The 20 Best Playgrounds in Howard County, Maryland

Looking for the best playgrounds in Howard County to keep your kids active, happy, and outside? Whether you’ve got toddlers just learning to climb or big kids who love zipping down giant slides, Howard County, Maryland is packed with amazing parks and play spaces.

From massive destination playgrounds like Blandair Regional Park to charming neighborhood favorites, this list highlights 20 can’t-miss spots where families can enjoy the great outdoors. Many of these playgrounds also offer inclusive features, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking trails. Really, a perfect for a full day of fun.

So grab the sunscreen and snacks—here’s where to find the most kid-approved playgrounds in Howard County!

Blandair Regional Park North Playground- Laura’s Place

Oh wow—this playground is next-level awesome! It’s huge, fully fenced with a double-gated entrance (hello, peace of mind!), and divided into distinct zones for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids.

• Main Playground (Ages 5–12): A giant space-themed play zone with epic slides and climbers. It’s the centerpiece of the whole area.
• Climbing & Music Area: Just downhill, you’ll find a colorful wave-like climbing structure, swings, musical features, and rope play.
• Dino Playground (Younger Kids): Think dinosaur bones, tunnels, and easy-access slides—perfect for preschoolers.
• Toddler Zone: Right next to the dino area, this space is ideal for babies and toddlers, with lots of sensory and interactive elements.

---

What makes this playground stand out? It’s truly inclusive—every section has features designed for kids of all abilities.

Bonus perks: clean restrooms, plenty of shade, picnic spots, and nearby activities like bocce ball and croquet.

Address: 5685 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21045

Blandair Regional Park West Area and Ninja Obstacle Course

The West Playground is pretty huge and very popular– especially since it is located next to ball fields. There are tons of slides, swings, play areas for both younger kids and older kids, and more.

The second area that is open and great for kids is the super cool Ninja Warrior style obstacle challenge course. You can actually time your kids (or yourself) to see how long it would take to go through the obstacles.

Address: 5750 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21045

Related: Prince George’s County has so many fantastic playgrounds. Check out the list!

Holiday Hills Park

This playground and park are really fantastic if you want to escape the crowds but still have a blast!

There is both a younger kid and older kid area. However, even the older kid area isn’t bad for younger kids. There are fun climbing structures and imaginative play features.

Not only that the park has a basketball and tennis court.

There are plenty of swings including baby swings.

Address: 10524 Vista Rd, Columbia, MD 21044

Huntington Park

This is a fantastic park and playground in Columbia that is tucked away in a neighborhood. It’s really another hidden treasure!

There is a large older kids play area and a smaller younger kids area. Each area has fantastic play features like slides, climbing apparatus, and imaginative play features like drums.

There are swings, but when we visited there weren’t baby swings.

Bring your scooter and balls because this park has walking paths and a huge field to run around in!

Note: This park has new updates!

Address: 9695 Clocktower Ln, Columbia, MD 21046

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream In Maryland

Meadowbrook Park- Long Gate Playground

When you think of massive playgrounds, the Long Gate Playground at Meadowbrook Park is hard to beat. There are two main playground areas, a playground for younger kids and this massive playground (which is also fully accessible). Between the two of them we counted 14 (!!!!) slides of varying sizes, speeds, etc… plus lots of places to climb, tunnels to crawl through, and balance features like stepping stones.

Much like Centennial Park, this playground can be overwhelming for young kids. It is nice that there is a smaller version of the playground, but I have to tell ya– your toddler will see this huge playground and they will absolutely want to check it out. There are plenty of toddler-safe features on the big playground too, but there are also quite a few harrowing drops. So, just keep an eagle eye out.

There is some shade but most of the playground is not very shaded… so bring sunscreen. There are also nice walking paths around the park.

Address: 5001 Meadowbrook Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Centennial Park South

Centennial Park is such a fantastic place to spend the day. There are actually a few playgrounds located throughout the park. However, the South Playground (located at the main entrance off Rt. 108) is really quite lovely.

