As the weather warms up, we all start to feel the pull to get outside again. And for families with kids who have spent the winter cooped up and stir-crazy, that first warm day means heading straight to the neighborhood playground.
The Philadelphia suburbs are full of great playgrounds and parks where you can find fresh air and fun this spring and summer. Read about the ones featured here to see if you find your current favorite or discover a new place to try.
You can also check out our full list of park and playgrounds in the Philadelphia area to find a playground near you.
Encke Park – Location: Radnor Township, off of Iven Avenue in Wayne, 11 acres
In addition to playing fields and a playground that was completely updated in 2014, Encke Park is home to Radnor Skate Park. Designed for outdoor skateboarding, aggressive in-line skating and BMX freestyle biking, Radnor Skate Park features obstacles like a 6-foot mini ramp, a spine, quarter pipes, a pyramid and street elements. It’s a definite draw if you have older kids who are into skating or skateboarding, or younger kids who might love to watch! Features:
- Playground
- Baseball fields
- Skate park
- Picnic tables
General Wayne Park – Location: Lower Merion Township, at Revere Road and Maplewood Avenue, 18 acres.
General Wayne Park is a popular gathering place for area families that earns high marks for both its extensive facilities and well-maintained grounds. Kids will enjoy the large playground with something for all ages, while adults may get to play a bit themselves on the tennis courts or other athletic fields. Features:
- Playground and Tot Lot
- Baseball fields
- Softball fields
- Basketball courts
- 3 Tennis courts
- Volleyball court
- Picnic tables
- Sledding area
Miles Park – Location: Whitemarsh Township, at the intersection of Joshua Road and Germantown Pike, 25 acres
Its central location makes it a hub of activity in the area, and its large playground is a popular meeting place for kids and their parents. The playground features equipment for toddlers and preschoolers as well as older kids. Features:
- Playground (ages 2-12)
- 5 Baseball fields
- 2 Softball fields
- Basketball courts
- Soccer fields
- Picnic pavilion
Note: Miles Park is also home to lots of area sporting events and practices. Parking can be a challenge during peak times, but usually you’re not more than a short walk away from the action.
Mondauk Park – Location: Upper Dublin Township, at Dillon Road and Susquehanna Road, 50 acres
Mondauk Commons Park is a community park with plenty of open space for organized games or just running around. And if running or walking is your thing, the park is also surrounded by a one-mile gravel loop. Features:
- Playground
- Baseball fields
- Basketball courts
- 2 Soccer fields
- Sand volley courts
- Picnic pavilion
- 1 mile running/walking trail
Valley Creek Park – Location: East Whiteland Township, on Morehall Road, 35 acres
As the name implies, this popular Great Valley park is bordered by Valley Creek, which provides even more opportunities for exploration and play. In recent years, park enhancements have included the addition of a handicapped accessible fishing pier and reconstruction of the amphitheater to hold summer concerts. Features:
- Playground
- Tennis court
- Picnic pavilion with grills
- Nature trails
Wentz Run Park – Location: Whitpain Township, on Anvil Lane behind the Township Building, 70 acres
In addition to being a year-round destination for play, Wentz Run Park holds concerts and family movie nights in the summer that draw a crowd. Fortunately, parking is plentiful at this popular destination for warm weather fun! Features:
- Playground (ages 3-12)
- 2 Basketball courts
- 3 Baseball fields
- 2 Soccer fields
- 4 Tennis courts
- Sand volley court
- Picnic pavilion and gazebo
- 75 mile running/walking trail
Smith Memorial Playground – Location: East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, 6.5 acres
While It’s nice to have a go-to local park, sometimes it’s fun to venture beyond your ‘hood for an extra special outing. For those times, Smith Memorial Playground is a great choice.
Smith Memorial Playground is home to a beautiful, 16,000 square foot Playhouse surrounded by 6.5 acres of open fields, woods and hills. The playground features a 100-year-old giant wooden slide and many other unique pieces of play equipment designed to entertain children of all ages. Reservations are required in advance for the Playhouse, so be sure to check availability before you go.
For more great play destinations that are worth a short drive or right around the corner, browse through our full list here.
First published March 2020, updated March 2022