Parks with Playgrounds
Alhambra Fireman & Legion Park
S Alhambra Rd
Alhambra, IL
Small town park with so much to offer! There is unique playground equipment as well as open space to play!
*Good amount of shade due to trees and pavilions
*There is a sidewalk and soft surfaces around the playground area so a stroller could be used. If you want to walk around the pond, the trail is mostly gravel and uneven so not really stroller friendly.
*Playground with swings and slides for all ages. There are teeter totters, imaginary play structures such as a fire truck and play tower, merry-go-round, and climbing structures. The soft surface is good for littles in case they fall.
*Gaga Ball play area
*Small skate park
*Walking trail around a pond. There are also tables and benches to be able to sit by the water.
*Two baseball fields with a place to practice hitting.
*Unique features: Chess bench and unique playground equipment
Belk Park
880 Belk Park Rd
Wood River, IL
Belk Park is right next to the 18-hole Belk Park Golf Course. There is a one mile paved walkway around a lake that is stroller and pet friendly. There are plenty of benches to sit near the water. Fishing is also allowed. There are shelters/pavilions that can provide a place to eat and stay out of the sun. Three playgrounds are present along with plenty of open space/woodland to explore.
Bethalto Arboretum and Central Park
E. Central St.
Bethalto, IL
The Bethalto Arboretum is 2.5 acres and a great spot to take little ones just learning to ride a tricycle or bicycle. The paths are wide, paved, flat, and full of shade. Most trees are labeled so you can learn while you walk. This is right across the street from Central Park.
Central Park has a playground with swings for all ages, climbing structures, a slide, and a merry-go-round. Trees around the playground provide a little bit of shade. Central Park has has a wonderful fenced in splash pad and concession stand. There are chairs, 4 areas with umbrellas that can provide shade in the splash pad area, and a covered patio area by the concession stand. Bathrooms are present. The Splash Pad opens May 28th and will be open daily from 10am-5pm through August 7th. From August 7th through August 28th, the park will only be open Saturdays and Sundays. There is no fee for admission. Private Parties are $50 for 2 hours only and can be reserved between the times 5:30-8:30pm. To make a reservation, click here to create an account.
There are also baseball fields, lighted basketball court, lighted tennis courts, and a skate park. Trees around the playground provide a little bit of shade.
Drost Park
#8 Schiber Court (library entrance)
Maryville, IL
This park is full of adventure with its large lake and beautiful garden! It is also very close to the Maryville library which provides curbside service and free wifi in the parking lot.
*Good amount of shade due to trees and pavilions
*Paved walking trails good for strollers
*Restrooms/ water fountain
*Pet friendly
*2 playgrounds: One playground/swing area geared for younger children and the other playground/swing area geared for older children. Both play areas are right next to each other so it is ideal for families with younger and older children.
*Beautiful lake with fish, turtles, ducks
*Area to play soccer
*Unique features: Large community garden with flowers/ vegetables and outdoor workout area
Emerick Sports Complex
6th St. and Park Lane
Wood River, IL
This park features a nice playground with different kinds of swings, slides, and a huge zipline. When we visited in mid September the zipline was unable to be used and was needing repair.There are softball fields, a baseball field, and soccer fields. There is a fishing lake but it is bit difficult to walk down to and you can’t park by it.
Fireman's Park
900 Montgomery St
Staunton, IL
Great park full of beautiful trees and areas to play.
*Plenty of Shade due to trees and pavilions
*You could use a stroller but there aren’t paved paths between play areas.
*Restrooms
*2 Main Playgrounds. 1) The purple and green playground area has a mix of old and new playground equipment. It is a larger playground better for older kids. There are also baby swings and climbing structures. 2) The multi-color playground area is in between the baseball fields. It also has a mix of new and old playground equipment. The new equipment is a good size for smaller kids. There are swings and climbing structures as well.
*Full Basketball court with lights
*3 Baseball Fields with net practice area
*Skate Park
*Home of the Art Fair and Balloon Glow
Glazebrook Park
1401 Stamper Ln
Godfrey, IL
140 acre park with 3 miles of walking trails, 2 ponds (one with water fountain), soccer fields, 2 playgrounds, and a beautiful gazebo. There are plenty of picnic tables under trees by the water fountain. Splash Pad was added in 2022.
