The Best Parks and Playgrounds In and Around Pensacola, FL

The Pensacola area is well known for its miles of powder-white beaches and beautiful emerald waters, but it’s also home to a variety of parks and green space. The beach will always be our favorite playground but here is a list of the other parks and playgrounds that we love to frequent.

Navarre Park and Playground

8513 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL 32566

This waterfront park just underwent a major redevelopment. Enhancements to the park include an interactive splash pad, additional restroom facilities, two playgrounds, a plaza with shade structures, as well as expanded parking. And don’t forget about the sandy beach area and easy access to the Santa Rosa Sound.

Woodland Park and Playground

2 Highpoint Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

This quiet neighborhood park has two play areas tucked under the shade of towering live oak and magnolia trees. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park, making it the perfect spot for a picnic. There is also a small dock for fishing in the inlet or launching paddleboards and kayaks.

Sunset Kids Playground and Splash Park

800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

This community park boasts three playgrounds, a large swing set, and a splash pad. Kids will love cooling off at the Dolphin Island Splash Pad after a session of play on a hot day. Older kids and adults may enjoy the nearby skate park or disc golf course. This park is truly a local favorite.

Pirate Playground Park

1340 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL 32501

I’m not sure that it gets much better than a pirate-themed playground situated on the Santa Rosa Sound. Bring your imagination and your favorite beach gear and play all day. You may even catch a glimpse of the spectacular U.S. Navy Blue Angels at practice!

Rotary Centennial Playground

301 W Main Street, Pensacola, FL 32502

This world-class, inclusive playground is located along the Pensacola Bay waterfront at the Community Maritime Park. Find unique play structures, a clock tower centerpiece, shade trees, and a covered picnic area. This playground was designed with no walls or hiding places so you can easily keep a watchful eye on the kiddos as they play.

Bayview Park and Playground

2001 E Lloyd Street, Pensacola, FL 32503

Enjoy playing on the extra-large play structure overlooking the sparkling waters of Bayou Texar! This park also offers a rock-climbing wall, as well as shaded picnic areas. The new Bayview Outdoor Pursuits Center located onsite offers rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, bikes, and even hammocks to enjoy in and around the 23-acre park.

Hitzman-Optimist Park Playground

3221 Langley Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504

Recently updated in March 2019, this new playground was designed to be accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The sandy floor of the playground provides an endless canvas for sand play. The park also features a 9-hole disc golf course nestled among the tall pine trees, soccer fields, and plenty of shaded picnic areas.

Benny Russell Playground and Park

5417 W Spencer Field Road, Milton, FL 32571

You’ll find nearly 30 acres of outdoor fun at this park! There are three unique play areas, a variety of swings, as well as a splash pad. There’s also plenty of open green space perfect for playing a game of kickball or soccer or maybe even flying a kite.

Innerarity Point Playground and Park

3835 Cruzat Way, Pensacola, FL 32507

This modern playground will make any adult wish they were a kid again. Situated on nearly four acres, this park provides two playgrounds, a boardwalk, and a fishing dock and kayak launch. Caregivers will enjoy relaxing and taking in the views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Perdido Kids Park

10015 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FL 32507

For families looking for an off-the-beach activity that allows kids to play outdoors and blow off some energy, the Perdido Kids Park is a perfect choice. The park offers swings, imaginative play structures, and even nature features that will interest kids of all ages. Since hot days are common in Northwest Florida, the park features interactive misters that kids can run through to cool off. Don’t forget to bring water-friendly clothing!

What are your favorite Pensacola 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.

Interested in other fun activities that will get the kids outside? Read up on our Building a Family Garden article or learn some new Sidewalk Chalk Games! 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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