Did you know that Maryland has dozens of amazing outdoor playgrounds that go far beyond your average swing set and seesaw? Today we’re featuring eight of the best, most whimsical playgrounds in the Old Line State. Some beckon to fairy tales and enchanted forests, while others have inspiring stories behind them. Read on to learn about the best playgrounds in Maryland that are fun for kids, and big kids at heart.

1. Watkins Regional Park
Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, USA
SweetMomof2 / TripAdvisor
Click your heels three times and step right into the Land of Oz at Watkins Regional Park. This colorful attraction features red ruby slipper slides, an Emerald City castle, and more. There's no place like home... er, this playground.
2. Walker Mill Regional Park
Walker Mill Regional Park, 8001 Walker Mill Rd, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, USA
Damon Williams / Google
This playground is known as the park's Woodland Wonderland. Zoom down enchanting log slides and climb through tunnels that seem to lead to another world. This is one place you're imagination can certainly roam free.
3. Port Discovery
Port Discovery Children's Museum, 35 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
wannatravelalways / TripAdvisor
Have you ever been to an indoor playground? This impressive three-story structure is located at Baltimore's Port Discovery Children's Museum. There is much climbing involved, including through nets, bridges, and tunnels. What a perfect place for a rainy day!
4. South Germantown Recreational Park
South Germantown Recreational Park, 14501 Schaeffer Rd, Boyds, MD 20841, USA
Jeffrey K / TripAdvisor
This park has a lot to offer and everyone's favorite attraction is the giant castle-like jungle gym. Feel free to pretend you're a brave knight or perhaps a princess perched in one of the tall towers. Good luck trying to get your kids to leave. It's THAT much fun.

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5. Angel Park Playground
Angel Park Playground, 9675 Honeygo Boulevard, Perry Hall, Maryland 21128
Todd Kuyawa / Google
This playground is inspiring in more ways than one. First of all, its design was based on suggestions from 4,500 pre-K through fifth graders in the area, so it's basically made for kids, by kids. Second, this spot is all-inclusive, striving to accommodate children with special needs. That's not something you find often. Head here and see for yourself.
6. Annie's Playground
Annie's Playground, 864 Smith Ln, Fallston, MD 21047, USA
Joe Nace/Google
This is another one-of-a-kind playground with a story behind it. It was originally built in tribute to child Annie McGann Cumpston, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2003. According to the website, it's also dedicated "to all children who have left us too soon." Bring the family to play and take in the atmosphere of this unique spot.
7. Blandair Regional Park
Blandair Regional Park West Playground, 5750 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
Jennifer Champion / Google
There are a few playgrounds at this newly renovated park but most notable is the pictured Challenge Course. If you're a fan of the show Ninja Warrior, you'll love seeing how fast you can complete this on-site obstacle course. You'll find children and adults partaking in this fun spot.
8. Idlewild Park
Idlewild Park, 115 Idlewild Ave, Easton, MD 21601, USA
Trisha Funkhouser / Google
You could spend hours climbing and running around this nautical-themed playground in Easton. Let your creative mind run wild as you steer a pirate ship and test your skills on the climbing wall.

These are the kind of parks for kids we never really outgrow. Did you have a favorite playground in Maryland when you were growing up? Where can we find the best playgrounds in Maryland that you’ve discovered? While we’re talking all things magical, be sure to also check out the state’s most whimsical campground – it’s a whole new kind of Maryland playground.

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More to Explore

More fun parks for kids

Chris Muras | December 12, 2022

Where are the best playgrounds in Maryland?

Maryland has created some pretty amazing parks and playgrounds for kids (big and little alike). From parks made entirely of recycled truck tires to expertly crafted structures that defy the imagination. Here are some of the best playgrounds in Maryland, some we have featured above, and some will be completely new:

Where are the best indoor playgrounds in Maryland?

When it's too chilly to enjoy an outside park for very long, or even too hot when the slides burn the ole bottom, an indoor playground can be the answer. Here are a few indoor playgrounds in Maryland to check out next time you and the kids need to blow off some steam:

  • TotsVille Indoor Playground: Glen Burnie, MD
  • Hyper Kids Columbia: Columbia, MD
  • Me Land Gaithersburg: Gaithersburg, MD
  • The Wiggle Room: Crofton, MD
  • Kids Jungle World: Randallstown, MD
  • ZavaZone Rockville: Rockville, MD
  • Cabin Fever Play Centre: Cambridge, MD
  • Launch Trampoline Park: Capitol Heights, MD

What are the safest cities in Maryland for kids?

Maryland is a wonderful place to live for families. With beautiful state and national parks to explore, playgrounds to discover, and interesting things to do with kids. If you are looking to move to Maryland here are some of the safest cities to consider:

  1. Hampstead
  2. Ocean Pines
  3. Glenarden
  4. Mount Airy
  5. Centerville
  6. Thurmont
  7. Taneytown

Read more about these charming and safe towns in Maryland.

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