There are so many great playgrounds in the Delaware Valley! We picked out some of the best ones with unique attractions and interesting histories.
Outdoor Playgrounds
Pennsylvania
Kids Castle | Doylestown
A community effort largely built and renovated through fundraising and sponsorships, Kids Castle offers kids the chance to be king (or queen) for a day in a colorful castle setting. The playground reopened in 2022, adding inclusive play areas that are more accessible to children with disabilities.
Sister Cities Park | Philadelphia
While it doesn’t have a traditional playground, Sister Cities Park is home to the Children’s Discovery Garden, which encourages kids to use nature as their playground. There’s a small “mountain” that kids can climb, a pond to wade and play in and plenty of walking trails to explore.
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse | Philadelphia
One of the oldest and most beloved playgrounds in Philadelphia, the Smith Memorial Playground has both indoor and outdoor elements. It’s best-known for the Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, an over-100-year-old slide spanning over a century of history.
Delaware
Big Oak Country Park | Smyrna
Often known as the “Spaceship Park” due to its large spaceship slide, Big Oak County Park’s playground is space-themed due to the park’s partnership with the Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation (DASEF).
Can-Do Playground | Middletown, Milford and Wilmington
The first set of Boundless playgrounds in Delaware, built with accessibility in mind so children of all abilities can enjoy its attractions. Notably for parents, it’s fenced-in on three sides, so children won’t be able to run off and get lost.
Ninja Fit Alapocas Course | Wilmington
This relatively new playground was designed by Ninja coaches and “American Ninja Warrior” contestants, giving it a unique focus on parkour. It’s meant to be more active than a typical playground, and aimed at teenagers and adults. It’s also right next to the Can-Do Park in Wilmington.
New Jersey
Imagination Kingdom | Pemberton
A park with a castle theme, featuring an obstacle course and a multi-seat sway rider. It’s a very large space that is popular among local families.
Jake’s Place | Cherry Hill and Delran
Jake’s Place is meant to be an inclusive and accessible environment for children and adults with disabilities. Its two New Jersey locations include installations such as wheelchair-accessible gliders, sensory activities and a wall that teaches children simple phrases in braille.
Laurel Acres Park | Mount Laurel
This park has three different playgrounds, with two designed for older kids and one for younger kids. One of their most unique attractions is the “swing carousel,” which consists of three swings that can spin around in a circle.
Indoor Playgrounds
Pennsylvania
Candyland Adventure | Springfield
Ages: 2-12
A large indoor playground with a pastel, candy-themed aesthetic, a large ball pit and mock storefronts where kids can play pretend.
Kids at Play | Philadelphia
Ages: 0-12
A disability-accessible play space with unique activities like safe archery, an indoor zipline and an EyePlay Interactive Floor. Also offers therapy services
We Rock the Spectrum Northeast Philadelphia | Philadelphia
Ages: All
Indoor playgrounds designed with neurodivergent children in mind, though all children are welcome. We Rock the Spectrum includes attractions that are meant to be sensory-friendly and fun without being overstimulating. Also has locations in New Jersey.
Delaware
Fun City Adventure Park | Bear
Ages: All
Want to get the whole family involved? Fun City Adventure Park has attractions for all ages, including a trampoline park, ninja course and rock-climbing wall. Of course, there’s also a dedicated indoor playground.
Kids Empire Bear | Bear
Ages: 0-17
This indoor playground has a fun surprise parade every day! It also has climbable structures, obstacle courses, a soccer arena and rideable vehicles.
Natural Nest Play Cafe | Newark and Middletown
Ages: 0-6
A calmer, more lowkey playground designed to serve as a space where kids can play while parents work or relax.
New Jersey
Peekaboo Playground | Medford and Bayville
Ages: 0-6 years
An indoor playground chain started by a speech-language pathologist and aimed at young children. Also has a Hockessin, De. location.
Star Park Indoor Playground | Cherry Hill
Ages: 1-12
This indoor playground is housed in the Cherry Hill Mall, so it’s a great place for kids to play after shopping. There are also Star Park locations in Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley.
Wild Child Play Co. | Cherry Hill
Ages: 6 months-6 years
Despite its name, Wild Child has a calmer vibe and a more pastel aesthetic than other indoor playgrounds. There are mock storefronts and playhouses for kids who enjoy playing pretend, and a soft play area for young children.
