1. Scenic Nature Spots
Riverfront Park (10 Cowan St.)
Located at the northern end of the Riverwalk, this 7-acre park has a nature-inspired playground with stumps and a net to climb on. In warmer months, bring a swimsuit (or change of clothes) and cool off in the seasonal spray-grounds.
Insider tip: Check Live Oak Bank Pavilion’s schedule ahead of time to catch a kid-friendly concert in the park!
Greenfield Park (1739 Burnett Blvd.)
Greenfield Park has two playgrounds designed for different age groups, plus a grassy area, pickleball courts and a skate park. Wander part of paved trail around Greenfield Lake to spot ducks, geese, turtles and maybe even alligators – just don’t get too close! When you need a break, stop by the public restrooms and water fountains.
Want to get out on the water? Grab tandem kayaks or a paddleboat from the on-site boathouse, run by Cape Fear River Watch.
Good to know: The boathouse is first-come, first-served and closed during bad weather.
Halyburton Park (4099 S. 17th St.)
Explore the playground and nature trails on this 60-acre preserve near Cameron Art Museum. Zoom down tall slides, and scale the climbing dome and rock wall. Check out this link for kid-friendly events at the Nature and Events Center, including the “Little Explorers” program, the “Walk & Learn” series and animal ambassador feedings.
Smith Creek Park (633 Shenandoah St.)
Start at the dragonfly seesaw and stepping stones, then walk the dock or 1-mile nature trail for a closer look at the lake. After playtime, try stand-up paddleboarding on the water – boards are available to rent ahead of time from Cape Fear Paddleboarding.
Ogden Park (615 Ogden Park Drive)
Bounce between the multi-age seesaws and slides, and loop along the 1-mile pondside trail for a quick stroll or picnic. Toss a football or soccer ball together on one of the athletic fields, or bring skateboards and helmets for closely supervised fun at Ogden Skatepark. Restrooms are conveniently located nearby.
2. Classic Playground Vibes
Arrowhead Park (720 Arnold Road)
Tag, you’re it! Run through the open grounds at Arrowhead Park before heading to the playground. Tackle the challenging rope climbing course (great for older kids), kick off a round of gaga ball or explore all the classic playground equipment. You’ll also find picnic shelter and public restrooms here.
Empie Park (3405 Park Ave.)
Set sail on a unique boat-shaped play structure, race down slides and swing as high as you can at Empie Park’s playground, surrounded by benches for easy supervision. This park is located across the street from Independence Mall, about a 10-minute drive from downtown.
Inland Greens Park & Par 3 Golf Course (5945 Inland Greens Drive)
Plan playtime and tee time in one place near Mayfaire Town Center. Set by a nine-hole golf course, this small playground has slides and a tunnel. Challenge everyone to a friendly game on the park’s bocce courts, or take a snack break at the picnic shelters.
Kings Grant Park (5027 Lord Byron Road)
At Kings Grant Park, horse around on a multi-age playground with slides, climbing equipment and swings. There’s also a shaded picnic area for family gatherings.
Parkwood Park (4827 Canetuck Road)
Swing on monkey bars, climb through a tunnel and zoom down slides at Parkwood Park. Bring a basketball to shoot hoops on the full or half court, then cool off under the large, shaded picnic shelters.
