Playgrounds & Parks

Sunshine, snacks, and a good playground can turn an ordinary day into an adventure. From towering slides and splash pads to quiet green spaces for picnics, Northeast Ohio is full of parks and playgrounds that fit every mood.

This guide pulls together our favorite spots - whether you need a quick after-school energy burn, a weekend family outing, or a place to meet friends for a long morning outside. Think of it as your shortcut to fresh air and happy kids.

West

Children playing on a large playground with slides, climbing structures, and rock formations, set against a backdrop of trees and clear blue sky.
    • Address: 1500 Clague Rd, Westlake, OH 44145

    • Parking: Large lots near the playground and throughout the park

    • Restrooms: Porta potties (yuck). Cabin bathrooms for renters only

    • Dedicated toddler play zone

    • Huge 20,000 sq ft playground with climbing nets, tall slides, and rope bridges

    • ADA-accessible ramps, adaptive swings, and paved paths

    • Shaded benches and picnic tables throughout

    • Multiple musical elements

    • Surface: rubberized

    • Duck pond

    • Gaga pit

    • Little Free Library

    • Dog-friendly

    • Picnic pavilions & tables

    • Tennis courts

    • Softball fields

    • Nearby aquatic center & pool

  • We have so much fun at this playground. There are many elements for younger and older kids and the music stations are a hit! There are a number of picnic tables right by the playground, so perfect for scouting one out for a picnic during play breaks.

    Go in off the Hilliard Road entrance near Kathryn Drive if you want to pop in right by the playground.

Clague Park         

Colorful playground with multiple slides and climbing structures, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
    • Dedicate toddler play area

    • Large climbing structures, tall slides, and rope nets

    • ADA-accessible equipment and paved paths; adaptive swings and ramps

    • Benches and picnic tables near play areas

    • Mostly enclosed playground

    • New accessible treehouse with wheelchair lift

    • Surface: rubberized and mulch mix

    • Dog-friendly

    • Picnic pavilions

    • Walking trail around the lake

    • Amphitheater for concerts and movies

    • Fishing pier

    • Kayak rentals

  • Coe Lake Park has so many great play structures for all ages and the new treehouse is awesome. The trails around there are great (although I’d call some mildly stroller-friendly if you’re passenger likes a bumpy ride). The fountain is always fun to look at and the library is right next door!

Coe Lake Park    

Colorful children's playground structure designed as a fire truck connected to a blue house, with slides, climbing areas, and decorative elements on a grassy field with trees in the background.
    • Address: 36265 Detroit Rd, Avon, OH 44011

    • Parking: Free paved lots near the playground

    • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms adjacent to the playground with changing tables

    • Swing zip-line (a big favorite!)

    • Double swings including parent–child swings

    • Interactive game structures and climbing nets

    • Nature play zone with logs and boulders

    • Storybook trail and history walk woven through the park

    • Harmony Circle with outdoor musical instruments for sensory play

    • Separate toddler and big-kid areas with age-appropriate equipment

    • Surface: combination of rubberized, mulch, and natural paths

    • Little Free Library AND Little Free Art Library

    • Wide open green spaces for running and games

    • Paved walking paths and gentle trails for bikes or scooters

    • Nearby Avon Aquatic Facility and pool for summertime fun

    • Picnic tables and covered shelters for snacks or parties

    • Occasional community programs and seasonal events

  • This was one of our first “destination” playgrounds and perfectly mixed classic play with the creative touches, like the storybook trail. So great for families who want to explore and play.

Every Child’s Playground

Sign at Kid's Way Play Space park with blue bird sculpture on top, brick pillar with logo, and trees in the background.
    • Nature-inspired playground design with willow tunnel, playhouse, and small stage

    • Two swing sets including parent + child swings and ADA-inclusive swings

    • 50-foot kid-friendly zipline for extra excitement

    • Musical play components and interactive sensory stations

    • Mix of sun and shade with benches and picnic tables nearby

    • Surface: natural materials and soft mulch

    • Short walks to Huntington Beach and the Lake Erie shoreline

    • Large green lawns for games and picnics

    • Close to the Noshery concession stand and picnic pavilion

    • Connected to Cleveland Metroparks trails for longer hikes

    • Seasonal nature and family events hosted by Cleveland Metroparks

    • Nature center within walkable distance

  • A great nature-first playground to blend with the lake vibe. All of the climbing areas are fun, plus the zipline, and water area. Definitely a great place to picnic or you can go to the Noshery for snacks.

