The sun is out, the day is warm and the kids are excited for a day at the park. But where do you go when you have a baby in tow? Deciding on a playground for older kids is straightforward enough (Swings? Check. Slides? Check. Climbing walls? Check.), but when you add a brand-new babe to the mix, finding a place to play becomes more challenging. We get it, which is why we compiled a list of our favorite area playgrounds for families with big and little ones. These playgrounds offer something to please all members of your brood. All you have to do is get them there.
Kiest Park
Location: 3080 S. Hampton Road, Dallas. North of West Kiest Boulevard in Oak Cliff.
Why it’s great for moms and babies: Kiest Park is wheelchair accessible (read: stroller friendly), has three play structures and restrooms with changing tables. There is rubber padding by the slides, so littles won’t get hurt if they fall. Babies can swing in one of four baby swings and play with a tic-tac-toe set, drums, teeter-totter and metal toy cars.
What the big kids will like: Older kids will love the designated play area for ages 5–12, which has five slides and four swings. There’s also a tennis court, basketball court, sand volleyball court, baseball field and soccer field.
For your information: The fountains and restrooms are located across the parking lot from the playground, and restrooms are only open Monday–Friday.
Allan Shivers Park
Location: 2222 Welborn St., Dallas. Located at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children across from the main entrance to the hospital.
Why it’s great for moms and babies: This brightly colored, wheelchair-accessible playground is covered with rubber padding, and all equipment, including swings, is designed for children of all abilities and ages. There are also several covered pavilions with ceiling fans and a restroom with changing tables.
What the big kids will like: Older kids will enjoy the large dancing station that plays music and has musical instruments for kids to play with, as well as the climbing areas, playhouse and four slides.
For your information: The playground is shared with patients at the Scottish Rite Hospital, so there may be times when it’s closed for special events.
Exall Park
Location: 1355 Adair St., Dallas. Near Our Children’s House at Baylor off Live Oak Street.
Why it’s great for moms and babies: This shaded playground has two play structures for different age groups. There are two baby swings, in addition to two regular swings and three slides. Water fountains and benches are available for moms to relax on and a permanent restroom is located inside the Exall Recreation Center.
What the big kids will like: A basketball court, baseball field, rock climbing wall and three swings will keep the older kids entertained for hours.
For your information: The restrooms are closed on the weekends and don’t have changing tables.
Carey Cox Memorial Park
Location: 1611 N. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney.
Why it’s great for moms and babies: There are two separate play areas for younger and older children that are connected by a covered pavilion and swingset. The side for smaller kids has three slides and three spring-loaded rides. There is a bathroom by the parking lot inside the administrative building.
What the big kids will like: Older kids will enjoy the elaborate climbing area, which includes climbing walls and boulders, and the bike trail and open field.
For your information: Your big kids might be disappointed to see that there are no slides in their play area.
Haggard Park
Location: 901 E. 15th St., Plano.
Why it’s great for moms and babies: There is a large, designated parking lot close to the playground. The play structure for younger kids has three slides, two baby swings and springy toys for babies to play on. There are restrooms at this playground but no changing tables.
What the big kids will like: There are four slides and two swings by the play structure for big kids.
For your information: The ground is covered in wood chips, which could be dangerous if babies fall. Be sure to check out the train museum across the street from the park; it’ll be a hit with your big kids.
Bob Woodruff Park
Location: North of East Park Boulevard at 2601 San Gabriel Drive in Plano.
Why it’s great for moms and babies: The playground has four baby swings, including a strap-in seat for tiny babies, and four slides. There is a sidewalk that leads up to the playground for easy access with a stroller.
What the big kids will like: For older kids, the playground has six slides, three swings and a sand volleyball court. Kids can run around in the open field or go for a walk on the 3.7-mile wooded trail with parents.
For your information: There is no shade and the playground can get crowded once school lets out. We recommend visiting Bob Woodruff Park on a weekday morning.
Breckinridge Park
Location: South of Renner Road at 3555 N. Brand Road in Richardson.
Why it’s great for moms and babies: The play area for ages 2–5 contains two baby swings and four baby slides. Covered pavilions provide shade and paved walkways allow moms to bring their strollers right up to the play sets.
What the big kids will like: Older kids will enjoy the rock climbing walls, four swings, two slides and walking trail, which is wide enough for a stroller.
For your information: This huge park has three entrances that lead to different sections. Enter at entrance C for the playground. Also, there are permanent restrooms, but they do not have changing tables or sinks. Be sure to bring your own hand sanitizer.
Founders Park
Location: 851 Hensley Lane, Wylie. Located near the intersection of FM 544 and FM 1378, south of Pirate Stadium at Wylie High School.
Why it’s great for moms and babies: There are 13 swings, including four baby swings, and a separate play area for younger children. Moms will appreciate the sandbox and nearby restrooms equipped with changing tables.
What the big kids will like: Big kids will enjoy this play structure, which is shaped like a castle, complete with a wooden pirate ship and train.
For your information: The playground is entirely enclosed by a fence, so parents will have trouble seeing kids if they’re sitting on one of the benches outside the fenced area.
Looking for more playgrounds in Dallas-Fort Worth? See our directory of more than 100 parks and playgrounds.
Published April 2015