*Plenty of shade due to trees, pavilions, and gazebo
*Paved walking trails good for strollers
*Restrooms
*Pet friendly
*2 playgrounds
*Beautiful ponds with fish and frogs (Fishing is not allowed)
*Soccer Fields, Baseball fields nearby
*Little Free Library
*Unique Features: Great Godfrey Corn Maze
Glik Park
12525 Sportsmans Rd
Highland, IL
Glik park has several places to explore! Sculptures, plants, and flowers are present along the walking trail and ponds. Shade from trees and pavilions provide wonderful spots to sit and enjoy nature. Fields for all major sports.
*Shade from trees, pavilions, and gazebos. Walking trail is mostly in direct sun though.
*Paved walking trail that is stroller friendly
*Restrooms
*2 Playgrounds
*4 Lighted Ball Fields, 8 Soccer Fields, Football field, Basketball Court, Skate Park. Park is also right next to Korte Center (A recreation center with an indoor pool and gym)
*Unique Feature: Labrynth (Quiet oasis where people can rest and rejuvenate)
Gordon F Moore Community Park
4550 College Ave
Alton, IL
This 704 acre park has so much to see! It’s a sports lovers paradise due to its numerous tennis courts, ball diamonds, soccer fields, and football fields. It even has a 27 hole golf course! It has beautiful scenery due to its oriental garden, nature trail, and rose garden.
*Good amount of shade due to trees and pavilions.
*Because it is such a large park, you will need a stroller for little ones or have to drive to each attraction.
*Restrooms
*Several playgrounds for all ages including a newer all inclusive playground
*Lake for fishing
*Tennis Courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields, and a 27 hole golf course.
*Unique features: Rose garden, bell tower, and oriental garden
Hamel Community Park
W State St
Hamel, IL
Close to the heart of Hamel, this park has several fun things for kids to do.
*Shade from pavilion
*You can use a stroller since the main playground area has padding in spots but it also does have some mulch.
*Restroom close by
*Several different types of play equipment for all ages! Several slides, things to climb, teeter totter, and swings for little ones, older children, and for children in wheelchairs.
*Tennis court and basketball court
*Little Free Library
Homer Adams Park
6810 Godfrey Road
Godfrey, IL
Beautiful park close to I-255! There is a unique playground as well as a beautiful garden!
*Plenty of Shade from Trees
*Stroller can be used but would be difficult to maneuver around certain areas of the park like the garden
*Multiple unique areas to climb on playground, slides, swings for all ages, and merry-go- round
*Large garden maintained by University of Illinois Master Gardeners
Joe Glik Park
710 E Lake Dr
Edwardsville, IL
This park is close to the Dunlap Lake subdivision in Edwardsville. It is a great place to stop and feed the fish and play on the playground equipment
*Some shade due to trees and pavilions but not near as much as other parks in the area.
*Paved walking trail (stroller friendly)
*Restrooms
*Pet friendly/Dog Park
*2 Playgrounds: One small playground and one swing geared for small children. The other playground has long slides and climbing wall great for older kids. Both playgrounds are next to each other which is perfect for families with younger and older kids.
*Pond with fish. Sometimes you will spot a turtle or snake
*Basketball court, sand volleyball courts
*Unique features: Freedom fountain
Kutter Park
255 Franklin Ave
Cottage Hills, IL
This park has several neat features to check out and it is close to Interstate 255 between Bethalto/Wood River.
*Good amount of shade from trees/pavilions
*Paved roads but several hills that may be a challenge for strollers. It would be doable though.
*Bathrooms present
*Pet friendly (Must be on leash)
*It has three different playground areas – one of which is similar to a fort. Several hills and creeks to check out.
*18 basket disc golf course.
*Even though the sports field/courts are a bit aged, there is plenty of life left in them. There is a tennis court, basketball court, and baseball field.
