We are lucky in the Portland area to have so many great playgrounds and parks to explore. From swings to slides, to climbing walls and water features, parks and playgrounds in the Portland area keep my kids active, are a great place to meet old friends (and make new friends!), and they're FREE!
I often get asked what our favorite playgrounds are, so I thought I'd share here with you my family's picks for our top five playgrounds and parks to visit around Portland.
Deering Oaks Park
Deering Ave. & Park Ave, Portland
What we love about Deering Oaks:
The playground at Deering Oaks Park in Portland is the biggest to make our list. We love that the playground has features for kids of all ages. A few highlights include a triple zipline, Pyramid Rope Climber, and a 25 ft. slide built right into the hill leading down to the playground. In the summer months you can cool off in the Ravine Wading Pool closer to the center of the park.
Amenities at Deering Oaks:
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Payson Park
Baxter Blvd
Portland
What we love about Payson Park:
Overlooking beautiful Back Cove, Payson Park in Portland has a lot to offer, including a fenced in playground perfect for the younger crowd, a splashpad in the summer months, and a story walk. In the winter months, it transforms into a winter recreation paradise with a skating pond, sledding hills and a ski and snowboard terrain park.
Amenities at Payson Park:
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Eastern Promenade
197-229 Eastern Promenade
Portland
What we love about the Eastern Promenade:
Home to East End Beach, the Eastern Promenade in Portland boasts sweeping views of beautiful Casco Bay. Work up an appetite at the playground before picking up lunch from a nearby food truck. Then head down to the East End Beach for a picnic. Don't forget your kite, there's plenty of open space and a perfect sea breeze for that.
Amenities at Eastern Promenade:
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Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Road
Cape Elizabeth
What we love about Fort Williams Park:
Amenities at Fort Williams Park:
There's more to Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth than Portland Headlight (though the most photographed lighthouse in the world is nothing to sneeze at!) We love the Children's Garden that comes alive with native wildflowers in the summer months, and features a gopher tunnel, tree lookout fort, and stone slide. There's even a playground tucked away in the park, historical forts and mansion, a rocky beach, and a cliffside loop trail. Don't worry if you forget to pack a lunch, there are several food vendors at the park.
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Veteran's Memorial Park
4 Heath St
Old Orchard Beach
What we love about Veteran's Memorial Park:
Walking distance from the hustle and bustle of Old Orchard Beach is Veteran's Memorial Park. The playground has an area for younger children, a climbing/obstacle course structure suitable for older children, and a wheelchair accessible rocking boat that sways back and forth. The park is beautifully maintained, and there are basketball courts, benches, a gazebo, and even a little lending library.
Amenities at Veteran's Memorial Park:
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We hope this list of top five playgrounds and parks around Portland helps you find -- or rediscover! -- some fun places for your family to explore. Now get those kids out to play!
