Toddler Friendly Playgrounds Around Cleveland - The Cleveland Moms

A few people have asked & I’m here to help so I put together a list of some toddler friendly playgrounds. Remember though, what works for one family doesn’t always work for others so you may or may not find a particular location as toddler friendly & THAT’S OKAY! It’s worth trying out each one to see what fits. Side note as a “veteran mama” – the best times to go out with toddlers to make it a pleasant experience is early in the morning! You’re most likely to have the park all to yourself or just less people in general make things a smidge more safe for the little ones. Alright, let’s get going! This list is a work in progress. Please scroll down for South & East locations (& feel free to send over any recommendations!)
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DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND PLAYGROUND – tap for Google Map

First up is the playground downtown! I don’t think this one still has a name just yet but it’s right by the science center. It’s small enough to keep them entertained but at the same entertaining enough for a good time. I personally love how there’s no mulch here & from the sound of things, most moms would agree! Definitely worth visiting with your toddlers the next time you’re downtown! Check out my IG post about this one here: https://www.instagram.com/p/COOMHIyJhSg/

 

WEST SIDE

 

1. LINCOLN PARK – TREMONT – tap for Google Map

A few people have recommended Lincoln Park in Tremont. It looks like this is another MULCH-FREE playground so that’s definitely toddler-friendly in my book!

 

2. LINDSEY FAMILY PLAY SPACE – EDGEWATER – tap for Google Map 

This playground might seem overwhelming at first glance but hear me out. Go early! We went around 8:30am & were only one of two families there. I have an older kiddo so he wasn’t really entertained with this one as much but I thought to myself this is a really nice playground for those easier to entertain (ie the younger crowd.) For toddlers, there’s a bunch of areas to just run around in & there’s also a sand/water/mud pit that could be highly entertaining if you want to just let loose & let the kids play. If you want to steer away from that mess, there’s other areas as well that are worth checking out. Check out my IG post about this one here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQmmIiCpNEu/

 

3. LAKEWOOD PARK – LAKEWOOD – tap for Google Map

What’s great about Lakewood Park is there’s playgrounds for pretty much every age group. If your kiddos aren’t big enough for the aerial playground that this location is popular for, there are other options including a toddler friendly playground that is not so high in height. This playground also has plenty of baby swings. Pro-tip for this one especially with little ones, go early! It gets crowded fast. Check out my IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CDhPeJ3Jhyy/

 

4. GRANNIS PARK – FAIRVIEW PARK – tap for Google Map

This one in Fairview Park is great for toddlers. It’s tucked in between residential roads so super quiet. It’s big but accessible so you can have a view on the kids from just about anywhere here. The equipment is very toddler friendly. Just note, there is no parking lot so you’d have to park either on Grannis Rd or West 202nd Street.

 

5. BAIN PARK – FAIRVIEW PARK – tap for Google Map – TEMPORARILY CLOSED 

This location has a great variety of equipment with a lot geared towards toddlers. There are also nature trails for a nice walk in the woods.

 

6. LITTLE CLAGUE PARK – NORTH OLMSTED – tap for Google Map

I’ve heard this one is a super quiet location perfect for toddlers! It’s set far back from any busy street & gets a lot of shade.

 

7. NORTH OLMSTED COMMUNITY PARK – tap for Google Map

Someone recommended the park as toddler friendly so I figured to share. This newer climber that is there does seem like it’d be good for little ones. What’s nice about this park is away from any busy roads & also lots of shade!

 

8. PLAY IN BAY – BAY VILLAGE – tap for Google Map

This one is probably my most frequent recommendation when I get asked about toddler friendly playgrounds. It is COMPLETELY FENCED IN. Even with an entrance door making it hard for those little runners to get out. Everything is toddler friendly here as far as climbing. There’s also smaller structures like a boat & a sand pit for littles as well (which is also equipped with trucks & toys to play with.) Check out my IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ8hFyppiVE/

 

9. WESTLAKE REC PLAYGROUND – WESTLAKE – tap for Google Map

Westlake Rec Playground is one of those places that literally has something for everyone. There is a set for older kids, younger kids, & even a wheelchair accessible playground. This makes it an incredibly toddler friendly spot that a lot of you love to take your littles to! Check out my IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHvl2wnJ2YF/

 

10. ROMAN PARK – WESTLAKE – tap for Google Map

Roman Park has some really neat equipment that has Little Tikes vibes. Fun little tunnels & I hear it’s always relatively quiet here. Check out this awesome overhead video to give you a gist of how it’s laid out.