*Unique features: Perfect sledding hills and fort play area
Leclaire Park
900 Hale Ave.
Edwardsville, IL
This park is not far from the core of town and is located in the historic Leclaire neighborhood. It may be smaller than some of the other parks but it is still a well used space. It is common to find someone fishing or sitting in the shade for a picnic.
*Plenty of shade due to trees and pavilion
*Restrooms
*Pet friendly
*3 playground areas: One of them is especially good for small children. A few different kinds of swings are also present.
*Pond with fish, turtles, ducks
*Little Free Library
*Unique features: Historic bandstand gazebo and lighted fountain
Leon Corlew Park and Splash Pad
337 S Main St.
Edwardsville, IL
This park is very popular because of its wonderful splash pad. One end of the splash pad is perfect for little ones. The opposite end has a great set up for older kids due to its big water bucket drop. There are only 4 benches with shade surrounding the splash pad. There is one pavilion right by the splash pad area. A temporary fence is around the splash pad area. There are cubby areas to place belongings in. Bathrooms and a Concession Stand are also on site.
The Splash Pad usually fully opens Memorial Day Weekend (May 27th). Typical Daily Hours: 9am to Dusk. Concession is usually open 11am-7pm. No cost for admission.
The playground area has one large play area with multiple slides, one small area for little kids, and swings. Be cautious because sometimes wet children from the splash pad play on the play equipment which makes the slides extra slick. There are a few spots to sit close to playgrounds. Pavilions are not too far away. An outdoor gym area is also behind the playground.
Marine Heritage Park
Mill Street
Marine, IL
Peaceful park with a large lake, plenty of shade from trees, a small playground with swings (one toddler swing), and a paved walking path around the lake. Bathrooms present. Lake has bluegill/redear sunfish, channel catfish, and large mouth bass.
Marine Village Park
N. Duncan
Marine, IL
Really nice park that is not far from the core of town. You can’s miss it since it has an army tank in the front of it.
*Plenty of shade due to trees and pavilions
*Restrooms
*Newer playground with tall slides
*Basketball Hoops
*Unique features: Army Tank by memorial and Gazebo
Miner Park
194 S. Main St.
Glen Carbon, IL
This hill filled park has many features to explore! A new playground was recently installed. It has several slides and areas to climb. There are two small playgrounds. One is right next to the new playground. The other is in between the two baseball fields. The library nearby has also installed signs along the walking path to house pages of a book so little ones can read as they walk.
*Some shade provided by pavilions and trees
*Stroller friendly walking path right next to main walking/biking trail
*Restrooms
*Pet friendly/home of dog park
*2 Baseball fields
*Little Free Library
*Unique features: Red caboose when you enter the park (It is currently closed but you can look at it from the outside)
O'Fallon Family Sports Park with Splash Pad
301 Obernuefemann Rd
O'Fallon, IL
Large Sports Park with 8 ball diamonds, soccer fields, pond for fishing, playground, and unique splash pad with 2 playgrounds.
Details about the Free Splash Pad: There are two manmade creek areas that kids can hop stone to stone and play in the trickling water. In between those creeks, there is a traditional splash pad with several different types of spraying apparatuses and 3 small buckets that dump water. Also, children can go back and forth from water play areas to two playground structures. One play area is designed for younger children and includes a slide and climbing structures. The other play are for older children includes a teeter-totter, spinning equipment, and several climbing structures.
Shade is provided by a large pavilion and trees. There are benches surrounding the play areas. Landscaping is beautiful, but it also makes it more challenging to watch multiple children at one time. The splash pad is not fenced in and is close to the parking lot. Restrooms are present.
The Splash Pad will open for the season in May. Hours (Through Labor Day): Daily 10:30am – 7:30pm. Tot time hours are Tuesdays 8:30-10:30am for children ages 5 and under only (no older siblings). Not pets allowed.
Pleasant Ridge Park
1345 Pleasant Ridge Rd
Maryville, IL
Lovely Park right next to I-270! It has a large playground in great condition. There is an area for little ones and older children. There are plenty of swings. A large pavilion is next to the playground along with an area to place a bags or horseshoe set. Small path to ride a bike and plenty of parking. There is also a little free library located here.
