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Kitchen Witch Cafe

The Top Ten Most Unique Playgrounds in Northeast Ohio

In the vast landscape of Northeast Ohio, playgrounds offer not just spaces for children to get out excess energy, but also serve as a hub for families to connect and create lasting memories. From innovative unique designs to equipment you won't find anywhere else, these playgrounds are sure to captivate both the young and the young at heart. Here are the top ten most interesting playgrounds in Northeast Ohio near Cleveland that are bound to excite and inspire your little ones for hours!


1. EARTHSONG DISCOVERY PARK, Lodi

discovery park

Located in Lodi, Ohio, Earthsong Discovery Park is a play park like no other. Unique handmade playground equipment, a plane and fire truck for your children to explore, farm animals to interact with, gem stone mining (for an additional fee), an amazing climbing structure, a variety of ridable bikes, music play stage, a small pond to splash in, an indoor area for rain and toddlers, and the star attraction for the kids, peddle train cars that can be rode on a track through the woods and around the park, make this play park a must see!

pedal train discovery park

This park does have an entrance fee of $10 per child (ages 2 - 15) with a - Maximum Family fee of $40

 - Parents and other adults - Free

- Babies under 2 - Free

- 2024 Season Passes are only $50 per child!


airplane

The discovery park is constantly improving and new updates are built every year. Its owned and operated by a lovely couple who built the Discovery Park on the land that was once their organic farm. The landscape has plenty of places to go for a pick-nick amongst blueberry bushes and fruit trees. Teepee rental for camping is also available.


Their mission statement says it all about the unique vision of this one of a kind playground


Discovery Park Mission Statement

Remember as a kid when you ran wild with a pack of friends on a summer day, without a care in the world? You did what you wanted. You played. You challenged each other. You took risks. All with minimal parental supervision. Many kids these days have very limited access to free play.


Free, unstructured play is vital for children and offers an antidote to the hurried lifestyles, digital distractions and overprotective parents that can leave children few opportunities to really just be kids.


The goal of Discovery Park is to provide a safe learning environment that offers opportunities for children to learn cooperation, develop critical thinking and creativity, meet physical challenges and gain self confidence.


Our promise...


...to create many happy childhood memories


by bringing “adventure” back into play!

This is the only playground on my list that requires a fee, but is well worth every penny. Your children will be begging to return again!


  • The largest variety of unique play equipment you won't find anywhere else!

  • Airplane & Fire Truck to Freely Explore

  • Pedal Train Cars that go through a Forest & a tunnel

  • Farm animals to interact with (goats and chickens)

  • Unique play climbing structure

  • A variety of bikes to ride of all sizes

  • Gemstone mining (additional fee)

  • Indoor area for toddlers

  • Music Stage

  • Water Pump Rubber Duck Races

  • Sand Pits

  • Pond Play Area

  • Zip Lines

  • Farm Setting

  • Excellent Day or Picnic Trip!


(I am not sponsored by them in any way. My children and I just love this place!)



ADDRESS: 7634 Lafayette Rd, Lodi, OH 44254


2. LIBERTY PLAYGROUND, Independence

Liberty Playground

Liberty Playground in Independence, Ohio is an absolutely fantastic and inviting recreational space designed for children of all abilities to come together and have a blast! This innovative playground features a variety of play equipment for all ages including swings, slides, musical toys, sand area, story-walk, zip lines, climbing structures, and a wonderful safety town to ride bikes with working traffic lights. With the library nearby, plenty of shade and picnic spots, and equipment for the younger and older kids, this playground is the perfect place for families to have lunch or spend a sunny day. Liberty Playground is definitely exciting environment for children to explore and delight in every moment!


  • Great for All Ages

  • Safety Town for Bikes

  • Shady Areas

  • Zip Lines

  • Sand Area

  • Near Library

  • Convenient Clean Bathrooms

  • Unique Climbing Structures


ADDRESS: 6363 Selig Blvd, Independence, OH 44131


3. EVERY CHILDS PLAYGROUND, Avon

Avon Roller Coaster Swing
Roller Coaster Swing

Avon's Every Childs Playground is among one of the most unique on my list. Enthusiastically titles "the kicky punchy playground" by my kids it boasts an interactive punch and kick ninja game I have never seen anywhere else. Not only that, but an amazing swing "roller coaster" that ages 4+ will love to rides again and again! Additionally, this playground is immaculately maintained, includes a wonderful shaded, nature walk play area, double

Kick and Punch interactive playground toy
Kicky Punchy Attraction!

swings for mom and child to swing, equipment for all ages, a fantastic music play area, and storybook trail. Definitely one of the most requested places by my kiddos to go! (The pictures don't do this place justice, it is an must see!)


