Silver Spring is a fan favorite for raising families, with countless places that are safe for kids to run wild, while giving parents some time to relax. The playgrounds of Silver Spring provide this and more – packed with both unique play structures and shady picnic areas for parents to enjoy.
After scrolling through parent reviews from Yelp, Macaroni KID and Google, we’ve organized and selected five playgrounds in the Silver Spring area, perfect for kids and parents. Here are the top five playgrounds in Silver Spring you’ll want to pay a visit to next weekend:
Ellsworth Urban Park
Centrally located in Silver Spring, Ellsworth Urban Park has the traditional slides, climbing walls and grassy areas for kids to run around on that any great park has. What sets it apart from the rest is the neighboring dog park and game tables placed under the trees around the playground.
What kids love: The slides on the structure are tall and fast, and the grassy area is great for playing tag games, or for watching cute dogs play from beyond the dog park. There are also multiple play structures to try out.
What parents love: The many play structures at Ellsworth Urban Park appeal to kids of different age groups, keeping little ones away from the more rowdy play of older kids. There is plenty of shade to relax and watch your kids, as well as easy nearby parking according to many Google reviews.
Hours + Location: Open sunrise to sunset, 621 Ellsworth Drive
Meadowbrook Local Park
Meadowbrook Local Park sits on a very large lot of land, able to fit everything from sports courts and fields to a fun play structure. There are trails surrounding the grassy fields to explore and walk your pets along, and the expansive area is great for having small get-togethers without being bothered by other park-goers.
What kids love: The play structure has swings, three slides and a “mini-zipline” that a Yelp reviewer said her kids loved. Apart from the playground, the large recreation area is made for exploration and pick-up sports, so make sure to bring outdoor toys and games.
What parents love: There is plenty of free parking around the park, and outdoor picnic tables with grills to fix your kids a snack after they’re done playing. Meadbowbrook Local Park is perfect for an unforgettable kids birthday, with an activity room available for rent on the grounds.
Hours + Location: Open sunrise to sunset. Lighted courts close at 11 p.m., 7901 Meadowbrook Lane, Chevy Chase
Sligo-Dennis Local Park
The recently updated Sligo-Dennis Local Park is equipped with a new brightly-colored play structure with tons of different climbing areas and different play areas for every kid to enjoy. There are also tennis and basketball courts, and it lies next to Sligo Creek, where there are trails to stroll through just over the water.
What kids love: This park is made for kids who love to climb, equipped with a rock wall, climbing bars and chain structures to monkey around on. The nearby creek also has a magical stepping-stone pathway to walk back and forth on.
What parents love: Beyond the typical separations between older and younger play areas, Macaroni KID points out the “communication board” complete with images and word associations in English, Spanish, Braille and Sign Language so all kids can learn while they play. Like Meadowbrook Local Park, there is also an activity room for rent on the park grounds.
Hours + Location: Open sunrise to sunset. Lighted courts close at 11 p.m., 10200 Sligo Creek Parkway, Silver Spring
Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park
Exploring the area around Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park makes for a fun but serene afternoon with your kids. The park is complete with a multi-section play area including swings, two main play structures and an echo center, as well as a public art display on the surrounding field.
What kids love: The echo center is a unique addition to this park – a circular paved area close to the playground allows kids to scream their heart (and energy) out and listen to it echo through the park grounds.
What parents love: Google reviewers love the walking trails that traverse the park where visitors can admire the beautiful landscape. The Wheaton Farmers Market also happens here every Thursday until the end of November, where you can shop while the kids play close by.
Hours + Location: Open sunrise to sunset, 2001 Evans Parkway Silver Spring
Dewey Local Park
The play structures at Dewey Local Park will be a wonderland for your kids. The bright colors and different obstacle course-like fixtures are the highlights of this park, along with loads of other unique attractions that other parks don’t have — the in-line hockey rink and trike track are two examples.
What kids love: Your kids can spend hours cycling around the paved trike track, or play on the multiple different play structures. There is a play structure for every kid, with different levels to climb and run around on.
What parents love: If you feel comfortable letting your kids run around, there is a shaded workout area nearby, as well as a gated dog park to take your pets to. The park was also recently updated with murals from Juan Pineda, making for great photo opportunities.
Hours + Location: Open sunrise to sunset. Lighted courts close at 11 p.m., 11720 Dewey Road, Silver Spring
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