Ray M. Schon Park
N. Main Street (across from Village Hall)
Glen Carbon, IL
A wonderful park with brand new playground equipment and a pond full of wildlife. As of October 29th 2021, fishing is now permitted. In the future, ball fields, racket play courts, and possibly a concession stand are supposed to be added.
*Very little shade provided by trees so best to visit park on a cloudy day. A pavilion is present.
*Stroller friendly paths. Park is next to walking/bike trail
*Restrooms
*Pet friendly
*New playground present. Playground is great for older kids although there is a toddler swing present.
*Pond with turtles and fish. One or Two Bright Orange Fish. Geese present, too.
Rinderer Park
13214 Trestle Rd
Highland, IL
This newer park has a playground for all ages and abilities to enjoy! There are two zip-lines (one has a chair/strap apparatus for children that would need the support to use the zipline). Several different types of swings are present. Large playground equipment has music features, climbing structures, slides, and pretend play structures like the boat. The park also has a walking path, dog park, and veteran memorial.
*Not as much shade on walking trail except for a few trees and pavilions.
*Walking trail is stroller friendly
*Restrooms/Port-a-potties
*Dog park with obstacles
Rotary Park
Hadley Avenue
Edwardsville, IL
A small park close to Leclaire Park. It has a playground good for little children (1-2 year olds). There are benches and an open space to have a picnic.
Roxana Community Park
2 Park Dr
Roxana,IL
Great park in between Roxana schools! It has fun playgrounds for all ages and plenty to explore!
*Plenty of Shade due to trees
*Paved walking trail (stroller friendly)
*Port-a-potty
*Pet friendly
*3 Playgrounds: Tot Lot playground for little children, like new blue and green playground for older children, and a red and blue playground for all ages. There are different kinds of swings at each playground area.
*Community Pool
*Disc Golf Course
*Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, and Soccer Areas.
*Unique features: Story Walk on paved trail and neat playgrounds for all ages.
Spindler Park
1221 Spindler Park Road
Highland, IL
Small and serene park close to fountain/square (Broadway Street) in Highland.
*Shade from beautiful trees and pavilion by the playground.
*Walking path around the park is paved and stroller friendly
*Pet friendly
*1 playground
*Little Free Library
*Tennis courts with lights, small ballfield, and plenty of open space to play in.
Steve Bryant Community Park
4300 Culp Ln
Bethalto, IL
This park has a lovely one mile paved walking trail/bike path, fishing lake, and playground. Throughout the walking trail there are exercise machines with workout suggestions for each type of equipment.
*Not much shade directly on the path but some trees present. There is more shade by the playground area due to trees and pavilion.
*Walking trail is stroller friendly
*Pet friendly
*1 playground with swings
Unique features: Exercise equipment on the walking path.
St. Jacob Township Park
239 W Main St.
Saint Jacob, IL
Beautiful park with a 1 mile paved walking path, ball fields, pavilions, and multiple new playground areas.
*Good amount of shade from trees
*Walking trail is stroller friendly
*Pet friendly
*2 main playgrounds: 1 fenced in playground is for smaller children and 1 larger playground for older kids. Different kinds of swings available.
*Baseball fields
*New basketball court and Gaga Pit
Unique features: Lion shaped water fountain
The Nature Institute
2213 S. Levis Lane
Godfrey, IL
The Nature Institute in Godfrey is a non-profit land conservation and environmental education organization. It has several beautiful trails to explore. Trails are open 8am to 8pm Tuesday-Sunday during April 1st thru December 1st. Four different trails varying in level of difficulty (beginner-difficult) are open. Rock trail leads to beautiful creek areas. Beaver Trail has an amazing waterfall.
*Plenty of shade from trees
*Rubber tire stroller could be used on Frog and Fox trails. Stroller can NOT be used on rock trail, deer trail, or beaver trail.
*Nature Inspired Playground is present but not very close to actual trails.
*Restrooms close at 4pm weekdays/closed on weekends.