It is sprawling, with lots of places for kids to climb, run, and slide. If you have smaller kids, especially kids under 2 years old, you may want to steer clear of this playground in favor of one of the other three playgrounds sprinkled throughout the park. This playground does tend to be VERY busy and incidentally, the other three playgrounds tend to be much more low key. But, the reason the South Playground is so busy is because it is so much fun!

Oh, and did I mention that the main feature of Centennial Park is actually not the playgrounds at all.. but the large lake you can walk around? Yep, the lake is gorgeous and there is a very nice walking/biking path. You can also rent paddle boats and canoes, or drop your fishing line in and try to catch a fishy.

Address: 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Related: Montgomery County is next to Howard County and has so many great playgrounds too!

Alpha Ridge Park

There are actually a few fun things to do with kids at this park!

There are two playgrounds that are both small but super fun. The playground for older kids has a big slide and a bunch of fun climbing elements. The second playground (they are not co-located) is for toddlers and preschoolers. It is so adorable and perfect for a low key play time. There are logs to climb through, tree stumps and mushrooms to walk on, and a few swings for babies and kids with disabilities.

But the playgrounds aren’t the only thing going on at this park! They have a very space-y Solar System Walk that includes fun signs for 4 planets, along with some guide posts on the ground. The entire Solar System walk is almost 1/2 mile and it’s very stroller friendly.

Address: 11685 Old Frederick Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104

High Ridge Park

This is a great community park in Laurel– it’s in Howard County but right on the line between Howard and Prince George’s County.

The playground is shaded and there are loads of fun play features that would appeal to a broad age range. There are basketball and tennis courts, as well as 1 mile of paved paths for biking, walking, or scootering.

Address: 10100 Superior Ave, Laurel, MD 20723

Savage Park And Patuxent Branch Trail

This is a great playground and park. The playground was recently renovated and now has play features for kids of all ages and abilities. There are also 2.8 miles of interconnecting trails, including links to Patuxent Branch Trail.

Address: 8400 Fair St, Savage, MD 20763

Bailey Park

Bailey Park is part of the new re-imaging of the Merriweather District and Columbia Waterfront. I really love this small playground, as well as some of the other features that will be a hit with your kids!

The playground is small but actually great for kids of all ages. There are music elements, a slide, and loads of climbing features.

Address: 10271 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD

Schooley Mill Park

Looking for a peaceful, fun-for-everyone kind of playground? Schooley Mill Park in Highland, MD is such a hidden gem—especially if your kids love farm animals and wide open spaces!

• Farm-Themed Playground: Adorable and engaging, with fun nods to barnyard life—think merry-go-rounds, flower-shaped musical instruments, and animal-themed play panels.
• Great for All Ages: There are separate areas for big kids and littles, but honestly? My son loved all the play zones.
• Cool & Unique Features: A fast-spinning merry-go-round, a super fun see-saw you don’t see everywhere, and tons of swings (with more on the way).
• Inclusive & Gated: The playground is gated (yay for safety!) and includes play elements that appeal to all abilities and energy levels.

Beyond the playground, there’s a ton to do here—perfect for a full day out:

• Paved trails for scooters and bikes
• Fields for every sport imaginable (soccer, softball, cricket, volleyball—you name it)
• Hiking, dog walking, and even equestrian rings!
• Seasonal restrooms available (port-a-potties in the off-season)

Address: 12975 Hall Shop Rd, Highland, MD 20777

Centennial North Playground

A great playground for older kids, younger kids, and kids with disabilities. This is a sensory friendly playground and it has slides.. but they aren’t too long. There are swings for all ages and abilities, and more. 

There is a skate park next to the playground, a sensory trail, and this playground plugs into the main Centennial Park trail system.

There is plenty of parking and public restrooms available.

Address: Centennial Park North, 9801 Old Annapolis Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Bacontown Park

This is a small community park but it has some really nice play features! Technically this is in Anne Arundel County, but it is so close to the Howard County part of Laurel, I stuck it in here. There are basketball and tennis courts, as well as a roller hockey court, and a walking path.

I didn’t see restrooms. There could be port-a-potties though. Either way, there are tons of businesses nearby so you could use a restroom there.

