The 35 Absolute Best Playgrounds In Maryland!

After visiting hundreds of playgrounds in Maryland, we have assembled this list of the Absolute Best Playgrounds in Maryland.

We are absolutely obsessed with playgrounds in our family. Why? Well, most of the time, playgrounds are FREE or very cheap entertainment for kids. Plus, playgrounds are an excellent way to get physical activity and exercise, meet new kids, test boundaries in a relatively safe environment, and more!

We have probably played on well over 300 playgrounds in Maryland since my daughter was able to walk. A few years ago I created a whole bunch of playground ‘best of’ lists… and I still stand by those lists.. with a caveat.

Caveat: Wow, Maryland has really stepped up it’s game! Not only are there way more playgrounds than I could have imagined, but many counties have built new and totally show-stopping amazing playgrounds in the last 2 years. Plus, many Maryland counties have also renovated existing playgrounds. It’s really sooo fantastic!

When I set out to update this post I originally listed all the super fantastic playgrounds.. and there were well over 100 of them. I thought that maybe being overwhelmed with awesome playground ideas might not be what you need. So, instead I have narrowed the list to the 35 (or so) playgrounds I think are the absolute best. There are playgrounds from every region on this list.

So no matter where you are, there will be a fantastic Maryland playground close to you!

Note: This list isn’t in rank order. I have my #1 playground, but I also realize that is highly subjective.

1. Downs Memorial Park

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Downs Memorial Park is a fantastic waterfront park that is super kid friendly. This isn’t exactly a beach trip, but there are loads of walking paths along the water, with benches and overlooks. Downs Memorial Park built a fantastic new playground in 2021. There are plenty of swings, climbing structures, slides, and separate areas for younger and older kids.

Address: 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122

2. Kinder Farm Park

The Kinder Farm Park Playground went through a massive renovation in 2020 and the new playground is absolutely fantastic. It is farm themed and has tons of great climbing structured, musical instruments to play, riding features, slides, and great swings. There are lots of play features that would appeal to both younger and older kids!

While you are visiting the playground, walk the short distance to the actual farm where you can see (and sometimes pet) cows, pigs, goats, sheep, etc…

This is really a charming park and playground!

Address: 1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville, MD 21108

3. Westminster City Park Playground

The City of Westminster started upgrading the playground in late 2016 and it re-opened in early 2017. Someone on the planning committee must have had the ear of a bunch of kids, because this playground pretty much has everything!

The gigantic climbing structure pictured below greets visitors with a series of rope course like challenges, some of which lead to slides. There is a seated zipline (yes.. there is), tons of swings, smaller play structures for younger kids, balance pads, and a modern version of of spinning play apparatus where 5 or 6 kids can see how fast they can twirl before getting dizzy.

Older kids will love the huge climbing knot (not sure how to describe it other that a knot… there are other play structures like this around the region). The entire playground is shaded and very pleasant.

Address: 14 Longwell Ave, Westminster, MD 21157

4. Watkins Park (Mount Airy)

Watkins Park in Mount Airy (not to be confused with the Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro) is definitely a sleeper hit! This park is in Carroll County– but just barely. Mount Airy is actually in both Carroll and Frederick Counties.. and this park is on the Carroll County side!

There are two distinct playground areas. The older playground is near an entry point for the Old Main Line Mount Airy Rails to Trails. This playground is still really well maintained, with great slides and climbing structures for kids, as well as swings.

However, if you continue along the park road, you will be dazzled by the newer Watkins Play Place playground. This newer playground has it all. It’s a rather large playground but the play structures are spread out so you won’t feel crowded. There are boundless play features like an aero glider, ramps, and plenty of musical play features.

It has challenging climbing obstacle courses, slides for both older and younger kids, and fun swings like the saucer swing.

Bonus! Watkins Park is less than 10 minutes from Rock Hill Orchard and the Woodbourne Creamery!

