We are lucky to live in an area with so many great parks and playgrounds! One of my favorite things to do when I was a new mom venturing out with my toddler for the first time was to explore a new playground every week. The change of scenery was nice, and we learned which parks had the best slides, or walking trails, or water features. I wanted to share with you my list of the five best playgrounds we love going back to again and again!
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1. Sarah Benson Park
Why We Love It
There are so many great things to love about this park. The main playground area features lots swings, a climbing wall, balance beam, choo-choo train-inspired jungle gym, and springy ride-on animals. But the reason many parents flock to this playground is the sand pit filled with toy trucks! My son could spend hours here pushing trucks through the sand, digging holes, and even sprinkling sand on his head... and down his clothes. Yep, he likes to get messy.
Park Amenities
- Miles of jogging paths with workout equipment installed throughout
- Alexander Trail connects over the southern hill to Heritage Park (bike friendly)
- Playing fields
- Two Pavilions and a Stage
- Playground
- Mars Dog Sensory Garden
- Restrooms/Water Fountains
2. Fischer Park @ Port Royal
Why We Love It
Fischer Park is one of the newest parks in Spring Hill and has tons to offer parents and kids alike. The playground is entirely carpeted with astroturf making it super clean even after a good rain. Little kids may find this playground overwhelming, but if you've got a good climber, he or she will absolutely love the three-story tower attached to two huge tunnel slides at the top. Parents can sit in comfort under an umbrella-covered picnic table and safely watch their children playing nearby. In the summer, the splash pad opens up and is absolutely free to all visitors. Just show up and cool off!
Park Amenities
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3. Harvey Park
Why We Love It
Harvey Park is great if you want a mix of playground and nature. Next to the playground area, you'll find a creek and a little forest trail where your kids can run around, throw rocks into the water, and hunt for sticks and bugs. In fact, once my son makes his way over to the creek, it's hard to lure him back to the actual playground.
Park Amenities
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4. Pinkerton Park
Why We Love It
Pinkerton Park is in a great location whether you live in Franklin, Thompson's Station, Spring Hill or Brentwood. It's a great centralized meet-up place if you have friends who live in another part of Williamson County. Just outside of downtown Franklin, Pinkerton Park features two separate playground areas--one for smaller children, and the whimsical Tinkerbell Playground for ages 5 and over. You'll also find not one but two sand pits, a huge grassy area for frisbee, kites, or a picnic, and a pedestrian bridge that will lead you into historic downtown Franklin.
Park Amenities
- 34 Acres
- 2 Medium Pavilions-Middle Pavilion has both Electrical Outlets and Overhead Lights
- 1 Small Pavilion
- 1 Mile Walking Trail
- Tinkerbell Playground
- Children's Playground
- Grills
- Restrooms
5. Radnor Lake
Why We Love It
Radnor Lake is my only non-playground park on this list, but it's worth mentioning as great place to go for a hike or push a stroller around the paved loop encircling the beautiful lake. Just north of Franklin, in the Oak Hill neighborhood of Nashville, Radnor Lake is one of the more easily accessible and family-friendly hiking trails in the area. Your animal-loving kiddos will love visiting the Aviary Education Center located inside the park, which features live snakes, turtles, and birds of prey to view and learn about. See the site for open aviary times.
Park Amenities
- Bathrooms
- Paved walking trail
- Hiking
- Aviary Center
- Gift Shop
- Birdwatching