 

11. BRADLEY NATURE PARK – WESTLAKE – tap for Google Map

Bradley Nature Park in Westlake has a tot specific playground with a teeter-totter, bouncy rides, & a toddler friendly playground. It also sits off the road some.

 

12. ELMWOOD PARK – ROCKY RIVER – tap for Google Map

Elmwood Park Playground is a really cute spot in Rocky River tucked away from any major streets. There is a smaller set in addition to this one pictured that would be very toddler friendly. This park also has some trails to walk as well.

 

13. BATES TOT LOT – ROCKY RIVER – tap for Google Map

The Bates Road Tot Lot is a perfect little playground for toddlers. The fenced area features a play structure for ages 2 – 5 with two slides, three climbing areas, a tunnel, a “steering wheel” and two elevated platforms. The structure is ADA accessible with a safety playground surface.

 

14. ROCKY RIVER REC CENTER PLAYGROUND – ROCKY RIVER – tap for Google Map

The playground at Rocky River Rec Center is a very nice one for the littles. Their “bigger” playground is accessible so that means it’s easy to walk/toddle on & off. There is also a smaller structure & a pirate ship seesaw

 

15. JAMES P. BROCK PLAYGROUND – BROOKLYN – tap for Google Map

This one in Brooklyn is mostly fenced in besides the entryway. It’s located right by all the shopping plazas on Ridge Road. There’s two different sized playgrounds with the toddler friendly one being a bit farther away so you don’t have to worry about being trampled over.

 

16. BROOKLYN MEMORIAL PARK – BROOKLYN – tap for Google Map

Another mostly fenced in playground in Brooklyn. This playground has 3 separate ones all spaced out great – perfect for toddlers! There’s also plenty of shade & seating for mom & dad.

 

17. SOUTH CENTRAL PLAYGROUND – NORTH RIDGEVILLE – tap for Google Map

South Central Playground has a great preschool aged climber that would be awesome for toddlers. This playground is in the woods & very shady. I would suggest bringing bug spray here in the summer. There is also a storybook trail here. Check out my IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQI7RiOpO9t/

 

18. EVERY CHILD’S PLAYGROUND – AVON – tap for Google Map

The star of the show here for toddlers is the awesome fire truck playground! There’s areas to climb up on top of it but if you’re uneasy about that just yet, there’s a lower level with fun firetruck themed activities to explore. This playground has such a variety of structures & many of them are incredibly toddler friendly. There is also a story book trail here in the woods. Check out my IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHvCr62JnNI/ & here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQb5FQvJ4L8/

 

19. SCHWARTZ PARK PLAYGROUND – AVON – tap for Google Map

I absolutely love the little playhouse at Schwartz Park. It is adorable for toddlers & little ones. They can climb in & all around it. The playsets here are relatively close to each other so keeping that in mind, I would plan to come here early since the age ranges can vary for all the equipment here. Check out my IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQWedbIJgrf/

 

20. CASCADE PARK – ELYRIA – tap for Google Map

This relatively newer all-inclusive playground is great for toddlers & is MULCH-FREE. Plenty of places to roam around & climb. There are also quite a few musical features they would have fun playing with. The park itself is located in Cascade Reservation so there’s plenty of places for a picnic or trails for a walk. Check out my IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGNPVhOJdI4/

 

21. LAGRANGE COMMUNITY PARK – LAGRANGE – tap for Google Map

Not incredibly big of a playground but it is COMPLETELY fenced in so if you’re looking for a playground visit where you can breathe just a little bit more easy, this would be a great choice. There is also a storybook trail at this park.

