America’s Most Creative Community Playgrounds

With the intent of stimulating children’s imagination, playgrounds are designed to entice kids of all ages. What better way to do so than with a creative theme, unique structure, or unbelievable design? Check out these creative community playgrounds from across the country.

1. Splish, Splash at Waterfront Park in San Diego

Located in downtown San Diego, Waterfront Park should be top of your list if you’re visiting Southern California with kids. Older children will speed down the various slides and balance on surfboard-like structures. Toddlers will love the vast space to run around, and of course, the numerous fountains. It’s the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat — be sure to pack a swimsuit and towels!

2. Climb High at Artists at Play Playground in Seattle

This imaginative park was created with the Seattle community in mind. The design team went straight to the people to gather input and feedback, and the outcome truly reflects the spirit of the northernmost major city in the United States. A 30-foot climbing tower welcomes children, drawing attention to the nearby Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop). A rope ladder will tempt children to make their way across the tall structure before heading down the twisting metal slide.

3. Play with Everyone at Rosedale Playground in Washington, D.C.

A fully inclusive playground, Rosedale is truly for everyone in the nation’s capital. Families of children in wheelchairs will appreciate the fully ramped areas, and those with over-stimulated children will value the many sensory-rich activities. Other commercial outdoor playground equipment includes slides, climbers, and gliders. From a design perspective, the playground mimics many of the nearby monuments. There are scenes of the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol — a bit of history and play all in one!

4. Escape the City at Chelsea Waterside Playground in New York City

For such a large metropolitan area, New York City has its fair share of parks and playgrounds. The Chelsea Waterside Playground is one of the most well-designed, creative parks featuring a 64-foot, multicolored wooden slide shaped like a pipefish! Designed by a Danish playground company, this park was one of the very first themed playground structures installed in the Northeast. The playground includes various water features — perfect for the hottest days of the year.

5. Be Loud at Paco Sanchez Park in Denver

The main attraction of this 30-acre park is the 1950s-themed microphone tower — a tribute to local radio legend, DJ Paco Sanchez. The park’s bold, bright colors add to the overall theme. Having undergone a revitalization in 2018, this park is community-centered with many aspects reflecting the large Latino population of the Denver neighborhood. Kids will enjoy the rope climbers, pod steppers, and playground nets, while parents will appreciate the nearby benches and picnic tables.

6. Croak Like a Frog at TADpole Playground in Boston

Located next to Frog Pond, it only makes sense that the playground is frog-themed! Tadpole Playground, located in Boston Common, includes a rubber surface area, water features, and bronze frog statues. Dark greens, tans, and blue metal fit with the whimsical theme. Kids can pretend to croak like a frog as they hop from one part of the play structure to the next!

7. Sing Freely at the Maurice Gibb Memorial Park Playground in Miami

How does climbing on larger-than-life musical equipment sound? Well, at Maurice Gibb Memorial Park, kids can do just that! Gigantic guitars, keyboards, and musical notes will delight kids as they make their way through the various play structures. Fido is also welcome at the nearby pet park, making it the perfect outing for the entire family.

8. Take a Break at Seneca Park, Eli M.Schulman Playground in Chicago

This playground is here for you when you need a moment to reset while on family vacation in Chicago. The Seneca Park Eli M. Schulman playground is located east of the Water Tower Pumping Station. This multi-zone play space is great for kids of all ages. The tower playstructures will entertain older children, while bucket slides and low-level steps will charm toddlers.

9. Be a Firefighter at the City of Costanso Fire Station 84 Park in Los Angeles

What kid doesn’t love seeing a firetruck? At this Los Angeles playground in Woodland Hills, kids can pretend to zoom through the streets as they race to destinations near and far in a cherry-red firetruck. This classic play structure includes realistic gadgets, climbing areas, rope ladders, slides, and more. A great spot for kids 8 years and younger.

10. Say Cheese at ATL Playground Woodruff Park in Atlanta

Shaped like “ATL,” this wooden play structure is full of Atlanta pride! A piece of art and a playground wrapped into one, this play space is worthy of attention, and maybe a family photo, too! Though compact in size, there are multiple areas to play on. Slides, money bars, and a climbing wall will be too enticing for kids not to stop and play for a while.

10. Take a Ride at Pumpkin Park in Houston

A pumpkin-shaped carriage delights the eyes at Pumpkin Park (sometimes referred to as River Oaks Park) in Houston. This Cinderella-inspired carriage was restored and upgraded from its original installation in 1938. Today, it gleams with classic charm and beauty. Other playground areas include slides, monkey bars, tire swings, and rock walls.