Ashbourne, staffs area - Play areas, places to go for free with a 6yr old!

[Rhubarbsoap]

Me and 6yr old daughter are staying near Ashbourne over Whit week. I'm familiar with areas to walk, mini hikes, nice views etc! But last time I went, I was with my teen daughters.

So please suggest decent play areas, outdoor/indoor free or low cost things to do. Places to take a picnic for example!
I have seen Carsington Water has a fun looking play area and island thing with trails? Things like that are perfect.

We are from the East of England, so hills are a novelty :)

Matlock Bath is close by and has amusements, sweet and ice cream shops, parks, river boats. Matlock town has a park with a splash pad too. Carsington will likely have some free half term activities on too - check their website!

Matlock Bath is lovely. It has a very "seaside" feel.
Carsington is also good and they have a lot of activities going on. Parking can be expensive though.
JCB lake is good for a walk round and feeding the ducks. There is usually a really good ice cream van there too. Pop up the road tp Denstone farm shop. They have a really great cafe.