Playground Round Up
Over the past 2 years, like everyone, we grew tired of the same old four walls, backyard, and sidewalk. Our neighborhood playground is a 10 minute walk from our house and makes for a good way to get in a little morning exercise for little legs before the summer sun climbs. We do this most days by walking, riding bikes or scooters, or pushing baby dolls, stuffed animals, or a toy truck in child size strollers. But some days, we need more. We need a trip to another playground complete with snack breaks or a picnic lunch ---Who am I kidding, both. So, we bring to you, The Play to Grow Playground Round Up.
Disclaimer: We live in Southern New Jersey, 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia, so our destination is usually limited to nap time proximity.
What we look for in a playground:
-Partly shaded
-A variety of structures, ranging in challenge for a variety of ages
-Sensory rich
-Neighborhood parks vs Larger, well known playgrounds: We like a bit of a crowd for socializing and friends, but too many leads to more “Where did you go?” and less time to chat with other moms when someone is always counting heads.
-Bathrooms are a plus (most of the time, otherwise, the travel potty will do)
So without further adieu, here are our favorite playgrounds:
Laurel Acres, Mount Laurel
Why we love it: The Hill! Okay, and the playground. There are two playgrounds, one toddler size and another much larger one geared towards 5+, although the slides are what feel like stories high, there are some great sensory rich parts at the bigger playground like a musical area, balance beam, and a few small slides. But we do spend a lot of our time running up and down the hill. Plus bathrooms and a dog park!
Barclay Farmstead Park, Cherry Hill
Why we love it: Good shade. Close to trails and the historic farm house with gardens for wandering about. Plus a Free Little Library to enjoy.
Colt’s Run Park, Marlton
Why we love it: Not gonna lie, this one is 5 minutes from our house but it has 2 different play areas plus a zipline! And a climbing wall tower to play look out. One of my kids' most requested.
Jake’s Place, Delran
Why we love it: The playground is stretched with numerous climbing and sliding. And it just looks like so much fun! There’s a miniature Ben Franklin bridge, a tractor, a boat, a music wall, tot lot and more. Plus bathrooms!
Mountwell Park, Haddonfield
Why we love it: TRUCKS! In addition to the variety of slides, there is a large sand pit with maybe 100 toy trucks for driving, hauling, dumping, and more.
Haddonfield Elementary Playground
Why we love it: Located directly next to a train track where you can lean over and see the trains come and go. If you give the driver a wave, he’s likely to toot the horn for you! So play on the all age friendly playground while you await the “choo choo” sound. Note: You can only visit this playground when school is not in session, which worked out during the pandemic year.
Why we love it: The shade, and the climbing. There are two structures with medium height slides, and overall comfortable climbing for all ages.
Haddon Lake Park, Mt. Ephraim
Why we love it: So much shade. An overall nice playground on the lake. We love the bumpy slide and the ducks.
Freedom Park, Medford
Why we love it: Tot friendly, lots of open space in the play area itself. Plus, a field for sprints to get out some last minute energy, play in the volleyball sand, or observe the cool kids at the skatepark.
Redbank Battlefield Playground, National Park
Why we love it: Everything. A great playground itself, on the water, across the river from the Philadelphia Airport so planes come and go low, and there is so much ground to cover and explore, especially if you are a history buff.
Do you have a favorite playground we may not know about? Drop us a comment to let us (and others) know about it!
