PH: Fred Thomas Park

Playground Hopping

Location: NE Park Hill/ Stapleton at 23rd & Quebec.

     I've been spending a lot of time in North Park Hill and have been struggling to find many walk-to destinations for the kiddos. This park is definitely one that we have been frequenting though, as it seems to be kept well (we see groundsmen almost every visit), there are picnic tables in several areas, it offers large fields with trees, a variety of sports fields that are fun to play on (soccer, basketball and volleyball), and of course it has a playground! 

     Surrounded by sand this playground has a slides, things to climb on, and a bouncy bridge. There are also two little bouncy ride-on toys to the side. This park is also fairly close to 29th street place in Stapleton, so you can easily walk to the eateries or even fountains in the summer. 

PH: Hallett Science & Tech Academy

Playground Hopping

Location: North Park Hill Denver, 29th and Kearney Street  

     Another schoolyard playground, but if you’re in the area and in need of an evening or weekend place to explore this one has lots to do! Two larger climbers with a lot of climbing steps, walls and ladders, and a smaller climber that is fenced in yet still offers lots to climb and explore.

     I've been spending more time in the North Park Hill/ Stapleton areas of Denver lately, so hopefully I'll be finding and posting more fun spots in the area!

Park Hill Library

Location: 4705 E Montview Blvd., Denver

Playground nearby at: W.H. Ferguson Park, 23rd and Dexter Street

Although quite small this is a great little library that also has Book Babies and Story Time for Toddlers. Check out story times HERE

PH: Chaffee Park

Playground Hopping

Location: Chaffee Park, Northwest Denver at 44th and Tejon Street

     Ultimately I wouldn’t recommend this park for an outing, but I was in the area with a new charge for a few days and this was the closest park that I found so I should at least give my opinion (clearly I will be doing much more research if I end up in the area again). Large fields, a playground and swings provide for some enjoyment, although unfortunately the climber is falling apart (a rope to climb on extending from one end of the climber to the other is missing; a small bulldozer climber for little ones has a large crack down the middle of the slide). Another disheartening sight that I noticed was the people. When we visited this playground just before 5:00pm I noticed not one but two grown men passed out in the park- one right in the middle of the field moaning every so often, and another near the bathrooms who attempted to stand up and walk at one point but was clearly unstable enough to hold his own balance. I know that this is the world we are living in today, but for the amount of parks that I’ve visited in Denver I’ve never seen such nonsense so close to the children’s play area. With a young toddler who is only focused on playing we were fine, but if I had older children I would’ve felt very uncomfortable letting them play so close to such sad sites. What the hell, Denver? I thought we were better than this…

PH- McWilliams Park

Playground Hopping

A small park with playground, grassy field, picnic table, benches and a very small stream  located on the north-side of Yale at the intersection of Fillmore.

Great playground area surrounded by sand. Lots to climb on, plus the large dinosaur skeleton has a small hide-away under it to explore. Covered picnic tables are an added bonus!

More picnic tables in the grassy, tree-covered fields. To the far end there is also a soccer net. 

PH- Central Park

Playground Hopping

Fountain area in the summer. Oddly this summer we went twice and the fountains were closed for repairs both times. I was told by someone who frequents the park that this was unusual.

In addition to a small pond and large pathways to walk around the grassy fields, there is also a large play area with sections for littles ones (below), as well as swings, and unique climbing apparatuses for older children. In the middle of the play areas there are rubbery climbing hills (seen in purple in the pictures).

Small climber for younger children. This playground gets VERY hot in the summer!

Large pathways through the playground area with picnicking to the right. Behind me to the west is where the fountain area is well as bathrooms, and the main parking area. Looking due east behind the playground are the large grassy fields, walkways and small pond, as well as another parking area and bathrooms.

Denver Zoo

  The zoo is a great outing for all ages, and the Denver Zoo is clean, spacious and has lots to see and do. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at numerous picnic tables or enjoy some of the fresh food that they have for sale. Don't forget to check out the daily event times to see feedings and shows. Even if you have a baby, the walkways are open and spacious allowing for strollers to move around with ease. Check out admission costs and hours here.

Children's exploration area with water play and sand digging.

Playdate fun :)