The Big List of Connecticut Playgrounds

This post was last updated on 8/30/24. If you have updates about any of these playgrounds (or a tip about a new one we should explore!) please email us at outandaboutmom@gmail.com or leave a comment on this post (we love comments!). Also, please note that this list represents a compilation of our adventures over the last 10+ years. While we do our best to keep all our information up to date, we always encourage you to visit town websites to double check if there have been any significant changes since the visit we blogged about. Thanks!

Can you believe we have visited 50 playgrounds since this site began in 2011? I can’t! But we really have visited that many and wanted to make sure you had all of the details. So today’s post is just a BIG list of Connecticut playgrounds. A simple post, but I think it might come in handy over the next few months!

For many of you, this might be a great post to bookmark so that the next time we have a beautiful day on tap (like any of the next few days this week!) you can use this as your go-to guide.

But I have a feeling this list is only a small sub-set of all of the wonderful playground destinations in our state so we would love your help in finding other amazing playgrounds to explore. If you know of a must-visit playground in your area, will you share it with us by either leaving a comment on this post, sending me an email (outandaboutmom@gmail.com) or leaving us a note on our Facebook page? We are working on our summer destination plans right now and would love recommendations on new playgrounds to check out!

AVON

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Buckingham Road is a lovely spot with tons of activities for kids of different ages, including a separate toddler-sized playscape, a gigantic big kid’s playscape (with five slides!), a sandbox, swings, picnic areas and more. Oh, and did I mention that it’s completely fenced-in? Score!

BLOOMFIELD

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Though it can be a little challenging to find, the Bloomfield Boundless Playground is worth the effort! The playground includes multiple playscapes, swings (including baby swings), and a covered picnic area.

 

BRISTOL

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Rockwell Park has so many fun things to explore including an amazing playground with separate playscapes for big and little kids, trails, a pond and even a splash pad in the summer! There’s also a covered picnic area near the playground that’s perfect for busting out the snacks.

 

CANTON

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Walter’s Boundless Playground at The Shoppes at Farmington Valley transforms a morning of errands (like a visit to Snip-Its) into a fun outing for the wee ones.  This playground is tiny but full of fun and convenient to many of your favorite stores.  Plus, it is completely fenced-in!  I like to stop here after an outing to the Little Green Tambourine.

CHESHIRE

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The Kids in Motion Playground at Bartlem Park has something for everyone! From multiple playscapes to slides and swings and musical elements to a rope climbing apparatus and even a rock wall, this destination has activities for all ages and abilities. And since it’s completely fenced-in, it’s easy to manage multiple kiddos! It can get a little hot in the full sun location, so during heat waves it’s best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon. In the summertime, also be sure to check out Sweet Claude’s, the delicious ice cream shop just up the road!

CLINTON

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The playground at Clinton’s Town Beach is the perfect summer destination. A beautiful beach and an awesome playscape. Does an outdoor adventure get any more picturesque than this? We don’t think so! Plus, you can make it a day trip with a little shopping and lunch nearby.  Go during the off-season (from Labor Day to Memorial Day) to avoid the parking fee.

COLCHESTER

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RecPlex Playground is a perfect destination for kids young and old.  It features a playscape for the toddler crowd and one for the elementary crew.  It has regular swings and baby swings.  There is a walking trail and a picnic area where the kids can grab lunch or a snack.  For the older crowd there is a skate park and climbing equipment nearby.  Plus, a spray pad is open during the summer.

CROMWELL

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Toddlers and preschoolers will have a ball at the playground at Pierson Park. There is a lot for them to explore including multiple playscapes, swings, a sandbox, and merry-go-round. Plus it has some unique features including a dragon structures for the little ones to climb. Bring a stroller and start or end your outing with a walk on one of the park’s trails.

EAST HAMPTON

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This spacious playground in Seamster Park is one part tree house, one part castle and one part pirate ship! It’s partially fenced and has a separate toddler play area. If you happen to be there on a night when there’s a baseball game, you may even be able to enjoy a treat from the snack bar.