    Honestly, favorite part is the restrooms. Even the ones that aren’t handicap accessible can fit an entire family + stroller, they have benches, and they’re clean. Top park restroom hands down. (And if you think I’m kidding, go, and you’ll understand when you yell “Honey, get in here and look at these bathrooms!”

Karen’s Way Play Space

    • Fully ADA-accessible playground with ramps & inclusive surfacing

    • Adaptive swings with high backs & harness support

    • Multi-seat spinner and wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round

    • Double and spiral slides

    • Climbing wall with cut-out shapes

    • Monkey bar/glider track system

    • Shaded picnic pavilions & tables

    • Open green space and sports fields nearby

    • Walking paths

  • This upgrade was worth the wait. Brook Park families now have a bright, fun, and fully inclusive playground where kids of all abilities can play together. The adaptive swings, ramps, and accessible merry-go-round make it stand out, while the surrounding fields and pavilions give plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy an afternoon at the park.

Kennedy Memorial Park

A children's playground with a spiral climbing structure with green support poles, metal railings, and steps, under a clear blue sky, with trees and a building in the background.
    • Dedicated toddler area

    • Climbing nets, tall slides, rope bridges

    • ADA-accessible equipment & paths, including ramps and adaptive swings

    • Benches and seating around play zones

    • Mostly enclosed playground

    • Surface: mulch

    • Dog-friendly

    • Picnic pavilions

    • Tennis courts

    • Sand volleyball courts

    • Softball fields

    • Lakewood Skatepark

    • Scenic Solstice Steps

    • Splash Pad (Open June - October 1)

  • This is easily one of our favorite parks. The mulch playground can limit playground accessibility. Solstice Steps offer an incredible view and paths and ramps make the lakefront accessible. Plan for chillier temps by the water.

Lakewood Park

East

Outdoor wooden climbing wall with colorful handholds and footholds, set in a wooded area with trees and leaves on the ground.
    • Natural play-style playground

    • Ziplines, logs, boulders, and climbing structures for adventurous play

    • Shady spots throughout for warm days

    • Surface: mainly grass and mulch

    • Hiking and walking trails

    • Nearby creek for splashing and exploring (bring water shoes)

    • Picnic tables and small pavilions for snacks or meetups

    • Nearby waterfall

  • This was a fun play space! Not your traditional playground - you won’t find swings and slides here. There are climbing walls, ropes courses, and a zipline which are all so fun. And once you’re done with those, there are trails for days with a long set of stairs down to the creek. Definitely recommend this for older kids rather than toddlers, but also great for adult kids at heart (AKA my husband really enjoyed it too).

Jordan Creek Park

Colorful outdoor playground with green and grey structures, slides, and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
    • Large, fully fenced in ADA-accessible playground designed for all abilities

    • Separate toddler zone with age-appropriate slides and climbing

    • Wide ramps, adaptive swings, and sensory-friendly elements

    • Musical play stations and interactive panels

    • Shaded benches and picnic tables throughout

    • Surface: rubberized

    • Walking paths and paved loop trails throughout the park

    • Adjacent ball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts

    • Picnic pavilions and open green space for games

    • Seasonal community events hosted by Mayfield Heights Parks & Recreation

    • Nearby spray ground and pool (summer months)

  • This playground is fully fenced in! It’s set up pretty long and narrow, so while it’s not too big, it can still be difficult to see from one end to the other. There were so many accessible and sensory elements to the playground. The expression swings were something we’d never seen before and thought were pretty cool. Bathrooms & water fountains were nearby - no changing tables and no paper towels. The shade structures and the shaded tables with benches were really nice to be able to sit while the kids played.

Mayfield Heights Playground

Empty colorful playground equipment including slides, climbing structures, and a shaded area in a park under a clear blue sky.
    • Large, fully accessible playground with multiple climbing structures

    • Separate toddler area with gentle slides and low platforms

    • Wide ramps and adaptive swings for inclusive play

    • Multiple slides, rope ladders, and interactive panels for older kids

    • Plenty of shaded benches and picnic tables around the play space

    • Surface: rubberized

    • ENERGI fitness system, chess/checkers tables, ping pong table, cornhole boards

    • Walking and biking trails connect to the Mayfield Village Greenway

    • Adjacent Parkview Pool and splash features (seasonal)

    • Ball fields, tennis and basketball courts nearby

    • Picnic pavilions and Grove amphitheater for gatherings

    • Hosts seasonal concerts, festivals, and community events

  • Going to this park, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you have a toddler who wants to run around or you’d like to take it easy and play a game of checkers, it’s all right there. The playground had a ton of different musical elements and can keep kids busy for quite a while!

