13 Playgrounds That Make a Day Trip Feel Worth It
When planning a family day out, finding a playground that is more than just swings and slides can make all the difference. Some parks offer unique experiences where kids can explore, climb, and let their imaginations run wild, while parents can relax and enjoy the surroundings. These playgrounds are perfect for families who want to break away from the usual and create lasting memories together. Whether it is nature-filled spaces, creative play areas, or scenic views, these spots provide something for everyone. Spending the day at these playgrounds means your kids will have fun, learn something new, and get plenty of exercise.
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Mordecai Children’s Garden – Denver, Colorado
At The Mordecai Children’s Garden in Denver, kids can experience a delightful mix of play and education. The park is designed to help children learn about the environment, gardening, and how plants grow. Kids can engage with various gardening tools and plant their own flowers or vegetables in the garden beds. The park features interactive exhibits that teach children about pollinators, like bees and butterflies, and how they contribute to the ecosystem.
The Children’s Garden also includes winding paths for kids to explore, with hidden surprises around each corner. For parents, there are plenty of shaded seating areas to relax while keeping an eye on the kids. The garden is open year-round, with seasonal activities that change with the seasons, making it a place families can return to time and again.
Central Park Playground – New York City, New York
One of the most famous playgrounds in the U.S., Central Park Playground in New York City offers a fantastic combination of fun and history. The playground includes equipment like slides, climbing walls, and swings. It’s situated within Central Park, which means families can also enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery, gardens, and even a zoo nearby.
For kids who want to experience more than just the playground, there are plenty of other attractions, including a carousel and boat rides. Parents can relax in the shade or explore the park’s paths while the children play.
Klyde Warren Park – Dallas, Texas
Klyde Warren Park in Dallas is a great urban park that sits above a freeway, offering a unique location with plenty of green space. The playground here is diverse, with slides, climbing areas, and interactive play panels for children of all ages.
In addition to the playground, there are outdoor games, food trucks, and seasonal activities like outdoor yoga and movie nights. It’s a family-friendly spot that allows parents to relax while the kids enjoy the playground or play games in the open spaces.
Liberty Park – Salt Lake City, Utah
Liberty Park in Salt Lake City is one of the largest urban parks in the area, offering both natural beauty and fun playgrounds. It’s ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities like biking, walking, or paddle boating on the park’s pond. The playgrounds in Liberty Park are designed with children of all ages in mind, from younger kids who want to swing and slide to older children who can challenge themselves with climbing structures.
The park also includes a wildlife exhibit where kids can learn about local animals and even interact with some of them. For parents, the park offers peaceful spots to sit and enjoy the surrounding trees and beautiful views of the mountains. It’s a great place for a family outing, with something to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re looking for a picnic spot or an area for the kids to run around, Liberty Park has it all.
The Adventure Playground – San Francisco, California
The Adventure Playground in San Francisco is perfect for children who love to explore and create. Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, this playground allows kids to engage in self-guided play, using tools like hammers, nails, and saws to build their own forts and structures. The park encourages imaginative play, with children taking part in projects that allow them to transform simple materials into fun creations.
Parents can take a hands-on approach as well, helping their kids with building projects or simply enjoying the creative atmosphere. In addition to the construction zones, the playground also offers a variety of traditional play equipment like swings and slides. The unique combination of free play and structured activities makes the Adventure Playground a must-see for families in San Francisco. It’s a great place for kids to engage their creativity and have a blast.
Wells Park – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Wells Park in Albuquerque is a wonderful community park with a great playground for kids. The playground is equipped with slides, climbing walls, and swings, and there are also interactive features that engage children in creative play.
The park also includes sports fields, walking trails, and open spaces where families can enjoy a variety of activities. Parents can relax in the shaded areas or take a walk along the park’s scenic paths. It’s a peaceful spot for a family day out in Albuquerque.
Shiloh Park – Columbus, Ohio
Shiloh Park in Columbus is a hidden gem that families can enjoy year-round. It has expansive green spaces where children can run and play freely, along with a variety of playground equipment for different age groups. The park features traditional play elements like slides and swings, but it also includes a unique zipline that children love to ride. One of the park’s highlights is the large pond where kids can watch ducks and other wildlife.
