The Greatest Playgrounds on Earth
Here at Adventure Nannies, we specialize in hunting down the best playgrounds wherever we go. Here is our list so far- let us know what your favorites are!
Pod Playground
Designed by an Australian landscape architect, this visually stunning park features towering shapes like giant wooden acorns, fruit trees, nests and webs, the Pod Playground is a far cry from the conventional plastic playgrounds dotting American cities. Located at Canberra’s National Arboretum—a space home to nearly 100 forests and rare and endangered species from around the world. This enchanting park is crafted entirely from local wood, and both its organic shapes and use of eco-friendly materials beautifully pay homage to the surrounding environment. Its as fun to look at as it is to play on!
Canberra National Arboretum Australia
Berkeley Adventure Playground
Let the kids run wild! We are not alone in our love for this built-and-designed by kids park in Berkeley! National Georgaphic has listed this 30+ year old playground as one of the top 10 in the world. Designed for children 7 and over, check out their list of activities and rules before you plan a visit!
160 University Avenue in Berleley, CA
Princess Diana Memorial Playground
A huge wooden pirate ship is the amazing centerpiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground. This children’s wonderland opened on the 30th June 2000, in memory of the late Princess. Located next to her Kensington Palace home, the playground is a fitting tribute for a Princess who loved the innocence of childhood.
Hyde Park – London – W2 2UH
City Museum St. Louis
While technically a museum, this 4 story industrial playground is by far one of the most amazing playgrounds we have ever seen. The museum bills itself as an “eclectic mixture of children’s playground, fun-house, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel.” Visitors are encouraged to touch, climb on, and play in the various exhibits. This is a must-see!
750 N. 16th St. St. Louis , MO
Gibson Park – Kate’s Place (A Park For Everyone)
This fully accessible playground has something for of all ages and abilities. Built entirely from fundraising and donations, this park is huge and includes an outdoor gym and zipline!
Elmira, Ontario
Hyland Play Area (Chultes and Ladders Park)
Nicknamed “chutes and ladders” because of its intricate maze of climbing structures and slides, this Minnesota playground is one of the most epic parks we’ve ever seen. The only downside is it can be hard to keep track of the little ones! There are picnic tables for guardians, but you’ll find us running through the park with the kiddos.
Bloomington, MN
Clemyjontri Park – Fairfax County, VA
Founded in 2006, Clemyjontri Park is Virginia’s first park where all children – including those with disabilities – can have an enjoyable and parallel playground experience. The unique layout and educational aspects of the playground were designed to blur the line between physically able and physically challenged children, thus giving the latter the ability to succeed. With a carousel strategically placed as the central axis, the playground is broken up into four “rooms” – the Rainbow, the Schoolhouse, Movin’ and Groovin’ and Fitness & Fun.
6317 Georgetown Pike McLean, Virginia
Boo Rochman Memorial Park (Dungeons and Dragons Park)
Barrett Rochman built this park in memory of his son Jeremy (Boo) after he died in a car accident at age 19. The Rochman’s used his favorite game Dungeons and Dragons as inspiration for the park, and it has continued to be a favorite playground for most who visit since it opened in 2005.
31 Homewood Drive in Carbondale, IL
Knights Realm Playground
Climb the maiden’s tower, scale the revetment wall, joust along an aerial runway, cross the perilous bridge between the New Castle and Gloriette and explore the secret tunnels of this scale-model castle. Slides, bash bags and rope walkways add to the fun. Kids can explore the spiral climbing staircase, fireman’s poles, giant tumble steps and ladders. Everyone will love crawling through tunnels which feature a see-through floor! Kids 6 and younger can play at the nearby Squires Playground!
Leeds Castle England
Spring Canyon Community Park
As a Fort Collins native, I’m a little biased when it comes to this town. However, having traveled extensively I can’t help but realize that this is one of the coolest playgrounds on earth. Featuring rock climbing walls (in the shape of a sleeping giant!) a splash pad, endless options for all ages, and surrounded by open space, this place is hard to top. Located at the foot of the mountains, its the perfect place to start or end a day with the kids.
Fort Collins, CO