If your kiddos are bored of your go-to tot lot, the Baltimore area is brimming with thoughtful, creative, and accessible play spaces to help them get a change of scenery and burn off their energy.
With the help of the Baltimore Family Alliance—a community of educators, activists, and parents on a mission to support the city’s families—we’ve gathered a list of some of the most unique playgrounds in the city and beyond, from spots with exciting equipment and fun themes to inclusive areas fit for children of all abilities.
Angel Park
More than 4,000 kids gave input for this community-built Perry Hall park, touted as the largest all-inclusive playground in Baltimore County. Created by Kelli and Andy Szczybor in honor of their late son, Ryan, who succumbed to Leukemia as an infant, Angel Park is known for its thoughtful design that eliminates physical and social barriers to entry for children with special needs. It features braille panels, quiet corners for visitors with sensory needs, and a wheelchair-accessible swing and “shaky bridge,” along with 30-foot ziplines and plenty of slides. 9675 Honeygo Blvd. Perry Hall.
Annie’s Playground
Reopened last year at Edgeley Grove Park in Bel Air, this playground—named after Annie Cumpston, who passed away in a hit-and-run accident at the age of six in 2003—is meant to honor children who have lost their lives due to accident or illness. The $1.5 million renovation yields swings, gliders, sensory activities, an elephant-shaped slide, a treehouse, an arch climber, and a rock wall. 864 Smith Lane. Fallston.
Blandair Regional Park
This Columbia park features a challenge course that is a dreamland for teens who are fans of American Ninja Warrior. Located in the East Area, the synthetic turf athletic space is equipped with timers for kids 13 years and older to skip, wiggle, swing, and hop through obstacle-style structures. Additionally, the park’s North Area features an entirely ADA-compliant playground for kids of all ages, consisting of six unique play areas with fencing, non-verbal communication boards, sun shades, picnic tables, and benches. 5750 Oakland Mills Road. Columbia.
Dypski Park
Across 2.5 acres, this recently refurbished park in Canton offers everything from netted ropes to giant shapes to climbing walls for miniature daredevils. A faux-grass surface and protective rubber safety helps cushion your little one from scrapes. There’s also plenty of seating and shade shelters if you’re hoping to pack a picnic and make a day of it. 1213 S. Ellwood Ave.
Elijah’s Park
Named after Maryland’s late, great representative and civil rights advocate Elijah Cummings, this new addition to the Baltimore Peninsula has a unique design that is full of fun. The playground features an oval-shaped expansive lawn space and obstacle course against the backdrop of local art and greenery. Inspired by our state’s waterways, the bubbly-aquatic theme features starfish platforms and a huge blue crab climbing structure finished with a slide. 301 Mission Blvd.
Federal Hill Park Playground
This neighborhood playground was built with Federal Hill’s history in mind, featuring nods in its equipment (think: ladders, hanging bars, and spiralized slides) to the Federalist Ship, Port Federal Hill, and Signal Hill Tower. In keeping with the theme, a few years back, the South Harbor Renaissance also introduced a locomotive structure inspired by the B&O Railroad. 300 Warren Ave.
Hailey’s Wish
Brigitte Miller created this Westminster park for children like her daughter Hailey, who lives with cerebral palsy, a series of disorders affecting one’s muscle tone, movement, and posture. This inclusive environment features ADA-approved high-back swings, a soft, rubberized surface, sensory activities, and a merry-go-round saucer. 495 S. Center St., Westminster.
Hollofield Play Space
Built from recycled materials, this all-inclusive hangout at Patapsco Valley State Park has a cushy, rubber surface to traverse, ramps to help those with mobility challenges navigate the playground, and glider platforms to accommodate accessible swinging. 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City.
Mount Vernon Children’s Park
In the summertime, one of the many draws to this haven for city kids and their caregivers is its blooming flower petal fountain and splash pad. Aside from the interactive cool-off structure, the park offers twisting slides, a bridge, a rock climbing tower, a classic see-saw, a massive sandbox, and its own Little Free Library. 801 N. Calvert St.
Oregon Ridge Park Playground
Located within the 1,100-acre Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, this nature-themed playground has several platforms, climbing structures, bridges, and large slides. The soft, solid rubber surface throughout the play area is especially ideal for safety in high-climbing sections. 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville
Our Playground at Stadium Place
In Waverly, this community-inspired playground—rebuilt entirely by volunteers after a tragic fire destroyed the original structure in 2008—is imaginative gold with its own mini village, pirate ship, train station, and performance space for little ones who love the spotlight. There are also ample climbing structures, swings, and photo opportunities in the zoo area. 900 E. 33rd St.
Rash Field Park
In addition to Jake’s Skate Park, Waterfront Partnership’s Inner Harbor play area includes a wobbly rope tunnel, two wooden tents, a giant metal slide, disc swings, and an array of climbing structures. It also features its own nature park, meant to connect little ones with the environment in a city setting with hidden pathways, small hills, native plantings, and a sand area. 201 Key Highway.