 

22. NEW RUSSIA TOWNSHIP PARK PLAYGROUND – OBERLIN – tap for Google Map

Don’t let this giant playset scare you at this farm themed playground in Oberlin. There is a ton of things to do for toddlers even by this playset which has interactive farm musical features. There is also a smaller tractor themed set here as well as other basic playground equipment toddler friendly. This playground also gets a little busy at times so I’d plan on going early. Check out my IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CF2XhrMpgGF/

 

23. Columbia PARK PLAYGROUND – COLUMBIA STATION – tap for Google Map

This one was recently recommended by one of my mamas on Instagram. She said her 16 month old had a great time on the lower half so if you’re in the area, definitely check this one out!

 

24. MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS PLAYGROUND – MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS – tap for Google Map

Another recommendation by one of my readers – has a separate playground just for the little ones!

 

EAST SIDE

 

1. PRESTON’S HOPE PLAYGROUND – BEACHWOOD – tap for Google Map

Preston’s H.O.P.E. is a 60,000 square foot playground in Beachwood for children of all levels of abilities & disabilities making it extremely toddler friendly! The main feature here is Imagination Village which are make believe houses where kids can explore, play, & learn. Restrooms available seasonally.

 

2. BEACHWOOD CITY PLAYGROUND – BEACHWOOD – tap for Google Map – Located adjacent to Beachwood Aquatic Center, this playground has structures specifically for toddlers as well as a sand pit. It is even fenced in!

 

3. ORANGE VILLAGE PARK PLAYGROUND – CHAGRIN FALLS – tap for Google Map – Orange Village Park in Chagrin Falls is a beautiful MULCH-FREE playground with with the soft ground (no mulch is always a plus in my book!) & activities for all ages. Don’t forget to check out Chagrin Falls Waterfalls if your schedule allows it! Restrooms available.

 

4. AROUND THE WORLD PLAYGROUND – SHAKER HEIGHTS – tap for Google Map – This newer playground is right across the street from Shaker Heights Library. This one is completely fenced which is the best with toddlers & there’s also a walking path. Restrooms available seasonally.

 

5. PARKVIEW PLAYGROUND – MAYFIELD VILLAGE – tap for more info – Newly renovated in 2021, Parkview in Mayfield Village boasts a large toddler/youth MULCH-FREE playground that includes state-of-the-art playground equipment, a sandbox, a rubberized play surface, and a pavilion that is available for rental.

 

6. PLAYGROUND OF POSSIBILITIES – tap for Google Map – Located in South Euclid, this playground is a part of Bexley Park. If you enjoy a castle-esque playground which are always fun for toddlers, this one is for you! Restrooms are available.

 

7. MIRACLE LEAGUE PLAYGROUND – EASTLAKE – tap for Google Map – This is a fully inclusive MULCH-FREE playground in Eastlake right next to the Lake County Captains stadium & features a zipline + a rubber surface! Restrooms are available.

 

8. NATURE PLAY AT PENITENTIARY GLEN – KIRTLAND – tap for Google Map – Nature Play at Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland features interactive sites designed to engage children in creative & imaginative play. Kids can traverse through an acre of green landscape with logs to climb on, tunnels to crawl through, & hillsides to roll down.

 

9. GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES PLAYGROUND – CHESTERLAND – tap for Google Map – This brand new MULCH-FREE playground has lots of fun to be had for tCoddlers & the separate little kid structure has shade!

 

10. TURTLE PARK TOT LOT – CLEVELAND HEIGHTS – tap for Google Map – this fenced in playground is specifically for those ages 2-5 & features a sand pit & has a good amount of shade!

 

 

SOUTH SIDE

 

1. LIBERTY PARK PLAYGROUND – INDEPENDENCE – tap for Google Map

Liberty Park has a separate toddler playground which has multiple slides, climbing structures, sand table, musical panels, & more. The entire playground here is MULCH-FREE! There’s also a cute safety town area which would be fun with bikes or scooters!

 

2. KIDS QUARTERS – BRECKSVILLE – tap for Google Map – This playground outside of Brecksville Community Center has a separate fenced in area just for toddlers!

 

3. CAROLYN LUDWIG MUGRAGE PARK – MEDINA – tap for Google Map – A beautiful, inclusive playground in Medina with a dog park & storybook trail. There are restrooms here & the playground is MULCH-FREE!

 

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