Address: 615 Center St, Mt Airy, MD 21771

5. Blandair Regional Park North Playground

Dino area of blandair regional park north playground

Oh. My. Goodness! I can’t believe how utterly amazing the Blandair Regional Park North Area Playground is!

Seriously, there are so many features I want to share with you … I couldn’t even share all the photos here!

Yes, the playground is so huge there is a map! Look at the map when you arrive because there are dedicated areas for babies and toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids! It’s really like 5-6 playgrounds wrapped into one!

Ok, first off this entire massive playground is fenced in and access is controlled by a double lock gate! Wow!!! That is such an amazing safety feature!!!

Activity panel in space themed area of blandair regional park north playground

The massive area right in the middle of the playground is space themed and for 5-12 year olds. The slides in this area are off the hook awesome!

Down the hill from rocket playground is this amazing climbing structure that looks like a rainbow wave. The swings are also over here, as well as a bunch of musical play features, a double knot climbing structure, and a few other totally cool play features.

rainbow climbing structure blandair regional park

The Dino themed playground is for younger kids and also has an amazing theme! Kids can climb on dinosaur bones, tunnels, and shorter slides for younger kids.

The baby/toddler area is next to the Dino area and is perfect for the youngest kids. There are so many interactive play features in this area!

One of the best parts about this playground is when they say play for all.. they mean, play for all! In every area of the playground there are play features that are accessible and fun for kids of all abilities!

Address: 5685 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21045

6. Patapsco Valley State Park Hollofield Area

This playground is really fun for all ages and ability types. There are loads of climbing opportunities and a few slides. There are lower to the ground features for little kids, like a ‘hollowed out log’ they can climb though.

Around the outer perimeter of the playground kids can bang away in the sound garden, and there is a pretty cool feature that is basically a large see saw car. I believe it is officially called an Aero Glider. The Aero Glider is actually wheelchair accessible (which is probably why it is large) but kids of all ages and ability types loved loading up and riding away as willing parents pushed them up and down.

The playground is in a shaded area too.

Address: 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043

7. Schooley Mill Park

This is an adorable farm-themed playground that just opened in 2023. It’s great for all ages and abilities with both a younger and older kid play section. There are tons of swings, flower musical instrument play features, sensory boards and more.

The more unique play features include a fast merry go round, as well as a unique see-saw your kids will absolutely want to try out!

Address: 12975 Hall Shop Rd Highland, Md

8. Northwest Regional Park

The new Ravens playground is a very fun playground. There are many features you find at most playgrounds including slides, and many climbing features.

The football part of the playground also includes obstacle courses and a 60-yard dash. Both of these features include a start and finish button. This feature tells the kids when to start and times them while they complete the activity. This is a very fun feature for those competitive kids!

Address: 4515 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills, MD

9. Angel Park Playground

The Angel Park Playground was designed by local children and artists as a way to honor ‘angel’ children. The main play castle is massive, with climbing structures, slides, and tons of small pockets that would make a game of hide-and-seek truly epic. There is a separate tot lot area (which is really fun for older kids as well), swings of all types, and two types of ziplines (one that is fully accessible).

What sets this playground apart though are all the details. Rapunzel and her epic hair beckon kids to climb. Dumbledore asks which sorting hat you will wear? Winnie the Pooh or Dory and Nemo greet kids from inside one of the many hiding places. Also, get this– outside the fenced in playground area, there is a separate outdoor gym with cardio and strength training equipment, so that parents can work out while their kids play. How cool is that?

Address: 9650 Honeygo Blvd, Perry Hall, MD

10. Rash Field Park

This is a gorgeous nature-based playground that was built in late 2021 right next to the Maryland Science Center. There is a big tee-pee structure, rope bridges, a giant sand box, a gravel pit, and some of the best views of the Inner Harbor ever!

Address: 201 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD

11. Our Playground at Stadiumplace

The story behind this playground is absolutely amazing. The playground burned to the ground in 2008 and by 2009, the area residents had worked together to completely rebuild and restore it. Amazing!

