Austin has a LOT of playgrounds, from your standard one-slide-and-two-swings variety to really incredible climbing, slides that tempt adults and shady seating to boot.
Here are ten totally awesome playgrounds, Westlake to Georgetown, that are totally worth exploring with your small person.
Bridgepoint Elementary Playground
Why it is awesome: Thank you Eanes ISD for this incredible playground! With three playscapes on three different levels on the side of a hill, not only is there tons to do, but there are great Hill Country views too! Below the playscapes are rubber flooring to minimize owies.
Features: slides, steering wheels, climbing structure, benches, basketball court, educational boards, hillside
Location: Cedar Street and Capitol of Texas Hwy in Westlake
Website: http://bpe.eanesisd.net/
Central Market N. Lamar
Why it is awesome: Who knew the grocery store could be so much fun! This great playscape is a perfect spot for a picnic lunch (which you could have bought 2 minutes prior inside) or to bribe the kiddos into good behavior while you grocery shop.
Features: slides, monkey bars, benches, large trees
Location: N. Lamar in Austin
Website: http://www.centralmarket.com
Creative Playscape
Why it is awesome: This park was recently renovated to better meet ADA standards. There are multiple playscapes for different age groups and a favorite of my son’s, a train section. Also fenced in!
Features: tunnel slides, swings, climbing structure
Location: N. Austin Ave. in Georgetown
Website: https://parks.georgetown.org/creative-playscape/
Elizabeth Milburn Park
Why it is awesome: Fun for kids and adults! From playscape to swimming pools to washer pits, this park has everything the whole family needs for a day of fun.
Features: slides, climbing structure, swings, rope structure
Location: Sun Chase Blvd in Cedar Park
Website: N/A
Mueller Lake Park
Why it is awesome: Named “Best Gyroscopic Playground” by the Austin Chronicle in 2011, one of this park’s winning features is its location: next to the Thinkery! It is fenced in and is close to a lake complete with ducks.
Features: interactive playscape, slides, rope climbing
Location: Simond Ave
Website: http://www.muelleraustinonline.com/parks.php
Play for All Abilities Park
Why it is awesome: With its focus on handicap accessibility, the Play for All Abilities Park is truly a park for all kids. In addition to being handicap accessible, the many ramps mean little tiny guys (think brand new to walking) can really enjoy it too. Also of note, it is fenced in!
Features: slides, sandbox, sound stage, swings, picnic tables, bathrooms
Location: A.W. Grimes Blvd in Round Rock
Website: http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks-trails/play-park/
Roy G. Guerrero Park
Why it is awesome: An enclosed playground in a 300+ acre park that features something for every member of your family.
Features: Swings, ropes, nature themed, educational boards, baseball fields, volleyball courts, picnic tables
Location: Grove Blvd in Austin
Website: http://www.austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=325
Southpark Meadows
Why it is awesome: Convenient to every errand you need to run in South Austin and most importantly, convenient to Amy’s Ice Cream.
Features: Slides, monkey bars, water feature, live music, large trees
Location: I-35 and Slaughter Lane in Austin
Website: N/A
Springwoods Park
Why it is awesome: Two playscapes, one for the 5+ crowd and one for the really little people, plus swing sets and LOTS of shade…like really a lot. Good for hot days.
Features: picnic tables, slides, swings, climbing structure, monkey bars, hanging rings, walking path, bathrooms
Location: Anderson Mill
Website: N/A
Zilker Park Playground
Why it is awesome: Austin’s most famous park is famous for a reason! Playscape for climbing, fire truck for pretending and a train for riding. What’s not to love?
Features: musical instruments, slides, train rides, benches, old-fashioned fire truck, music instruments
Location: Zilker Park in Austin
Website: http://austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park
What playgrounds do you and your littles love?
If it’s raining or cold my 4 year old and I go to the Burger King at 5033 W Hwy 290, their indoor playscape is literally 4 times as big as any other fast food place.