Summer 2019 List 8: Playgrounds in the shade #getoutsideandplay

Nothing ruins a playground date faster in the summer than having no place to escape the sun. In that light, here is a list of some of the best shady playgrounds in the 413 (park admission is FREE unless otherwise noted):

Agawam: Borgatti Field Playground, 257 River Road. This is a smallish playground but it does have a lot of baby swings. And a lot of shade. Very close to the Agawam Bike Trail along the Connecticut River, where you can also bike or take a stroll. Makes a nice afternoon. Picnic tables make lunch easy.
Belchertown: Jessica's Boundless Playground, 59 State St., Belchertown. Not only is this playground fully accessible, it also has nice shade canopies over the playscape. Lots of swings, unique climbing and play elements.
Longmeadow: Greenwood Park Playground, 231 Maple Street. A nicely shaded, two-playscape playground with elements for all ages. Nice paths for bikes or scooters. This park also has a pool available for use by non-residents, admission is $11/day.
Easthampton: Nonotuck Park, 1 Daley Field Road. This park also has a pool (non-resident admission $6/adult, $4/child) and splash pad, walking paths and bike trails. Lots of picnic tables. Leashed dogs welcome. Can definitely make an afternoon of it. $3 admission fee for park weekends only/FREE on weekdays.
Enfield, CT: Enfield Rotary Accessible Playground, 104 Middle Road, Enfield. Although this fully accessible playground does not have shade over the play structure it does offer a nice picnic pavilion where you can catch a break from the sun. This playground shares property with the Enfield Public Library which has a fun children's room with puzzles, toys and sometimes a drop-in craft going on. So you can break up the visit with some air conditioned play time.
Holyoke: Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton St., Holyoke. Brand new playground equipment installed for this season (suggested for ages 5-15) AND a new spray deck. Lots of shade trees surrounding the play areas. FREE with FREE parking on site at the Holyoke Merry Go Round parking lot.
Northampton: Look Park, 300 North Main Street, Florence. Look Park has several playgrounds scattered throughout the grounds, three of which have partial shade. Lots of swings, lots of different elements for all ages. FREE splashpad and zoo. Many other attractions available for additional fee including mini golf, train ride, bumper boats, paddle boats. Tons of bike and walking paths. Beautiful grounds to explore. Concessions available for purchase but can get pricey. Bring a good sized picnic if you plan to spend the day. Vehicle entry fee: $9/weekends, $7/weekdays. FREE vehicle entry with valid military ID.
Pittsfield: Common Park, First Street, Pittsfield. The playground on the Pittsfield Common has some shaded elements and is adjacent to a stand of trees so depending on which part of the day you're visiting you can catch a good amount of shade. There is also a new splash pad at this park and plenty of picnic space.
Springfield: Forest Park, 302 Sumner Avenue. Park includes beautiful grounds to explore, duck pond, zoo (separate admission fee), picnic spots, and two playgrounds. Both have some shade -- the one behind the zoo is the shadiest. $3 admission fee for park.
Westfield: Stanley Park Playground, 400 Western Avenue. Although this awesome playground itself is not shaded, it does have a shade-covered sand pit where you can get some relief from the sun. Playground is huge with tons of swings for big and little kids and several shaded picnic pavilions (available for public use unless reserved for a party). Stanley Park also offers many shaded walking paths through it's nature preserve as well as a lovely shaded duck/koi pond area. Bring a picnic, be prepared to stay the afternoon.
West Springfield: Mittenague Park Playground, 100 Churchill Road, (Main entrance is at 1695 Westfield Street, but the playground is on Churchill). Playground is nicely shaded, with two play scapes, and plenty of big kid and baby swings. Mittenague Park also has nice hiking spots and a lovely stream to splash in. Plenty of shaded, grassy lawn to enjoy a picnic on as well.
Windsor, CT: Northwest Park Playground, 145 Lang Road, has a mostly-shaded playground with two age specific playscapes, as well as a a nice set of 8 swings (two bucket swings). This park also has animals to visit, an indoor Nature Center play area with educational displays, indoor bathrooms, plenty of picnic tables and lots of hiking trails to explore. Worth the drive for those of us in the lower 413.

Hope you get out and explore a new-to-you playground this summer. We'll see you there!

*Don't forget -- we'll resurrect our "What to do with the kids tomorrow" posts beginning on June 24 to help you plan FREE and low cost summer fun all season long.*

3 Comments

Valerie,
This is the first time I have visited this site. How incredibly awesome of you to take the time to detail all the cool informative places to go and things to do with your children. I LOVE how you listed out playgrounds and splash pads in the area. I enjoyed your photos and your own special accounts of all the places you have visited. My friend and I were making a bucket list on all the things we would like to do this summer with our little ones, and you made it so much easier to do so! The thought you have put into this is noted and appreciated. Thanks so much!

Posted by: Shannon | 05/10/2016 at 07:47 AM