Awesome back story aside, this playground is also amazing. There are tons of swings for all ages and abilities, a separate tot area, climbing structures, slides, and an abundance of imaginative play areas.

There is a stage for budding singers and actors, a zoo themed area, a play town, and more.

This playground doesn’t offer a ton of shade but there are shady pavilions for a break if needed. The playground is fenced it for safety and is co-located with the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Family Center Y.

Address: 900 E 33rd St, Baltimore, MD

12. Millard-Tydings Memorial Park Playground

Millard-Tydings Park is also called Concord Point Park. The entire park is lovely… plenty of picnic tables, space to run around, and a fantastic playground. This playground is really huge with loads of fun features for younger and older kids. Also, it’s right on the water so the views are gorgeous!

Address: 908 S Washington St, Havre De Grace, MD 21078

13. Annie’s Playground

We are totally in love with Annie’s Playground. Like the Angel Park Playground, Annie’s Playground was designed and constructed partly as a memorial for little kids who have been lost.

The playground is nothing short of amazing. Like the Angel Park Playground, Annie’s Playground has loads of imaginative twists and features, climbing structures, a stage, swings for everyone, and scads of slides. The reason it edges out the Angel Park Playground is that it is massive. It is really hard to describe just how big this playground is and every inch of it is whimsical and fun!

Address: 864 Smith Ln, Fallston, MD 21047

14. Rockfield Creative Playground

This sprawling wooden playground in Bel Air has a little something for everyone. There are tons of slides, tons of swings, climbing structures and walls everywhere. There is a separate tot lot area with play houses and other imaginative play touches, and there is a sandbox.

For parents/adults, there are plenty of benches and a pavilion located next to the playground for picnics. The playground is well shaded and fenced in.. so you don’t have to worry about your kids wandering off.

Recently a great splash pad area was installed in the park too. Fantastic for hot summer days!

Address: 501 E Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014

15. Lyn Stacie Getz Creative Playground

You know a playground is going to be oodles of fun when it was designed by kids! Yep, this creative playground was designed in part by area kids so there are a ton of fun features. My daughter loved the tire swing, all the slides, the see saw, and the sandbox. There are towers, tunnels, and bridges that would be great for a game of tag or hide and go seek!

This park is fully enclosed and there are great play features for older kids and really young kids too! For parents there are benches around the fence line, some shaded, some not.

Address: 301-333 W Ring Factory Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014

16. Wizard of Oz Playground

Wizard of Oz Playground at Watkins Regional Park Yellow Brick Road Path

Make no mistake.. this amazing playground is probably the best playground in Maryland. It is located at Watkins Regional Park and is seriously a swoon-worthy destination it its own right. The play area itself is sunny but is surrounded by a wooded, shaded picnic area.

The attention to detail with this playground is amazing. Ruby Red Slippers, the house in Kansas complete with Aunt Em’s mailbox, and a real yellow brick road. For real.

There are tons of play features for toddlers and young kids, as well as older kids. The playground is designed for kids up to 12. Lots of swings, slides, climbing opportunities.

There is a themed running track– it’s a rainbow; yes.. somewhere over the rainbow.

Picnic areas surround the playground.

Address: Watkins Regional Park; Kettering, MD 20774

17. Woodland Wonderland Playground

Located at the Walker Mill Regional Park, this playground has a lot going on… and your kids will LOVE playing here.

Yes, this playground is HUGE. There are multiple sections of the play area.

One of the playground sections is a spray-ground. It is really cute and your kids will love getting sprayed by woodland animals or sliding down a little water slide.

There are plenty of swings at this playground but your kids might be too busy to care about them.

There are play areas for older kids and young kids. They are in separate sections of the playground… but I am not going to lie; your young kids will want to play in the big kid area too.

Climbing– kids can climb through a hollowed out tree, scale up a big boulder, climb up a water tower.