Address: 3601 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD 20724

North Laurel Community Center

If your kids like to run, climb, and maybe even try out some wheels, the playground at North Laurel Community Center is a great spot to check out!

• Playgrounds for All Ages: Separate areas for younger and older kids mean everyone gets a chance to burn off energy.
• Wide Open Fun: There’s tons of space to play, including nearby basketball and tennis courts, ball fields, and a huge pavilion for picnics.
• Skate Park Bonus: The on-site 12,000 square foot skate park is a major hit for older kids and teens—bring scooters or skateboards!

Heads-up: The playground itself has zero shade, so bring hats, sunscreen, and maybe plan for a shorter visit during the hottest part of the day.

Address: 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD 20723

Atholton Park

This is a fantastic neighborhood playground that is likely to be quiet during the week and a bit busier on weekends. The playground has a nice woodland theme with slides, climbing structures, and lots of fun features to inspire imagination.

There are no swings though.

Even so, this is a nice little park!

There are no restrooms.

Address: 6875 Greenleigh Dr, Columbia, MD 21046

Related: Check out the best playgrounds in Frederick County

Lake Elkhorn Playground

Lake Elkhorn in Columbia is an urban oasis. Literally. This lake and walking path is in the middle of the Columbia planned community. The lake is gorgeous and very peaceful. There is a 1.9 mile paved loop around the lake that is great for walking, biking, scootering, and yes… strollers. If you park on the Broken Land Parkway side, there is a physical fitness challenge course you can do as you walk around the Lake. If you park on the Cradlerock Way side there is a lovely small playground, as well as some nice benches.

There are also picnic facilities at the park and really, it’s just a lovely place to go with kids!

There are not public restrooms (as of this writing) but across the street from the playground there is a McDonalds, a gas station, and a Giant grocery store. So, you should be covered.

Address: Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045

Troy Hill Park

The Troy Hill Park in Elkridge is one of the newest parks in Howard County. It also has a super nice (and typically very uncrowded) playground.

We love this playground because normally there are only a few other kids playing.. and many times we are the only ones there!

The playground has tons of great play features for a relatively small playground. There are big slides, climbing structures, a zipline-type contraption, and plenty of swings, including baby swings.

There is a separate young kid area that is also full of fun play features. This playground is surrounded by a fence (bonus!) and there are benches for caregivers around the fence. Next to the playground is a nice pavilion and restroooms (with water fountain).

Address: 6500 Mansion Ln, Elkridge, MD 21075

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.

Public restrooms are a short walk from the playground.

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

Related: Plan a day trip to Patapsco Valley State Park with this kid friendly guide!

Western Regional Park

This playground in Western Howard County (Woodbine) isn’t a secret, but it’s far enough away from the major population centers of Columbia and Ellicott City that it’s not likely to be crowded (unless there are sporting tournaments).

This playground is pretty large and has great play options for both older and younger kids. There is a separate young kid playground next to the playground for older kids, but the older kid playground is not treacherous for younger kids either.

There are tons of slides, tons of swings, great climbing structures, and plenty of benches for caregivers. There are also shades for those sunny days.

There are public restrooms throughout the park.

Address: 14800 Carrs Mill Rd, Cooksville, MD 21723

Warfields Pond Park Playground

Warfields Pond Park is a neighborhood park in Glenwood. It is a quiet and peaceful place to venture to — we rarely see more than a handful of people when we go on a weekday. There’s a 0.6 mile paved trail and boardwalk that my boys usually ride their bikes on. During the warmer months you’ll almost always see turtles in the water at the covered pavilion. After going around the pond we usually hang out at the playground for a little bit.

There are also two tennis courts, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and accessible fishing pier here.

This playground was recently updated.. photos don’t capture the new playground.

Address: 14523 Macclintock Dr, Glenwood, MD 21738

From epic climbing structures to toddler-friendly play zones and everything in between, Howard County has no shortage of incredible playgrounds to explore. Whether you’re looking for your new go-to spot or planning a fun day out, these parks truly deliver. Have a favorite playground that didn’t make the list? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social. I’d love to hear about it!

And don’t forget to share this post with a fellow parent who’s always looking for the next great adventure.