It’s that time of year. Get those kids out the door and into the park while the weather is lovely. We’ve picked our favorite playgrounds throughout our area—with ‘best ages’ for each, as well as a little 411. So go burn it up!

writer: caroline gernhauser, E. Summer issue 2009

Kenner

Kenner City Park

(3800 Loyola Drive) 2 – 12 years

This new and very well maintained space is totally fenced in and has not only a cool climbing apparatus and slippery slides, but a  one-mile circular walking track surrounded by an enormous man-made lake with lots of lil’ ducklings to feed. (The best thing? It has a bathroom!)

Metairie

Munholland Church

(1201 Metairie Rd.) 1 year – adolescent

This super shady play space located in the heart of beautiful, historic Old Metairie is available to the public all day on weekends and after 2 pm during the week (due to mothers’ day out programs). Built on sand, it has a mile-high (or so it appears) slide, a baby play space, and additional green space—perfect for a game of kickball or just chasing after your lil one.

Kaboom in the Walley Pontiff  Park

(formally known as Metairie Playground, 1521 Palm St.) 2 years – adolescent

This very new, semi-shaded, 3000-square-foot play space has something for everyone including an enormous, curvy tunnel slide, a toddler-sized bulldozer for exploring, a rocking motorcycle, swings for the young and old, a spin seat, and a huge sandbox. Occasionally the train passes by—always a thrill for tots.

Midcity

City Park

(1 Palm drive)  2 years – adolescent

This traditional, semi shaded play space is wheelchair-accessible and surrounded by  lagoons with plenty hungry ducks, slides, swings galore, bridges, play houses and other delightful experiences. Also includes the newly built Parkview Cafe (Old Casino building) which serves refreshments. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the two Cabildo buildings which are fun to practice cheerleading moves or just to run around footloose and fancy-free.

Uptown

Audubon Park

(6500 St. Charles Ave. across the street from Tulane University) 2 – 12 years

Voted in 2008 as the best playground by the Parents’ Picks awards… what is there not to like about it? There’s the fabulous majestic setting, and a great climbing apparatus that leads up to a tree house-like structure overlooking the streetcars rolling by. And even better still—the endless picnic space nearby and tricycle track around the park.

Daneel Playground

(5500 St. Charles Ave.)

This recently renovated park, which runs along the streetcar line, has been available for fun and running around for generations of Uptown kids. Best thing, it’s a hot spot for bake sales and lemonade stands!

West Bank/Algiers

 
Confetti Playground
(207 Delaronde Street in Algiers Point) 2 – 5 years.

This completely fenced in and semi-shaded traditional playground received a complete overhaul through Confetti Kids, the neighborhood’s children’s organization.  Featured in Southern Living
for its best feature—the ‘Confetti fence’ which displays local public art inspiring our young artists at heart. Also within walking distance to three good, family-friendly restaurants.  The playground is a hot spot for playdates in the morning and holiday events.