 

EAST LYME (NIANTIC)

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Enjoy some time at the Hole in the Wall beach and then take a break with the kids at the McCook Point Park Playground. Off-season (Labor Day to Memorial Day) you can access the playground for free but in-season you will need to pay a parking fee. The playground includes multiple playscapes, swings and (of course) beautiful water views. 

 

ENFIELD

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Located right next to the Enfield library is the Enfield Rotary Accessible Playground. The play area features a playscape, swings and play area for toddlers and a larger playscape, play area and swings for preschoolers on up. There is also a covered picnic area at this destination so feel free to bring the kids a snack or meal and enjoy it there before heading home (or extending your stay with a library visit).

 

FAIRFIELD

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Another beach and playground combination can be found at Sandcastle Playground located right across the parking lot from Jennings Beach. Like many of the other beach playgrounds this one is free during the off-season and there is a parking fee during the beach season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). The mostly wood, nautical-inspired playground is full of unique features and creative play opportunities for kids of different ages. Definitely worth a visit.

 

GLASTONBURY

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Addison Park in Glastonbury has a fabulous Boundless Playground with three separate playscapes, including one shaped like a plane! There is also a picnic area, and water activities in the summer months. Plenty of parking, nearby restroom facilities, plus benches for mommies and swings for babies make this a hot spot for playdates.

Buckingham Park is a toddler-friendly hideaway in Glastonbury with a pint-sized playscape and plenty of shade.  The playground’s sandbox, baby swings and benches, make this a great playground for a variety of ages. It’s mostly fenced-in too. Plus you can head right across the street to Highland Park Market for a little post-playground grocery shopping or to grab some lunch.

The Playground at Ross Field is one of the town’s best kept secrets–until now! This completely fenced-in playground is a preschooler’s paradise and includes, among other things, a giant sandbox filled with toys, swings, and two playscapes. Plus plenty of benches where mommies can sit, supervise, and socialize.

The brand new Riverfront Park Playground will be a popular destination this spring and summer. Not only is it NEW but the park features two fully fenced-in play areas, easy parking, walking paths, a boat house, dog park, and scenic river views.

 GRANBY

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Salmon Brook Park has two playgrounds — a fully fenced-in small playground near the park’s front entrance (the Tot Lot) and a much larger playground in the back of the park near Salmon Brook. Let the kids burn off their energy at one of these great playgrounds and then let them enjoy one of the park’s other features including walking trails, swimming area (seasonal), ball fields, and the Salmon Brook itself.

HAMDEN

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Josh’s Jungle playground with its adorable safari theme is not only fully-fenced in, but this boundless playground is also totally accessible via ramps with enclosed sides so that even your littlest ones can explore with confidence (and you can feel comfortable letting them run free!). It can get a little hot in warm weather due to the full sun location, so plan accordingly.

HARTFORD

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The Ana Grace Marquez-Greene Playground in Elizabeth Park was built in 2014 as part of the On Sandy Ground Project. The playground was expanded later that year to include more features including swings, another playscape, and a climbing structure.

Bushnell Park in downtown Hartford is a wonderful public space with plenty of green grass, a gorgeous historic carousel and now, a brand new playground! Check out this mini but mighty playscape with some of the coolest playground architecture around (think kid-scale Hartford landmarks).

Goodwin Park on the Hartford/Wethersfield line is well-known for its Holiday Light Fantasia event in the winter months, and for its golf course in the warmer seasons. But did you know about the great Boundless Playground? Neither did we until a friend clued us in. It has a synthetic padded surface (no mulch to find its way into little mouths!) and a small toddler playscape too.

HEBRON

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Veterans Memorial Park Playground is filled with two playscapes, swings, picnic areas, and plenty of space for kids to run and play. The playground is not fully fenced-in but it is set way back from the road and the parking area so you can rest easy even if you have a mini sprinter in your crew.

MANCHESTER

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Charter Oak Park has been recently renovated and includes a wonderful playscape that has so many different and interesting activities–including a zip line! This park also has a lovely Music Garden, basketball and tennis courts, plenty of green space and access to miles of trails.

Don’t confuse Northwest Park in Manchester with Northwest Park in Windsor. There really are two! And this hidden gem offers a sprawling playground complete with a separate toddler playscape and plenty of entertaining features. Plus, you can also find nature trails, an adorable Butterfly Garden a scenic pier.

