to Play For by the Raising the Nation Play Commission, which calls for children's play to be at the forefront of government strategy.

These picture books set in parks remind children, and adults, of the joy and benefits of time spent in green spaces. Bringing together stories for children aged 3 to 7, the inclusive list includes titles that centre on exciting park adventures as well as those that use parks as an engaging backdrop to story plots. All feature children and adults from different backgrounds playing, connecting and exploring together in wonderful green spaces.