The Best Parks and Playgrounds In and Around Denver
Published on May 13, 2022 - Updated on July 22, 2022
As a mom of three girls, and creator of Slides and Sunshine, our family has explored over 300 playgrounds across Colorado. Trimming that collection into a top ten list was almost impossible so please know that while these are some favorites, Colorado has so many more great playgrounds to explore!
Paco Sanchez Park
1290 Knox Court, Denver, CO 80204
Paco Sanchez Park is the most impressive playground in Denver. This vintage microphone-themed play structure stands tall as the centerpiece, designed in honor of Radio Broadcaster and Colorado House Representative, Paco Sanchez. The microphone is filled with rope climbing obstacles and a spiral slide. It's definitely the favorite feature for our whole family. In addition, there are radio music-themed features, a swing zip line, a steep concrete slide, a skate park, and more!
City Park
1700 York St, Denver, CO 80205
Many that grew up in Denver remember the wooden castle-themed playground in City Park. In October of 2021, the Dustin Redd Playground was completely taken down, leaving some to wonder if it could be as great as it once was. Luckily, the beloved castle theme runs through the new space with custom equipment, complete with a tall castle tower and large climbable dragon. It has a different feel from the previous playground's style, however, I think the kids will love the updates! There are also many features adding to the inclusiveness and overall accessibility of the playground creating a safe space for all ages and abilities.
Fred Thomas Park
2400 Quebec St, Denver, CO 80207
We love the bright colors of the play structure at Fred Thomas Park! The playground has equipment for all ages, however, the tall slide is only accessible through a rope maze, keeping the little ones from making the trek to the top. Options for the younger ages include two small slides, a low rope net, balance steps, spinners, and swings. Fred Thomas Park has many other amenities, such as a basketball court, baseball field, soccer field, tennis courts, and sand volleyball court, making it a perfect spot to take the whole family.
Longs Pine Grove Park
1523 S Uinta Way, Denver, CO 80231
The natural playground at Longs Pine Grove Park is unique and has created a peaceful spot for the local neighborhood. This 2.8-acre park includes a playground, walking path, logs, climbable rocks, and a circle-shaped grass field. Immediately catching the eyes of my daughters were the treehouse-like structures, thick rope bridge, and adorable playhouse in the sandpit. After visiting so many of the more traditional plastic, brightly colored playgrounds, Longs Pine Grove was like a breath of fresh air for all of us.
James A. Bible Park
6802 E Yale Ave, Denver, CO 80224
One of the most recent parks in Denver to receive a brand new, updated playground is James A. Bible Park. The two towers will absolutely take your breath away and your little risk-takers will love them! A few unique extras that you can find are a large turf-covered hill (kids love to slide down on cardboard boxes!), an obstacle course for toddlers, an accessible merry-go-round, and a huge net climbing structure. The scooter park might be my favorite feature near Bible Park’s playground! With so many skate parks and bike pump tracks around, this is actually built for younger kids and their scooters or small bikes.
Swansea Park
2650 E 49th Ave, Denver, CO 80216
Swansea Park playground is quite possibly our favorite on this whole list! Designed by local elementary students in combination with a leadership program called Imagine the Possibilities, it is great for all ages! There is an adorable playhouse (it even has a mailbox!), trampoline, and spinner for younger kids. Older children will be drawn to the tall slides and long zipline. As a fun extra, there are games and squiggly lines to follow on the path surrounding the playground.
First Creek Park
18874 Elmendorf Dr, Denver, CO 80249
Less than 20 minutes from Denver International Airport, you will be immersed in nature at First Creek Park. The “play equipment” is made from giant log structures to climb and balance across. The most eye-catching is a huge log holding two disc-shaped swings. It is a beautiful location where kids can explore nature, cross over a stream and learn more about local birds and insects.
Washington Park
701 S Franklin St, Denver, CO 80209
Another recent playground update in Denver took place at Washington Park. Gone are the wooden tunnels and in their place is a whimsical, nature-inspired playground. A huge cluster of logs will give your kids a new challenge of balance and flexibility. Even with the fun, new equipment, the most popular section of Washington Park is the giant sand play area! Plan to spend a long time at Washington Park as you will also want to check out the boathouse nearby and its kayaks, paddleboards, and more.
Globeville Landing Park
3901 Arkins Ct, Denver, CO 80216
A unique location and unique playground equipment make Globeville Landing Park a must-see. Location-wise, it is near the National Western Complex, the new Pepsi facility, and along both train tracks and light rail. It is also just one of many stops along the South Platte River bike path. The playground has some features we have never seen before! The slide structure for older children is more like a packed-in obstacle course, there is a thick rope to use as a multi-person swing, and a huge “Log Mash” to climb over and through.
LuBird’s Light Playground
2503 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010
Saving one of the most important playgrounds in the area for last, LuBird’s Light Playground is truly inclusive for all! LuBird’s Light Foundation created a beautiful, inspiring spot for kids of all ages and abilities. There are wheelchair-accessible features (including the treehouse overlook and a trampoline), bright colors and flower shades, and the longest roller bar slide we’ve seen. LuBird’s Light Playground is located at Stanley Marketplace so plan in extra time to experience the amazing food nearby and a cold treat from Sweet Cow ice cream!
We can’t wait to hear which Denver playground is your family’s favorite!
What are your favorite Denver spots? Have you visited any of the playgrounds on the list? Be sure to tag us on Instagram with any of your family's adventures @gethappyly.
Looking for more fun things to do in Denver? Check out our Denver Local Highlights post! Now that it's starting to warm up, there are also a number of other activities to do with kids other than the traditional park days. Check out our How to Hike with Kids Guide and enjoy a fun day out with the family.
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