Wickham Park on the Manchester/East Hartford line has three playgrounds, an aviary, a nature center, gardens, trails, fields, picnic areas and more. There’s even a snack bar on weekends during the open season. Oh, and did I mention that the main playground is completely fenced-in, shaded with trees, AND located right near restroom facilities? We’ll see you there!  Check out both of our posts on this great destination: Post #1: Main Playground, Nature Center, and Aviary and Post #2: Sensory Garden, Picnic Areas (with playgrounds), and Fitness Trail.

MANSFIELD

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The playground at the Mansfield Community Center is a fan favorite. OAAM reader, Kelly writes: “This is a great playground for all ages and abilities. There are 2 designated areas. One for toddler to preschool age and one geared more for school aged children. The playground is 90% fenced in and just has an opening at the entrance. It is always clean and well kept. The playground has soft, rubbery ground covering.”

MERIDEN

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Hubbard Park is home to some wonderful festivals like the Festival of Silver Lights at holiday time and the spring Meriden Daffodil Festival. But it’s also got an amazing, totally fenced-in playground that will make this destination a kid favorite any time of year. Add in a stroll around the lovely lake and you’ve got a terrific morning or afternoon outing!

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MIDDLETOWN

The playground at Butternut Hollow Park was recently renovated and includes both a large, challenging playscape for the older kids and plenty of pint-sized equipment for your little ones. Plus, there’s even an app for that! We’re not kidding 🙂

 

MILFORD

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Bodie’s Place Playground is a boundless playground located in Eisenhower Park. This treehouse-inspired play area has separate playscapes for big and little kids, lots of swings, a sandbox, a large covered picnic area and fun things to explore in every corner. And the best part about it — the playground is fully fenced-in!

 

MYSTIC

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River Park Playground is a great stop on your next shoreline visit.  If you love taking a trip to Mystic as much as I do, you will be excited to learn about this completely fenced-in playground located within walking distance to downtown.

 

NEW HARTFORD

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Brodie Park has a fully fenced-in playground. With a playscape for the 2-5 crowd as well as a playscape for the 5-12 crowd, tons of swings, slides, bouncy contraptions, a sandbox, a climbing wall and so many more things to explore, this playground is a great choice when you have multiple age kids in tow.

NEW HAVEN

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East Rock Park in New Haven is known for its hiking trails, but it also has lots for tots too. There’s a large playground plus plenty of space to run around. It’s even got a covered picnic area so it’s the perfect spot for an outdoor lunch.

 

NEW LONDON

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The nautical-themed playground at Ocean Beach Park in New London is just one of the many amenities this family-friendly destination has to offer. Along the boardwalk you’ll also find amusement park rides, a giant waterslide, a splash pad, an arcade, mini golf and, of course, the beautiful beach!

NEW MILFORD

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Young’s Field in New Milford has many amenities including a fantastic playground with some of the most exciting slides we’ve seen yet (if you don’t believe us, just ask Bruiser and Sparkles). The park is stroller accessible and there are also picnic tables and benches. Plus, great ice cream and more in downtown New Milford, which is within easy walking distance.

NEWINGTON

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Mill Pond Park is home to Our Children’s Place Boundless Playground, a giant set of playscapes with the perfect mix of activities for little and bigger kids. Plus an enormous enclosed sandbox, picnic tables, benches, and baby swings.

RIDGEFIELD

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Imagination Station Playground is located in Ballard Park and was an easy (and fun) destination after my visit with a friend at the Ridgefield Public Library (located right across the street). Let the kids play in one of the two fully fenced-in play areas and then walk into town for lunch (or just a treat).

ROCKY HILL

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Elm Ridge Park has something for everyone in the family (there’s even a dog park for your four-legged children). They recently added a NEW playscape with tons of climbing, sliding and swinging options, plus a separate toddler play area, sand pit, baby swings, a covered picnic area, pool, skatepark, fields, and more. There’s also a great summer concert series.

SIMSBURY

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Rotary Park is a Boundless Playground with oodles to explore. There are plenty of options for sliding and climbing, plus a large sandbox, baby swings, and picnic tables too. Another plus? It’s mostly enclosed with a fence, so you don’t have to spend the whole time chasing down escaping kiddos.