Parkview Playground

A playground with colorful structures, a red building labeled The Frankino Firehouse, a beige elevated walkway, and a woman climbing stairs under clear blue sky.
    • Giant, fully accessible play village with pretend storefronts, slides, and climbing areas

    • Separate infant/toddler section with age-appropriate equipment

    • Wide ramps, adaptive swings, and sensory-friendly spaces

    • Benches and picnic tables

    • Fully fenced with gated entry

    • Surface: soft, rubberized safety flooring

    • Covered picnic shelters

    • Open green space for games

    • Walking paths connecting to Beachwood City Park

  • Such a thoughtfully designed playground with accessibility in mind! Some parts were in need of updates, but overall fun for littles in particular. Be prepared for the sand pit & not a ton of shade. Bathrooms weren’t particularly clean, but would get the job done, but no changing tables.

Preston’s H.O.P.E.

South

Child sitting on a tree branch at a playground, with slides and playground equipment in the background.
    • Two separate playgrounds with equipment for toddlers through teens

    • Hiking and walking trails that loop through woods and open meadows

    • Lake with fishing areas—great spot for beginners to catch bluegill

    • Scenic bridge for nature walks and photo ops

    • Pavilions, picnic tables, and shady areas for breaks and snacks

    • Mix of open green space and tree cover for running and exploring

    • Surface: mix of mulch and natural terrain (not fully rubberized)

    • Large park layout ideal for family gatherings and group play

    • Fishing pier and nature viewing around the lake

    • Soccer fields and open lawns for sports or kites

    • Occasional community events and meetups

  • Large park with a lot to do. Hiking trails, walking trails, two play grounds, lake with areas for fishing and easy to catch Bluegill for beginners! A bridge! Pavilions, picnic tables!

Buckeye Woods Park

Special thanks to Gina for sharing!

    • Large, modern playground with equipment for toddlers through pre-teens

    • Separate zones for different age groups

    • Soft, rubberized safety surfacing for easier mobility

    • Pavilions and mature trees providing shade and picnic spots

    • Benches and tables conveniently located near play areas

    • Surface: rubberized and mulch combination for safe play

    • Beautiful lake with paved walking paths around it

    • Multiple hiking and nature trails through woods and meadows

    • Fully fenced dog park with small- and large-dog areas

    • Large open spaces for games and picnics

    • Seasonal community events hosted by Medina County Parks

Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park

Special thanks to Gina for sharing!

Colorful playground with slides, shaded canopy, and benches in a park, with trees and parked cars in the background.
    • Address: 6363 Selig Blvd, Independence, OH 44131

    • Parking: Free paved lots next to the playground and Civic Center

    • Restrooms: Indoor restrooms with changing table; universal changing table in Civic Center

    • Two distinct play areas for different ages, including a toddler zone

    • Two ziplines, rock walls, and big slides

    • Wheelchair-accessible sand tables and musical panels in the toddler section

    • Adaptive swings and fully accessible surfacing for all abilities

    • Benches and picnic tables with natural shade

    • Surface: mix of rubberized & mulch

    • Free Little Library

    • Safety Town

    • Close to the Independence Civic Center and Public Library

    • Walking paths and small gardens

    • Seasonal community and recreation events hosted on site

  • One of the best all-ages playgrounds. The double ziplines and rock walls are awesome for big kids (or adventurous littles), while the inclusive toddler area keeps younger ones engaged. Easy parking and lots of shade make it a favorite for playdates and evening visits. The Safety Town was too cute and the sand feature was a nice addition.

Liberty Playground

Children playing on a colorful playground with a yellow slide, climbing structures, and a large blue umbrella for shade at North Royalton Memorial Park.
    • Two play zones with equipment for toddlers and older kids

    • Shaded benches and picnic areas

    • Walking loop around the park and pond

    • Sports courts and open fields nearby

    • Surface: mulch

    • Splash pad with daily hours in summer

    • Pavilions and shelters for rentals or picnics

    • Fishing and walking paths around Memorial Pond

    • Community events and seasonal celebrations

  • We sort of stumbled upon this park since we were in the area, but had a great time with friends (ages 2-10). In addition to the playground, we played a game of wiffle ball in the grass right next to the playground. Bathrooms were mostly well maintained for a park restrooms, but no seat covers. There were paper towels though and not a hand dryer (in case you also have a toddler who doesn’t love a hand dryer). Park is mostly, but not fully fenced in.

Memorial Park    

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