Whether you live in Huntsville, the surrounding area, or are visiting, a playground is likely nearby. The city has no shortage of spaces for families to gather and kids to play, ranging from your run of the mill swings and slides to fun features like splash pads. Keep reading to check out a few we love and think you will too!
5 Parks and Playgrounds you should visit in Huntsville
Maplewood Park
Located directly across the street from Alabama A&M University, this 9.5-acre park is enormous and sets the perfect tone for kids and adults alike to run and be free. The park features a playground, a pavilion with tables, and plenty of trees to escape the Alabama sun. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a game of frisbee, or in the case of my crew, practice boomerang throwing skills. With so much green space, the possibilities are endless.
*Tip: Plan a visit during one of Alabama A&M University home games to enjoy the sound of the Marching Maroon and White “Show band of the South” while you play.
Maplewood Park
4943 Memorial Pkwy NW
Dr. Richard Showers Sr. Park and Splash Pad
You can find both the splash pad and playground located on the same property as the recreation center. One of the unique things about this playground is that you will discover exercise machines alongside traditional equipment.
My boys love challenging each other to a “workout off” and finishing with a lap around the park. Not too far from the playground is the bulldog splash pad. It’s the best water feature in town, and it’s free!
*Tip: Have a summer birthday coming up? Plan a party here! The covered pavilion is first come, first serve, so be sure to arrive early.
Richard Showers Park and Splashpad
4600 Blue Spring Road NW
Monte Sano State Park Playground
The state park is a gem on its own. From beautiful trails, campgrounds, and views of the city, you really don’t need much else. However, there’s a great playground right past the attendant’s station that’s worth stopping. It’s a great alternative when the kids need a break from exploring.
This playground is great because it has something for the smallest to biggest of kids to get out, play, and enjoy themselves.
*Tip: Head here when there’s a little snow in the forecast. Although it likely won’t stick down in the valley, on top of the mountain you’ll discover a beautiful winter wonderland.
Monte Sano State Park
5105 Nolan Ave SE
McGucken Park
A South Huntsville staple and accessible from Aldridge Creek Greenway. McGucken comes with baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and a hockey rink.
*Tip: Use the bridge which connects the park to the trail to observe wildlife in Aldridge Creek.
McGucken Park
15000 Bailey Cove Rd SE
Brahan Springs Park
Another rocket city favorite and for good reason. This park houses one of the most used splash pads in the city and gets quite busy during the summer. We love that one of several covered pavilions sits right in front of the playground, providing parents a safe place to sit and watch kids play. This is one of the best parks to visit if you’re interested in playing sand volleyball. There are six volleyball courts here along with disc golf, and an area to play horseshoe. You can also enjoy time relaxing by the lake.
*Tip: Choose this park if you have little ones still learning to walk. The playground equipment sits on turf, which has proven to be more forgiving to falls.
Brahan Spring Park
3771 Ivy Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
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Looking for more parks and trails? Check out our list!
Zenovia is a two time graduate of Alabama A&M University where she earned a B.S. and M.S. in Biology. A former Regulatory Affairs Specialist in the Pharmaceutical Industry, She currently works from home as a Regional Project Coordinator and is the mom to 3 extraordinary boys.