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Fasola Park – Deptford

This park houses multiple playgrounds together in one spot. There is a playground for older kids that includes spherical pods for the children to climb in. Right next to that, there is a smaller playground for children under age 5, but one of the most impressive features, which makes it fun for older kids, too, is the massive climbing net in the center that has a canvas platform and an odd swing; it's a challenge no kid wants to turn down. Even an older playground structure draws a crowd on hot days because it is shrouded in the shade. This sprawling park has just recently been updated with giant instruments for budding musicians to play and a two-story climbing globe you can spin with the children inside like a merry-go-round. There is also a small sprayground, two pavilions, a pond with a fountain, hiking trails, bathrooms, and workout equipment for adults.

Frank Fullerton Memorial Park – Moorestown

This expansive, castle-themed playground is sure to spur creative play. If your kids love trains, there is a wooden train to climb on and a real train track that runs along one side of the park. If you time it right, you might get to see the real deal to inspire your young engineers. Another bonus: This playground is mostly fenced, which helps keep little ones from wandering off. In addition to the playground, there are bathrooms, a baseball field, and tennis courts.

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Kids can enjoy the huge playground at Jake's Place.

Jake’s Place – Cherry Hill

Designed to be all-inclusive, Jake’s Place has a cushioned surface and wide ramps for easy access, no matter your ability. There is something for everyone at this playground. Older kids will enjoy the merry-go-round, spinning chairs, monkey bars, and a large rock wall, while younger kids can play musical instruments, ride the seesaw, and traverse the rope bridge. This playground is almost always packed with children running along the ramps and gleefully screaming. Although it is fenced, it can be hard to keep track of your kids here since the playground is large. There is a lot to do besides the playground in the park with trails across the way. The historic Croft Farmstead is located down the road, and there are baseball fields, soccer fields, a gazebo, a new pavilion, workout equipment for adults, and access to Evans Pond.

Field of Dreams – Thorofare

This expansive playground features multiple structures connected by wooden ramps and bridges that children cannot get enough of running along and discovering little nooks and crannies to hide in. There is also a giant sandbox and a dragon maze for their imaginations to run wild. This playground is fenced and has public bathrooms.

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Kids can spend hours digging and playing in the fenced-in sandbox at Mountwell Park.

Mountwell Park – Haddonfield

Imagine a playground that is also a graveyard for toy trucks, and you've pictured Mountwell Park. There are dozens of donated cars, trucks, and tractors of all sorts scattered around this playground. Some are ride-on, some are push toys, and others are sand toys. My kids always search for their favorites when we arrive and try to take them home with us when we leave, but I tell them we need to leave them for other kids to enjoy. This playground also has a large, shaded sandbox already littered with toys for children to enjoy that's completely fenced in, so keeping track of your charges is easy. Catch a baseball game at the adjacent field while you're there or enjoy one of the nearby hiking trails.

Red Bank Battlefield Park – National Park

Located on the picturesque Delaware River, you'll find the site of the Revolutionary War Battle of Red Bank. This historic site is now home to a sprawling park with two nautical-themed playgrounds: one for older kids and one for toddlers. This park offers so much more, though, including a seasonal butterfly house and a self-guided historical walk along the river where you can enjoy the views of Philadelphia. There are also bathrooms and a pavilion.

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Separate play structures at Wish Upon Star Park accommodate kids of all ages.

Wish Upon a Star Park – Barrington

Kids love the little houses at this playground. They are dreamy and fun, and the larger house is just slightly askew and reminiscent of something Picasso might have painted. The smaller playhouse is in a small fenced area meant for toddlers. In addition to the playhouses, there is an igloo, a set of giant musical instruments, swings, and a massive climbing net older kids are sure to enjoy. The playground is completely fenced, and there is also a pavilion, a gazebo, basketball courts, and a baseball field nearby.

Laurel Acres Park – Mt. Laurel

You can make a whole day trip to this expansive playground. Standouts features include a carnival-like swing ride, large tunnel slides, equipment that is accessible for people with disabilities, and multiple unique climbing structures. In addition to the playground, there is a pond you can fish in, paved trails, a large pavilion, grills, a beach volleyball court, soccer fields, and baseball fields.

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Ella Harris Park is perfect for the toddler crowd.

Ella Harris Park – Mullica Hill

This small playground packs plenty of fun. Toddlers love climbing aboard the train, getting off at their stop via the small slide, and playing in the adjacent climbing wall tunnel. The larger playground has a balance beam bridge or “shark bridge,” as my kids call it, a fireman’s pole, multiple slides, and hanging rings. There are some benches in the shade for adults to lounge on sunny days. In addition to the playground, there are baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a pavilion, bathrooms, a gazebo, and even a short, wooded trail.

Sandcastle Park – Ocean City

If it is a cloudy day, or you need a break from the beach, consider a visit to this elaborate playground. With two playground structures, one for 2-5-year olds and one for 5-12-year olds, tons of swings, a climbing wall, a ship play structure, and an extremely steep slide, it is impossible for kids to get bored here. This playground is also fenced in; there are public bathrooms, a few trees for shade, picnic benches, a basketball court, and tennis courts.

Photos by the author