Simsbury Farms Playground is fully fenced-in and provides visitors with a great place to play while enjoying a picturesque view (especially when the leaves change in the fall). The space has large and small playscapes, a covered picnic area, and did I mention it is fenced-in (yay!)? The only challenge is that the playground’s swings are located outside of the fenced-in area and down a small hill. However, this could be a nice feature if you just want your kiddo to play and not ask to be taken in and out of a swing during your entire visit (or is my kid the only one pulling that stunt?)

SOUTHINGTON

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Rainbow Playground is a fully fenced-in play area located in Panthorn Park. It features two playscapes, a sandbox, swings, and a stroller-friendly pathway lining its perimeter. The park also has other great features including walking trails, basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, and more.

SOUTH WINDSOR

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Nevers Park is home to My Friend’s Place, which is another great Boundless Playground. This playground has separate playscapes for big and little kids, baby swings, a sandbox, covered picnic pavilion, and more. Plus, there are plenty of benches with good views of the play areas so you can relax while your wee one burns off some energy.

TOLLAND

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Adam’s Adventure Playground at the Cross Farms Recreation Complex is a brand new playground (opened in May 2016) with lots of fun features like a unique playscape complimented by creative freestanding climbing structures. There are also plenty of swings and even a grassy area perfect for hanging out with a baby who’s not quite ready for the equipment yet 🙂 Plus, it’s fully fenced-in!

 

WETHERSFIELD

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Mikey’s Place playground at Standish Park is the best of both worlds with a fenced-in pre-schooler playground and a larger playscape for older kids. It’s got lots of swings, tons of slides, a large sandbox, and even a puppet theater. Plus, plenty of shady green space perfect for a picnic.

Mill Woods Park Playground offers both small and large playscapes, regular and baby swings, and bouncers.  In the summertime, trees offer shade and picnic tables offer a great place for lunch or a snack.  Make it a double feature by checking out the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center (which is right down the road) either before or after your playground outing.

WEST HARTFORD

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The Fernridge Park Playground has undergone a slight transformation over the past few years. The larger playscape was removed and replaced with a new play area up the hill while the smaller playscape remains. The park also contains a pool and spray pad making it a popular summertime destination.

The newly renovated Jonathan’s Dream playground on the Mandell JCC campus is so amazing, you might need to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not actually dreaming! With a multi-hoop basketball court, an airplane-inspired zip line, multiple playscapes and so many other fun elements to explore, this fully fenced-in playground truly lives up to its mission of providing a place where all kids can play.

The Miracle League Playground is fairly new and that wonderful style of boundless play (which means it is perfect for children of all ability levels).  I especially like that the ground cover is perfect for a crawler.  You won’t have to worry about them putting a random piece of mulch in their mouth here!

Solomon’s Path Boundless Playground on the Solomon Schechter Day School campus has lots of slides and interesting things to climb. It also has plenty of swings (baby and regular), and lots of fun activities tucked into the playscapes. This one’s only open when school’s out though, so be sure to check our post for the schedule details before you go.

Wolcott Park has the perfect toddler playground. It’s bright and colorful with baby swings, a sandbox, and a fun “castle” element to the playscape. But you want to know the best part? It’s fully fenced-in. Like we said, perfect!

WINDSOR

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Northwest Park has a lot to offer on its’ 473 acres, the playground is just a start. There are also walking/hiking trails, a barn with animals, a pond with fish and ducks and plenty of other nature to explore. The setting is beautiful and it has a lot to offer families with kids of all ages.

WOODBRIDGE

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Pease Place Community Playground has a space-age feel and some of the tallest slides we’ve ever seen! If you haven’t heard of it yet, you’re probably in good company. That’s because it just opened in May of 2015.

So there you have it, our BIG list of Connecticut playgrounds. I hope this helps you find the perfect playground for your next outing!

And don’t forget that if you know of another playground we should add to our list, share it with us by either leaving a comment on this post, sending us an email (outandaboutmom@gmail.com) or leaving us a note on our Facebook page.

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