*Not Pet Friendly – no pets allowed
Township Park (Airplane Park)
6368 Center Grove Road
Edwardsville, IL
Township Park stands out as a great place for kids to explore. There is a real airplane displayed at the front of the park so its easy to find. It is home to two large playgrounds – one geared for younger kids and one for older ones. There is also a small playground by the tennis courts. Behind the bathroom building/playground for the younger kids, there is the Township Park Walking Path.
*Plenty of shade from pavilions and trees
*Stroller can be used to move around the park. Park is next to biking trails.
*Restroom
*NOT pet friendly (animals of any kind are not allowed)
*Playgrounds with many swings (including wheelchair swing)
*Tennis Courts, Soccer Fields, Gaga Ball area
*Little Free Library
*Unique Features: Large airplane display, skate rink
Tri-Township Park
410 Wickliffe St.
Troy, IL
This park has SO much to offer for the whole family! It’s the perfect place to sit and enjoy nature, fish, play on multiple playgrounds, see a variety of animals, take a walk, and enjoy a hobby/sport.
*Plenty of Shade due to trees and pavilions
*Mostly paved walking trails (stroller friendly)
*Restrooms
*Pet friendly
*4 playgrounds to explore with swings (one playground is geared for small children). All four playgrounds are apart from each other but can easily be walked to.
*Beautiful lake with fish, ducks, swans, and turtles
*Park zoo with goats, donkeys, ducks, and emu
*Tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball, baseball fields, soccer fields, Gaga Ball area
*Little Free Library
*Unique features: skatepark, frisbee golf, and remote control car park
Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve
631 Willoughby Lane
Collinsville, IL
The City of Collinsville has turned this 30 acres of farm land into a BEAUTIFUL park inspired by 1940’s farm life. There are barns filled with old farming equipment, a huge garden maintained by master gardeners, and an outdoor area called “Kid Zone” filled with swings and things to climb. Plus, you will see live animals such as goats, mini horses, cows, pigs, rabbits, and chickens! In addition, there are four hiking trails! You can easily spend several hours here touring the property.
*Good amount of shade from trees and pavilions
*Sturdy rubber wheeled strollers are best to use over the majority of the property. The trails are NOT stroller friendly.
*Restrooms
*Kid Zone area with many kinds of swings, sand pile, bridges, and activities to discover
*Goats, mini horses, cows, pigs, rabbits, and chickens are cared for here
*Four trails varying in length and difficulty. (Don’t forget the trails are NOT stroller friendly)
*Unique features: 1940’s farmhouse inspired home on the property can be toured.
Wilson Park
2900 Benton St
Granite City, IL
Tree filled park next to several schools in Granite City. There is also an activity center and pool area near by.
*Good amount of shade due to pavilions and trees
*Paved walking trail around the park. Stroller friendly.
*Restrooms
*Pet friendly
*A few small playgrounds with swings geared for younger children.
*Tennis Courts, baseball fields, skate park
Unique features: Fountain, very tall trees, tree art (see picture above)
Woodland Park
Pine Lake Rd
Collinsville, IL
This large park is FULL of hills and fun! It has 3 playgrounds, a lake with wildlife, and a disc golf course. There are plenty places to sit either on benches or in pavilions.
*Good amount of shade from trees and pavilions
*Stroller can be used from parking lot to playgrounds but because of hills around lake it would be difficult to explore further with a stroller.
*Restrooms
*3 playgrounds with swings
*Ducks and Geese
*Softball/baseball fields, 18 basket disc golf
* Little Free Library
*Unique features: Many hills and neat bridges
Wood River Soccer and Skate Park
2551 Rock Hill Rd
Wood River, IL
43 acres that include two lighted soccer fields, on unlighted soccer field, playground with swings, large skate park, and a pavilion. There is also a paved walking trail that goes around the entire area.
Worden Community Park
419 East Kellens Street
Worden, IL
The 25 acre park features two ball diamonds, soccer field, walking trail, one large playground for older children, one small playground for little kids, basketball area, picnic pavilions, and horseshoes court. There is also a free little library.
Last Updated: 4/14/2023