OUR TOP FAVORITE PLAYGROUNDS
1. Belmont Park
Judson & 12th St.
Belmont Park is nestled in between Belmont Community Center and Belmont Recreation Center. It is a very large park and in the summer, Belmont Pool also in the park, is open. While not a large playground, this play area has something that most parks don't have-a dinosaur skeleton! There aren't public restrooms at this park.
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2. Holmes Lake Park
Normal & 70th
Holmes Lake Playground is what my kids and I call "the two story" playground. Kids can go up a ladder and play on a second story. My children love to pretend that they are in a castle. Holmes Lake also offers two sets of swings, ride-ons, sand, black top and seesaws. As a parent, I like Holmes Lake because I can see my children from anywhere on the playground and the parking is close. The cons of this playground are that the bathrooms are far and that the lake is near. Open water and children can always be scary. Watch them closely (especially if you have a runner).
3. Thompson Creek Park
Upton Grey Ln & Thompson Creek Blvd
Some define a great park as having a huge playground or that has a splash pad integrated into it. We think Thompson Creek Park is great because of the shade it provides. Everyone knows how quickly the fun ends when everyone is hot at a park: the equipment is too hot to play on and soon you find yourself back in the car. There are four swings and a jungle gym with slides and ladders. Parking at Thompson Creek is easy, on-street parking and you can see your children from all aspects of the park. Contrary to the name, Thompson Creek Park does not have a creek. Nor does it have bathroom since it is a neighborhood park.
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4. Antelope Park
A St & 33rd St
Antelope Park is a child's dream. There are over 20 slides, swings, bridges, ladders, a huge sandbox, lots of green space and more! There is also a toddler playground so it is a great option for parents with a wide-age range of children. This is the park that my kids beg to go to. As a parent, I can only handle Antelope Park on the weekdays and only if a friend is with me. Why? There is no central point to stand and see kids. They always manage to get out of my line of vision. I like to have a second set of eyes with me to watch kids and I prefer going there when it isn't crowded. I also dress my children in bright clothing when we go so they are easier to spot. When we go to Antelope Park, we could stay for hours!
5. Bill Harris Iron Horse Park
7th & Q Streets
This isn't your traditional playground. The playground is an metal train climbing structure. Sometimes, less is more. My children could climb on this for an entire morning. The longest that we have stayed to climb was an hour and 45 minutes. We only left because my meter was up and I was out of quarters. As a parent, I like this park because it is contained, in the lovely Haymarket and we can walk to get lunch, ice cream or window shop. Kids love to explore and this park is on busy streets, there is a fountain close by and a train on display next door, so you'll need to keep a close eye on them.
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6. Trago Park
2740 A Street
Even though the water isn't turned on at this splash pad, this playground is really fun for kids. It is full of unconventional shapes and structures which bring out the best in a child's imagination. It is (almost) as fun when the water isn't turned on as it is when it is on! The splash pad is still on through Labor Day which is good because it is hot in August.
7. Union Plaza
21st & O St
Another untraditional playground, this park grows on me more and more. I think it may be my favorite park in town! The playground at Union Plaza is made up of a huge climbing dome, hidden statues and nature. The climbing dome is just as fun for kids as it is for adults. After we climb and slide on the dome, we explore the surrounding wildflower-covered hill and play on the giant turtle statue.
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No, it is not actually called Firetruck Park but that's what we call it. That little Firetruck is the reason behind hours of play for my youngest. He loves to race to fires in it. There is also an old fashioned merry-go-round, swings and a new tot lot.
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