  • Kicky Punchy Interactive Game

  • Roller Coaster Zip Line Swing

  • Wooded Play Area with Story Walk

  • Music Play Area

  • Excellent Exercise Outdoor Exercise Area for Mom or Dad

  • Play Equipment for All Ages

  • Double Swings for Parent and Baby/ Toddler to Swing Together

  • Interesting Equipment Not Found at other Playgrounds


ADDRESS: 36265 Detroit Rd, Avon, OH 44011


4. NATURE PLAY, Kirtland

nature play
nature play

Nature Play at Penitentiary Glen Reservation features interactive sites designed to engage children in creative and imaginative play. Kids can traverse through an acre of green landscape with logs to climb on, tunnels to crawl through and hillsides to roll down. Features include a play campsite, a shallow pond and natural objects to discover. There is no start or finish, nor map or suggested route. Kids are encouraged to chart their own course of adventure through this outdoor play maze.


OPEN FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET


  • Unique Nature Free Play Area

  • Water Feature to Play and Walk In

  • So Many Unique Little Areas to Explore

  • Near the Nature Center

  • Free Train Rides on Select Days and Time


ADDRESS: Located in Penitentiary Glen Reservation 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094


5. LAKE METROPARKS ADVENTUIRE PLAY

adventure play climbing wall
adventure play bridge

Lake Metroparks Adventure Play is a unique outdoor play area designed to encourage children to explore, imagine, and engage with nature. You will find an immersive forest playground experience unlike any other! Huge zip lines, large 20' + wide climbing wall, bridges, woodland climbing structures, a variety of different ninja balance lines held between trees, nature trails, a creek to play in, and the nearby nature center make this play space incredible and memorable. Some of the activities are better for older children ages 6+, but even the youngest will find something to do in the forest. Incorporating natural elements like logs, rocks, and water features to provide a sensory-rich experience for children. Climb, slide, swing, and balance on creative play structures that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Lake Metroparks Adventure Play provides a fun and enriching environment for children to connect with nature and unleash their creativity.

adventure play ninja climbing

OPEN SUNRISE TO SUNSET


  • Immersive Forest Play Experience

  • Long Zip Lines

  • Huge Climbing Wall

  • Ninja Balance Ropes Between Trees

  • Nature Center

  • Creek to Play in

  • A Large Variety of Nature Inspired Climbing Equipment


ADDRESS: 7250 Alexander Rd, Painesville, OH 44077


6. COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND, Middleburg Heights

middleburg heights playground
middleburg heights playground

The community playground in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, is a vibrant and engaging space for children and families to enjoy. It features a variety of play structures, swings, slides, and climbing areas designed to cater to different age groups and abilities. Its like going to 5 playgrounds in one! The playground is surrounded by greenery and shaded areas, providing a pleasant environment for outdoor play on hot days. Additionally, there are benches and picnic tables for parents to relax while keeping an eye on their children. This particular playground is one of my favorites as a parent because there are so many different play structures in one area. The shade from the trees is awesome, not many playgrounds have this much cover from the sun. It is also easy to see every angle of the playground as your children play. Especially good if you need a "break" while the kids have fun. The nearby sports fields are also great to explore.


  • Multiple play structures for all ages

  • Multiple Benches and Pavilions

  • Sports Fields - baseball, volleyball, hacky-sack (bring your own sacks)

  • Lots of Shade for a Hot Day

  • Clean Bathrooms


ADDRESS: 15700 Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130


7. LINDSEY FAMILY PLAY SPACE @ EDGEWATER, Cleveland

lindsey place space at edgewater

The Lindsey Family Play Space at Edgewater is a vibrant and engaging area designed for families to enjoy together set right next to Lake Erie. It features a variety of unique structures for children of all ages. From swings and slides to climbing structures and interactive play areas, the Lindsey Family Play Space offers a fun environment for kids to explore and play. The space is thoughtfully designed with colorful elements and plenty of interesting areas to explore. The Lindsey Family Play Space at Edgewater provides a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories and enjoy quality time outdoors.

lindsey place space at edgewater

  • Climbing Nets and Colorful Dot Hill

  • Right Next to Lake Erie and Edgewater Beach

  • Huge Slides

  • Sand Areas

  • Tunnels


ADDRESS: 1 Upper Edgewater Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102


9. LAKEWOOD PARK PLAYGROUND

lakewood park playground
lakewood park climbing
lakewood park steps

Lakewood Park Playground is another interesting playground with tons of activities right on Lake Erie. The highlight of this playground is the tall net climbing structure and the nearby walk and steps that are perfect for seeing the sunset on the lake. The playground also has a variety of fun slides, swings, climbing structures, and a skate park.


