Slide, swing, play: Parks with the best playgrounds for toddlers
Looking for the best playgrounds for toddlers? Our favorite playgrounds for toddlers have low-to-the-ground play structures, fences to keep little ones safe, splash pads and plenty of bucket swings!
Parks with the best playgrounds for toddlers
Kids Together Playground at Marla Dorrel Park
111 Thurston Drive, Cary
One of the best parks in the Triangle, this playground is accessible for kids of all abilities. There is a section specifically for kids under 3, with a tiny play structure and miniature slides, a sand pit and play houses. Little ones will also love crawling on Katal the dragon, the Kids Together mascot. If your toddler is a bit more active, there is a larger, wheelchair-accessible playground for them to enjoy with a roller slide, glider and more.
North Cary Park
1100 Norwell Blvd., Cary
A large sand play area, giant but safe in-ground slides, a parent-and-me bucket swing and low play structure all make this playground perfect for toddlers. There is also a fantastic trail for stroller walks (if your little one will sit still!)
Garner Recreational Park
221 E. Garner Road
This Garner playground is completely surrounded by a fence, and that reason alone puts it high on this mom's list! My 2-year-old daughter loved the play structure and slides (not too high), the bucket swings and bouncers. As a bonus, the recreation center is right there -- so clean bathrooms are steps away from the playground. There is also an adjacent dog park if your child likes watching dogs run and play.
Centennial Park
1015 New Bethel Church Road, Garner
Garner understands parents with little ones love fences! This playground has a fence with latch so you can keep runners securely inside. It also has two play structures, one for larger kids and one low-to-the-ground that is perfect for toddlers.
Brier Creek Park
10810 Globe Road, Raleigh
This tiny, hidden playground is perfect for tots still perfecting their balance and walking. The low play structure is perfect for kids ages 2 to 5 and has a rubberized safety surface in case they fall.
Pullen Park
520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh
Kiddie boats, the carousel and a real train make this park an exciting destination for kids of all ages. Tickets are $2 per ride and can be purchased online. Little kids will also love exploring the bright red caboose in the playground area, which is also a fantastic photo opportunity. The playground is divided into different areas for different age groups -- there is a low-to-the-ground play area with sandbox for preschool children and a large selection of swings.
Jack Smith Park
9725 Penny Road, Raleigh
The highlight of this park is a sprayground open mid-May through mid-September. Even in the off season, the playground is fun and small enough that parents won't lose track of their children. Kids will also love seeing the three whimsical whirligigs and an artist's flock of nine sheep. Finally, there is an adorable rock garden toddlers will love climbing over.
Knightdale Station Park
810 N. First Ave., Knightdale
This playground has a splash pad and an adorable playground modeled to look like a farm. Little kids will love the small play structure with a silo and barn roof. The slides are small, perfect for toddlers, and adults will love the adorable photo opportunities the rustic playground provides.
