The Inside Scoop

What little kid does not enjoy a great playground? Huntsville has some of the most spectacular playgrounds, much different from the ones I grew up playing on. Gone are those old metal merry-go-rounds, now replaced with wooden palaces, tree forts and state-of-the-art swing sets. If you haven’t checked these out, the first few on my list are a must. The only warning I have is to pack a lunch because your young kiddos are going to want to spend the entire morning there.

#1 Brahan Spring Park

It only takes a few minutes here to realize that Brahan Spring Park is top notch. The city has done a terrific job building a class "A" kid's facility. The water play area is super fun for your little ones. So pack a big lunch, because they’ll work up an appetite playing all day at this park. The playground area does not quite match up to the Dublin’s Park or John Hunt Park but it is still nice. It has a great fishing pond and a gravel walking path. The park also has a ball park and large aqua center.

Website: Brahan Spring Park

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Top Kid Playgrounds In Huntsville

#2 Dublin Park (Kids Kingdom):

When we lived in the Madison area, just about every weekend we visited Dublin Park. Our four kids loved this place. The city must have employeed several good professional carpenters to build this playground haven. The entire playground is a huge play fortress surrounded by a bunch of old grandfather oaks which provide shade for the both the parents and the kids. Not sure if they still have it, but we would always spin our kids on the large tire swing. Round and round it went with my oldest shouting “super boy” at the top of his lungs. Funny all the memories you can make at your local playground.

The park also has a nice soccer field, an aqua center with a large lap pool and an indoor basketball court. There is also a small pond with ducks and Bluegill if you have some leftover bread to feed them.

Website: Dublin Park

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#3 Kids' Space (John Hunt Park):

John Hunt (kids’ Space) is another wonderful park we would bring our kids to. It is similar to Dublin Park, which has a nice wooden fortress and nice play area. The playground is surrounded with majestic maple trees, which make a great place to take picture of your little ones during the fall colors. I especially love the rubber floors that have been strategically placed on the ground. It makes the ground so much softer when your little ones fall down.

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#4 Monte Sano State Park:

This is an older style playground. Definitely not as modern as the ones listed above but the kids will have a blast here. The park cost $5 to enter so if you frequently want to come here, it is best to get an annual family membership. Picnic tables are scattered all throughout the park with several restroom facilities to take the kiddos. After spending some time at the playground, don’t forget to check out the beautiful bluff view and if the kids are old enough, Mount Sano has some really nice hiking trails.

Website: Monte Sano State Park

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#5 Hays Nature Preserve

Another favorite playground for the kiddos. This is not your traditional playground but rather a primitive mock up to blend in with nature. My kids loved playing here and their short easy hikes throughout the park are fun and educational. The Flint River which runs through the preserve is beautiful year round and really makes this park fun to visit.

Website: Hays Nature Preserve

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#6 Optimist Park:

This is more of your traditional playground. When it comes to playgrounds I don’t think kids are too picky. Little kids just love playing here. The park does have an indoor facility with a basketball court and volley ball net.

Website: Optimist Park

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#7 Sharon Johnston Park:

Not only does Sharon Johnstone Park have a nice playground but they also have a great picnic area, pavilion, camping area, swimming pool and a twelve acre fishing lake. Fishing cost $2 a day and has a fishing limit of 10 fish.

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#8 Oak Park Playground:

This is another traditional playground. It has a nice pavilion which is great for a picnic. They even have a few barbeque grills for personal use. Also located here is a baseball field.

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#9 Fern Bell Park:

Fern Bell Park is more known for their outdoor sport fields but they are a nice little playground area for the little kids.

Website: Fern Bell Park

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#10 Phillips Park:

Phillips Park has a nice little playground area for the little kiddos. It has a nice ball field for baseball fans.

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#11 Maple Hill Park:

Located in the historic area of Huntsville, this little playground is stuck away near the cemetery. No worries, all the ghost and zombies have been chased away.

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Any question or need further information? Send me a note.