Looking to get the kids out of the house and let them play? In addition to our State of Florida Parks and the National Parks in Jacksonville, we are also lucky to have tons of great city parks. Most of these parks have some type of playground structure, but not all are created equally. We went out searching for the best playground in Jacksonville and put together a list of our favorites.
Boone Park Playground
There are lots of reasons to love Boone Park Playground. There is great playground equipment, but also tons of shade and lots of space for kids to run around. One caveat to Boone Park is that there’s no bathroom so you’ll have to walk over to the local shops if your little one needs to go.
Boone Park Playground Address: 3700 Park Street Jacksonville FL 32205
Clarke House Park Playground
Located in the Orange Park area of North Florida, newly renovated Clarke House Park has a magnificent playground with tons of activities to keep the kids busy. The park also has picnic tables, pavilions, bathrooms, and a sand volleyball court.
Clarke House Playground Address: 1039 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073
Deerwood Rotary Children’s Park
Although this playground is smaller, we wanted to include it because it’s a great playground for little kids. Toddlers to preschoolers will love to climb, slide and swing on this smaller and more intimate Jacksonville playground. Because of it’s great location, right of 295, and a short drive from the Town Center, it makes the perfect spot for a playdate. This park has plenty of parking, bathrooms, and water fountains.
Deerwood Rotary Children’s Park Playground Address: 7901 Baymeadows Road East, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Ed Austin Park Playground
The playground at Ed Austin Park might not be the biggest or newest in Jacksonville, but it has two great features we don’t find a lot of places. It is fully fenced and it has tons of shade. It does get pretty busy on the weekends and in the evenings when the ball fields are packed with little league games. But plan to visit one afternoon on your way home from school and you might just have it all to yourself. This park has ample parking and bathrooms are just a short walk away.
Ed Austin Park Playground Address: 11751 McCormick Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Hanna Park Playground
The small fee to enter Hanna Park is well worth the price of admission for the playground and kid friendly amenities it offers. Renovated a few years ago, the playground offers tons of interactive fun for kids of all ages and abilities. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to pack a bathing suit for the splash pad that’s located in the same area. There are tons of picnic tables that surround the play area, and bathrooms are located close nearby.
Hanna Park Playground Address: 500 Wonderwood Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32233
Huffman Park Playground
This adorable pirate themed playground is the perfect spot for a playdate or meet up with friends. There are lots of great play structures and a few covered picnic tables. Huffman Park also has fields and a bathroom.
Huffman Park Playground Address: 2775 Huffman Blvd. Jacksonville FL 32246
Sunshine Park Playground at South Beach Park
The crown jewel when it comes to parks in Jacksonville Beach, Sunshine Playground is worth the drive across town for some playtime. This brand new castle structure has so much room for kids of all ages and abilities to enjoy. In the summer make sure you bring a bathing suit so you can cool off in the splash pad.
Sunshine Park Playground Address: 2514 S Beach Pkwy, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Playgrounds Worth the Drive
While we love our Jacksonville parks and playgrounds, sometimes you want to explore a new area and make a fun day trip of it. These are our favorite playgrounds less than an hour from Jacksonville.
Ronnie Van Zant Park Playground
Located in Green Cove Springs, this playground is one of the most epic on North Florida. There are tons of great slides and brightly colored play structures that will keep kids busy for hours. Pack a lunch and plan to enjoy a picnic under the shaded trees. In the summer you can also visit Spring Park, located just a short 15 minute drive away and cool off in their splash pad.
Ronnie Van Zant Park Playground Address: 2760 Sandridge Rd, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Pirate Playground in Fernandina Beach
We love a day trip to the Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach area. There’s so much to do and a stop at the Pirate Playground is always on the list. Located just across the way from Fort Clinch State Park, this park offers so much more than just your traditional playground equipment. The Pirate Playground features interactive and imaginative equipment that kids will love.
Pirate Playground Address: 2500 Atlantic Avenue, Amelia Island, FL 32034
Project SWING Playground in St. Augustine
Project SWING is temporarily closed for upgrades, but is expected to reopen in fall 2022. No day trip to St. Augustine is complete without a pit stop at the Project SWING Playground. This massive playground sits right off St. George Street in the heart of the historic, downtown St. Augustine area. Close to shopping and plenty of restaurants, it’s a great way to let the kids burn off some energy.
Project SWING Playground Address: 25 W Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Do you have a Jacksonville playground that should be included in this list? Drop a comment and tell us where to find it!
Shannon is a former Special Education teacher, turned stay at home mom that doesn’t spend a lot of time staying at home. Mom to Cole & Kiley, she loves cheering on the Gators, early morning visits to the beach and traveling with her family. She blogs about her family travel adventures at The Beckham Project and hosts the podcast, Jacksonville Momcast, where she chats with Jacksonville moms about motherhood and more in the 904.
Thank you for a great article. Can you also recommend the best indoor playgrounds?
We’re working on a list!