The walking paths around the pond offer a serene place for parents to relax while the kids play. In addition, Shiloh Park is equipped with picnic tables and grills, making it a great place for a family cookout. The park is also home to sports fields, allowing families to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Royal Park – Birmingham, Alabama
Royal Park in Birmingham is a beautiful spot that combines nature, playgrounds, and family-friendly activities. The park includes an impressive play area with climbing structures, tunnels, and slides, all designed for active play. Royal Park also offers plenty of open space for kids to run around, play games, or simply enjoy the fresh air.
The park has a lovely walking path that winds through the greenery, making it a great place for parents to go for a peaceful stroll while keeping an eye on their children. For those with younger children, there are toddler-friendly play areas designed for sensory exploration. The large oak trees offer plenty of shade, creating a comfortable environment for families to enjoy a picnic. Royal Park is a perfect spot for a fun and relaxing day outdoors.
Highland Park – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Highland Park in Pittsburgh offers families a variety of outdoor activities in a spacious environment. The playground is one of the main attractions, featuring modern play equipment like climbing walls, swings, and slides. For children who enjoy exploring, the park’s large open fields and wooded areas offer the perfect place for a game of hide and seek. There is also a beautiful pond in the park where families can relax and enjoy watching the ducks.
The park is home to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, giving families the option to combine a visit to the zoo with their trip to the park. Highland Park is known for its scenic beauty, especially in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. It’s a wonderful destination for families who want to experience both nature and fun playtime.
Crescent Park – Wyoming, Ohio
Crescent Park in Wyoming, Ohio is a vibrant and exciting playground for families to enjoy. The park offers stunning views while providing a variety of play areas for children. There are traditional swings and slides, as well as innovative play structures that encourage kids to climb, balance, and explore. The park’s walking trails are ideal for families to stroll and enjoy the scenery, and there are plenty of places to stop and relax.
Crescent Park is also home to beautiful gardens, where children can learn about local plants and flowers. The park regularly hosts family-friendly events, making it a lively destination for any time of year. Crescent Park is an excellent spot to visit while exploring Wyoming, Ohio.
Johnson Park – Milwaukee
Johnson Park in Milwaukee is a favorite among local families for its diverse play areas and natural beauty. The park offers a large, well-maintained playground that includes swings, slides, and climbing structures. For kids who love to interact with nature, there are nearby gardens where they can explore different types of plants. Johnson Park is also home to a pond where children can watch the ducks and other wildlife, providing a peaceful setting for a family day out.
The park has plenty of open space, making it great for family games, picnics, or simply running around. There is also a well-maintained walking path that provides a scenic route for parents to enjoy while keeping an eye on the kids. Johnson Park is perfect for families who enjoy a mix of play and nature.
Riverview Park – Des Moines, Iowa
Riverview Park in Des Moines offers families a peaceful escape with plenty of activities for children. The park features a well-designed playground with slides, swings, and climbing equipment that caters to children of all ages. For those who enjoy outdoor sports, the park has basketball courts and open fields for a variety of games.
The park’s beautiful walking paths are perfect for a family stroll, allowing everyone to enjoy the surroundings while staying active. Riverview Park also has several picnic areas where families can relax and enjoy a meal together. The large, open spaces make it ideal for children to run and play freely.
Glenwood Springs Park – Denver, Colorado
Glenwood Springs Park in Denver is a fantastic playground for families who want to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful setting. The park’s playground offers a variety of climbing structures, slides, and swings, all designed for kids to use their energy in a fun and safe way. The park is also home to a large pond where children can watch ducks and enjoy nature.
For parents, there are plenty of benches and shaded areas to sit and relax while keeping an eye on the kids. The park’s walking trails provide a peaceful route for a family walk, and the surrounding landscape offers great views of the nearby mountains. Glenwood Springs Park is a wonderful place to visit for families who want to enjoy both playtime and the beauty of nature.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.