For parents and caregivers, summer means keeping the kiddos entertained sans incessant screen time. A great way to do this? Take advantage of our public parks + playgrounds, the benefits of which include fun, fresh air, and increased well-being and mood. Lace up your kicks and check out these 5 spots we love.
Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd.
The park’s playground, located within the Velodrome, is fully fenced and offers swings, monkey bars, slides, and bridges, making it suitable for kids of all ages. And for the grownups and bigger kids, there’s also a soccer field, a basketball court, a roller-hockey rink, and more.
Lake Julian Park, 37 Lake Julian Rd., Arden
Here, you’ll find not 1 but 2 playgrounds with swings, a climber, slides, and more. The park also offers docks for private fishing boats, disc golf, and paddle- and jon boat rentals, which are a great way to beat the heat.
Lake Louise Park, Lake Louise Dr., Weaverville.
Situated on 15.5 acres with a 5-acre lake, this park boasts monkey bars, a climbing wall, 6 slides, exercise equipment, and way more. ProTip: Don’t miss the old red water wheel (said to be the remains of the area’s oldest gristmill site) — it makes for a lovely photo backdrop.
Murphy-Oakley Park, 715 Fairview Rd.
This park packs a lot in its 7.7 acres, including bouncy animals, a swingset, 3 slides and more. Added bonus? Stop into the Oakley Library story time or to check out some books when you leave the park.
Roy Pope Memorial Park, 45 Jonestown Rd., Woodfin
A huge + huggable dragon that’s situated between 2 climbable castles is a selling point on its own, but then you consider the large pyramid shaped rope climbing web and know this is a kid’s dream.
Want even more parks? Check out the City of Asheville’s interactive park finder.