And then slide all the way down the hill. This slide is probably my favorite feature of the playground. It is sooo long! And kids won’t mind climbing back up the hill because there are some cute ants who will crawl up the hill with them!

Address: 8001 Walker Mill Rd, Capitol Heights, MD 20743

18. Greenbriar Local Park Playground

This out of the way playground really is a hidden gem. But it is soooo worth a visit!

This playground really is one of the best surprises in Maryland. It’s a beautiful playground with two play areas– one for older kids and one for younger kids. Kids will love the huge slides in the treehouse as well as pretending to pilot the boat!

The surface is rubberized and there is a lovely picnic area, as well as ball fields.

Address: 12525 Glen Rd, Potomac, MD 20854

19. Wheaton Regional Park

There are actually quite a few reasons to love the Wheaton Regional Park. You could really spend all day playing and exploring.

The Adventure Playground is huge and your kids will get totally immersed in play here. Those 3 ginormous slides are quit the thrill and even younger kids can handle them.

There is a fantastic and relatively separate play area for younger kids. This area has a large sand play section and numerous play features that kids can ride on. For both younger and older kids there are some pretty unique climbing structures as well.

Kids will love running up and down the big blue mountain. There is also a big climbing knot structure that older kids in particular will get a kick out of navigating. This playground has quite a few swings, including swings for kids with disabilities.

Don’t forget to pack a lunch because the grounds of Wheaton Regional Park are really expansive, with tons of picnic tables and covered picnic areas.

The trees in the park are tall and provide plenty of shade. The walking paths are wide and there is plenty of open grassy area to spread out.

Address: 2000 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902

20. Dewey Local Park

Dewey Local Park was renovated in 2020 and it’s fantastic! The park includes a multi-age themed playground with a perimeter “Trike Track.” There is a picnic shelter and a 22,000 square foot lighted dog park, as well as a 2,400 square foot outdoor fitness station.

Address: 11720 Dewey Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20906

21. Sophie and Madigan’s Playground

A fully inclusive playground born out of tragedy (opened 2021)

The story of how this playground came to be is a true story of triumph over tragedy. From their website: “On January 31, 2013, the Lillard family of Myersville, Maryland was struck by unthinkable tragedy when a horrific house fire claimed the lives of their daughters Sophie and Madigan, killed the family’s four pets, destroyed their home and virtually all the family’s possessions, and hospitalized the surviving family members.

As Sophie and Madigan’s parents struggled to cope with the loss of their daughters, they looked for a way to honor the memory of Sophie and Madigan…” and the idea for this fully inclusive playground was born.

This fully inclusive playground has features that all kids and parents will love. There are many types of swings that make play possible for kids with a wide range of disabilities. There are play areas that are great for kids with sensory issues, and really, everything about this playground is fun!

The attention to detail with all aspects of this playground mean your kids will get lost in imaginative play… climbing the castle, spinning in a pumpkin pod, or visiting Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage!

Everything is designed for fun, creative, and inclusive play!

Address: 632 Contender Way, Frederick, MD 21703

22. Ballenger Creek Park

Ballenger Creek Park actually has three playgrounds and two of them have recently been renovated!

If you drive into the park, there is a fantastic (and newly renovated) playground on your right. Pull into the parking lot and you can’t miss it. I love that this playground has a tot lot that is separate from the main playground.

The tot lot has age appropriate slides, imaginative play structures, and separate toddler swings.

The larger playground is fully accessible and inclusive. This playground is just plain awesome. For kids with disabilities, there is an Aero Glider, plenty of ramps, and musical play features that would appeal to all kids.

This playground would be great for kids of all ages, but the play structures are particularly appealing to older kids. The main play structure has so many climbing play features.

There are rope walks, big slides, and both climbing walls and netted climbing opportunities.

There are also numerous spinning play features. For younger kids there is a separate play area with a gorgeous butterfly, as well as some great pretend play structures.