  • Unique netted climbing structure

  • Walk with steps next to Lake Erie (great for viewing sunset)

  • A variety of interesting and fun playground equipment


ADDRESS: 14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107


9. PRESTON"S H.O.P.E. PLAYGROUND, Beachwood

prestons hope playground

Preston's Hope Playground is a vibrant and inclusive recreational area designed for children of all abilities to play and interact. It features various play structures, swings, slides, and sensory activities to cater to different needs and interests. The playground is known for its colorful and engaging design, providing a safe and fun environment for children to explore and enjoy. The highlight of this park is its unique pretend shops connected by walkways on two stories. Kids can pretend they are in a barber, police, fire station, & more! It also has a wide variety of playground equipment from roller slides to zip lines that all the kiddos will enjoy. (The only thing I will point out for this playground is that if you have multiple kiddos it is hard to keep them in sight at all times. There are many places to go in the park and it will be challenging to follow them around unless they stay together.)


  • Pretend Shops on Two Stories

  • Inclusive for Kids with Different Handicaps

  • Sand Pit

  • A Variety of Equipment that is Unique


ADDRESS: 26001 S Woodland Rd, Beachwood, OH 44122


10. CAROLYN MUGRAGE PARK & PLAYGROUND

carolyn mugrage park playground

Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park & Playground is a popular recreational area located in Medina, Ohio. Although the park has your usual playground fair, its unique setting with fishing pond, story walk, and giant hill, make it one of my children's favorite.

  • Beautiful green spaces for picnics and relaxation

  • Playground equipment for children of all ages

  • Paved walking and biking trails

  • Fishing pond

  • Dog park area

Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and events at

fishing pond at carolyn mugrage park

Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park & Playground, making it a great destination for families and nature lovers.


ADDRESS: 4985 Windfall Rd, Medina, OH 44256


Honorable Mentions (not the best of the best, but still some unique playgrounds most requested by my children to try out on a sunny day!)

  1. Kids Quarters Playground - Brecksville, OH - a great small wooden playground with a unique large metal slide

  2. Commons Playground - Greenbrier Commons, Parma Heights, OH 44130 - a nice little playground with basketball courts and a nature walk with exercise equipment. (note Parma Heights pool is only open to residents)

  3. New Russia Township Park & Nature Preserve - 45877 Butternut Ridge Rd, Oberlin, OH 44074 - a farm themed playground with a pond and lots of wildlife

  4. Nike Site Playground - 11828 W Pleasant Valley Rd, Parma, OH 44130 - A great little playground with a small pool nearby. Has exercise equipment along a walking path and a unique Ninja obstacle course meant for ages 6+

  5. Broadview Heights Playground and Splash Pad - 9543 Broadview Rd, Broadview Heights, OH 44147

  6. North Royalton Playground and Splash Pad - 14600 State Rd, North Royalton, OH 44133

  7. Fire Truck Playground - 4200 Fishcreek Rd, Stow, OH 44224 - a Fire Truck themed playground with a small safety town next to it. If you're lucky you may see the Goodyear blimp in the sky while playing

  8. Cascade Park Elyria - 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035- a newer playground located next to a river and lovely park path that leads to a waterfall

  9. Play in Bay Park, Bay Village - 325 Dover Center Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140 - a lovely playground near Lake Erie made of wood

  10. Nurea Park, Brunswick - a newer playground with a variety of unique equipment & zip lines.


Embark on a playground adventure and discover the magic of Northeast Ohio's most unique playgrounds near Cleveland. Each of these unique play spaces offers a blend of creativity, nature, and excitement, promising unforgettable moments for families to cherish. So, pack your picnic basket, gather your loved ones, and set off on a journey of play and exploration across the stunning playgrounds of Northeast Ohio!


Do you know of any other awesome playgrounds in Ohio? Post them in the comments below!

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