The Fox Valley boasts many high-quality, well-maintained playgrounds, but not all playgrounds may be right for your child. We will help you find just the right spot for a relaxing family outing!
The safest playgrounds in the Fox Valley have several features in common:
- A fence or barrier that helps children stay on the playground. Some children love to roam, turning a trip to the park into a full work-out for tired parents!
- Good sightlines that allow parents to supervise multiple active children easily
- Accessible equipment that allows all children to access all the features of a play area
- A variety of activities for children of different ages and abilities
- Sensory components to stimulate and occupy children who need additional input
Electa Quinney Elementary School Playground
- 2601 Sullivan Avenue, Kaukauna
Though only available outside school hours, Quinney has one of the best accessible playgrounds in the area. With many fun and challenging activities, the park makes it easy for many children to play together. And with fences on three sides and great sightlines, parents can be confident that they know exactly what their children are up to.
Features:
- Fence or barrier
- Good sightlines
- Accessible equipment that allows all children to access all the features of a play area
- A variety of activities for children of different ages and abilities
- Sensory components
The Oshkosh Inclusive Park at South Park
- 659 West South Park Avenue, Oshkosh
Created through a partnership of individuals, businesses, and the city of Oshkosh, the Oshkosh Inclusive Park just off Georgia Street focuses on safety and accessibility. The park includes a completely accessible play area with a rubberized ground surface and safety fence and has restrooms.
Features:
- Fence or barrier
- Good sightlines
- Accessible equipment that allows all children to access all the features of a play area
Stevens Park, Oshkosh
- 54 Frankfort St, Oshkosh
Tucked away on a quiet side street in Oshkosh, this peaceful playground is fenced on three sides and features a basketball court.
Features:
- Fence or barrier
- Good sightlines
- A variety of activities for children of different ages and abilities
Jones Park, Appleton
- 301 W Lawrence St, Appleton
While Jones Park does not have a fence, the steep slopes up to street level function well for containing rambunctious kids. All of the features in the park are brand new, and there are clean, well-lit bathrooms close to the play equipment—full Go Valley Kids park review for Jones Park.
Features:
- Fence or barrier
- Good sightlines
- A variety of activities for children of different ages and abilities
Memorial Park, Appleton
- 1620 E Witzke Blvd, Appleton
Perhaps the best-known accessible playground in the area is Appleton’s Memorial Park, which beats most area playgrounds both in size and in the number of components. Memorial Park also offers an impressive array of features of different sizes so that kids age zero to one hundred can all find plenty to do. The play area has misters to help cool hot kids down — full Go Valley Kids park review.
Features:
- Accessible equipment that allows all children to access the play area
- A variety of activities for children of different ages and abilities
- Sensory components
Washington Park, Neenah
- 631 Winneconne Ave, Neenah
Washington Park in Neenah also has accessibility components, including paved trails and a universal playground. The playground was recently updated, and a splash pad was added — full Go Valley Kids park review.
Features:
- Fence or barrier
- Good sightlines
- Accessible equipment that allows all children to access all the features of a play area
- A variety of activities for children of different ages and abilities
- Sensory components
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
- 1305 Plank Rd, Menasha
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve has a new playground built from natural materials that is mobility-accessible and sensory rich. Resting in the shade of the surrounding wetland forest, the playground offers a tree house, slide, zip line, and imaginative play area. Fresh mulch lends the play area a delightful natural odor, and surrounding vegetation discourages wandering.
Features:
- Accessible equipment that allows all children to access all the features of a play area
- A variety of activities for children of different ages and abilities
- Sensory components
- More in the full Go Valley Kids review.
Worth the Drive Inclusive Playgrounds
If you’re looking for an adventure a little farther from home, these playgrounds are designed with safety for all in mind:
- JoJo’s Jungle, 4200 Stettin Drive, Wausau
- Kash Playground in Mead Park, 1201 W Whitney St
- Possibility Playground, 601 East Green Bay Avenue, Saukville
- Shaw Family Playground, 2614 Pine Grove Ave. Sheboygan