Address: 5420 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick, MD 21703

23. Pinecliff Park

This playground was also renovated recently and wow! There are two play areas— a toddler area and the amazing play structure for older kids.

There are swings for everyone and ramps/music features, and more to make this playground exciting for older kids, safe for younger kids, and accessible for all kids. The park itself it gorgeous too with walking trails and ball fields… and apparently when it’s colder and snowier outside, they offer ice skating and a killer sledding hill!

Address: 8350 Pinecliff Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21704)

24. Dunkirk District Park

The play structures for older kids are super fun, including a three story tower with giant slides and a big glider structure; and what a great zip line

️The playground is huge with 4 play structures,10 different slides, a giant zipline and lots and lots of swings for all abilities. (ADA compliant playground).

Address: 10750 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk, MD 20754

25. Wieck Playground

There used to be a beloved wooden playground at this spot… and then a few years ago they tore it down and in it’s place built this amazing.. even better… playground. This playground is great for kids of all ages and has a lot of super fun play features.

There are great slides, climbing features, a pirate themed play structure for younger kids, ride-on’s, and more.

Address: 41675 Baldridge St, Leonardtown, MD 20650

26. Hagerstown City Park

Hagerstown City Park? Oh. My. Word. This place is amazing and pretty much worth a day trip all on its own!

The centerpiece of this park is the lovely lake/pond with art sculptures, walking paths, cute bridges, streams, benches, and yes.. fountains! It’s really sooo lovely!

Feed the swans! Ok, you can purchase fees (don’t use bread) from the snack area and feed the hordes.. yes hordes.. of very friendly geese, ducks, and swans.

There is not only one, but two very nice playgrounds.. shaded, loads of swings and fun play features, fully inclusive.. did I mention 2 playgrounds?

Don’t miss the bandshell. Check their website for live events!

Address: 501 Virginia Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21740

27. Marty Snook Memorial Park

The reason Marty Snook Memorial Park is one of the most unique family places in Maryland is because of the Mythical Woods Play Area. Ya’ll– this place is amazing!

It’s a wooded natural play area chock full of fun wood carvings and wooden play structures. Your kids will love using their imaginations to fight the trolls or escape the fire breathing dragon.

In addition to all the wood carvings, there are great play structures as well!

But if you are more interested in a traditional playground (or just want to do both of them), the Rainbow Connection Playground is located next to the parking lot you would use for Marty’s Mythical Woods too!

This playground is fully accessible, with tons of swings, climbing opportunities, and slides for both younger and older kids!

Address: 17901 Halfway Blvd, Hagerstown, MD 21740

28. Calvert Regional Park

This is Cecil County’s first regional park and it really has so much to offer. In addition to all the ball fields, there is a story trail offered in conjunction with the library. And the playground is really so fantastic. There are multiple play areas for younger and older kids, plenty of swings, and a zipline too!

Address: 304 Brick Meetinghouse Rd, North East, MD 21901

29. Brantwood Park

Brantwood Regional Park is one of the smaller playgrounds on this list but it packs a mighty punch! It’s located in Elkton, MD and was built on land that was formerly a golf course.

The entire park is lovely. But the playground is outstanding. There is a zipline, regular swings, saucer swings, accessible swings, and even a 3-seat swing.

Climbing features are for older and younger kids and some of them are fairly unique.

The theming is adorable with little woodland animals carved into the playground equipment. This is a great park to bring your bikes and scooters because there are paved trails all throughout the park itself.

Also, I feel obligated to tell you (ha) that in season, Sweet Cowoline’s fantastic ice cream shop is literally right next to this playground!

Address: Williams Rd, Elkton, MD 21921

30. Rock Hall Community Playground

The Rock Hall Community Playground is easily one of the best playgrounds in Maryland, and your kids will love exploring it! This is a new/newly renovated playground that has loads of fantastic play features for both younger and older kids. There are tons of climbing features, ride-on’s (including that really cool digger play structure!), swings, and slides.

Address: Civic Center Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661

31. White Horse Park

This is a sprawling playground that has public restroom facilities, play areas for older and younger kids, as well as fully accessible play features. There are loads of swings, a zipline, and plenty of shaded picnic areas.

Address: 11647 Beauchamp Rd, Ocean Pines, MD 21811

32. Manklin Meadows Park

The other awesome Ocean Pines playground is at Manklin Meadows Park. This playground also has it all… plenty of play features for kids of all ages and abilities. It’s very spread out and has a covered picnic pavilion in the middle of the play area.

Address: Ocean Pines, MD 21811

33. Idlewild Playground and Park

The Idlewild Playground in Easton is soooooo much fun! There are full sections for younger and older kids. Loads of imaginative play features, swings, music features, slides, climbing, obstacles, and tons of nooks and crannies to explore. There are public restrooms and plenty of parking. .. and it’s free! The park has a nice bike/walking path and a very colorful basketball court!

Address: 115 Idlewild Ave, Easton, MD 21601

34. Ben’s Red Swings Community Playground

A nice community playground that is very close to the Salisbury Zoo (which is a free zoo to visit!). There are slides, swings, and loads of fun play structures and features. The playground is located near walking paths as well.

Address: 297 Beaver Dam Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804

35. Maryland’s Tire Playgrounds

I don’t know why we love tire playgrounds so much, but we do. Maybe it is because they just seem so… scrappy. (ha. pun intended).

All of these tire playgrounds are included in this entry because, as best I can tell, they are essentially the same playground in four different places. Well, the tire playground at Patapsco Valley State Park Hilton Area is different… but it’s still a tire playground, with a ridiculously fast slide.

Kids can climb on the spine of a fire breathing dragon and then pull its tongue out. Or, maybe pretend they are swashbuckling pirates and sail the open seas on board the huge pirate ship made out of tires. There are tire swings, tire spider web bouncy play features, tires towers, and tires, tires everywhere!

Seneca Creek State Park Tire Playground

Seneca Creek State Park is home to one of four recycled tire playgrounds in Maryland. Honestly, the park is worth visiting for this playground alone. Kids will love climbing on the tire dragon or traversing some of the tire balance beams. The playground also has numerous tire swings, including a huge, multi-person tire swing.

At Christmas, Seneca Creek State Park shines once again with its Winter Lights Festival. This drive through lights festival is one of the best in the region, with 450 lights displays over a 3 1/2 mile drive. Definitely plan a visit during the holidays!

Address: 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Tuckahoe State Park

This great state park is so much fun for both day trips and weekend trips! There are multiple areas to explore. The VisitorCenter has a great aviary, supplies for the disc golf course, and trailheads for over 20 miles of fun trails!

The tire playground is sprawling with so many ways to climb and swing. And it’s located right on the water so the view is spectacular!

Address: 13069-13105 Crouse Mill Rd, Ridgely, MD 21660

Calvert Cliffs State Park Tire Playground

The tire playground at Calvert Cliffs State Park is ginormous. Even if you don’t want to hike to the beach, it’s worth the admission fee to let your kids burn energy on this playground!

There are tire swings, tire spider web bouncy play features, tires towers, and tires, tires everywhere!

Address: Calvert Cliffs State Park, HG Truman Rd. and, Lusby, MD 20657

Patapsco Valley State Park Hilton Area

This fantastic area of Patapsco Valley State Park is known for it’s super fun tire playground! Here are some of the features:

Tons of recyled tires to climb on, in, and through. Some of them are made into forts and other play structures. Or you could just see how fast you can run across the tires like my daughter did.
There is also a newer play structure that isn’t made out of recycled tires but does have climbing features, slides, etc…
There are tons of picnic tables, benches, and pavilions in the vicinity.
The playground is well shaded and connects to hiking paths.
There is a small nature center that is open seasonally.

Address: 1101 Hilton Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228