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Looking for the best parks and playgrounds in Erie, PA? The Macaroni KID Erie Parks & Playgrounds Directory helps families quickly find great places for kids to climb, explore, and play across Erie County.
From large playgrounds with climbing structures to nature play areas, splash pads, and scenic parks along Lake Erie, this directory highlights some of the best playgrounds in Erie for toddlers, big kids, and families looking to spend time outdoors.
Explore local favorites like Frontier Park, Asbury Woods, Glenwood Park, and McClelland Park, along with hidden gem playgrounds throughout Erie County and nearby communities.
New parks and playgrounds are added as we discover them, so check back often and bookmark this page when you're looking for fun outdoor places to take the kids.
Bookmark this page and subscribe to Macaroni KID Erie for the latest family-friendly things to do around Erie.
Find the Right Playground for Your Family
Looking for something specific? Start here and find Erie playgrounds by feature, age, or location.
Browse Erie Playgrounds by Feature
Bathrooms • Water Play • Beach and Lakeviews • Sports Fields & Open Space • Trails
Did We Miss a Playground?
Know a great park or playground in Erie County that should be included? Let us know so we can check it out and add it to the list. Submit a park or playground here.
See all parks included below on a map (great for planning your next outing):
Asbury Woods
Asbury Woods offers 205 acres of woods, fields, and trails to explore. Kids love the Little Woods natural playground where they can climb logs, balance on stumps, and play in a nature-inspired setting. The Nature Center also features live animals and interactive exhibits. Year-round classes and events and offers snowshoeing and cross-country ski rentals in the winter.
Bayview Park
Located in Erie’s West Bayfront neighborhood, Bayview Park overlooks beautiful Presque Isle Bay and offers some of the best waterfront views in the city. Families love the splash pad in the summer along with the playground and open green space for running and playing. You’ll also find the popular “Erie” sign nearby, making this a fun stop for photos while exploring the bayfront area.
West Second and Walnut Streets Erie, Pa. , Erie, PA Read More
Frontier Park
The City of Erie's Frontier Park, with more than 1,000 trees and the Griff Slides is full of treasures waiting to be discovered. Your kids will want to spend time at the playground and on the slides, but also make time to find the labyrinth, climb trees, and splash in the creek.
1501 W. Sixth St., Erie, PA Read More
Glenwood Park
Located right next to the Erie Zoo, Glenwood Park is a convenient and family-friendly spot to play and gather. Kids can enjoy the large playground while families take advantage of the covered pavilions, making it a popular place for birthday parties and get-togethers.
4021 Glenwood Park Ave., Erie, PA Read More
Lake Erie Community Park
The bluffs here offer spectacular views of Lake Erie. Early in the morning and in the evening you are likely to see bald eagles flying (plus, sunset!). A playground here offers lots of fun. The 125-acre park also has trails, including a walking trail that takes you down to the water edge. Pavilions available for rent.
10192 W Lake Road, Lake City, PA Read More
Liberty Park
This bayfront park offers remarkable views and a fun playground. A wide lawn offers kids a fun place to run and play.
726 W. Bayfront Parkway , Erie, PA Read More
Lighthouse Park
Located in Lighthouse Park along Erie’s bayfront, the historic Erie Land Lighthouse sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay. Families enjoy walking around the small park, taking photos of the lighthouse, and letting kids explore the nearby playground. If the lighthouse is open during your visit, kids can climb the spiral staircase to the top for great views of the lake and the surrounding area. The lighthouse also hosts occasional free community events throughout the season.
2 Lighthouse St,, Erie, PA Read More
McClelland Park
McClelland Park's playground includes a really fun zipline, lots of trails — including some that are wheelchair accessible. We also love taking our dogs to the Larry R. Fabrizi Dog Park on site! 
Picnicana Park
Located in Summit Township, Picnicana Park offers a mix of playground fun and wooded exploration across 34 acres. Kids can enjoy two playgrounds, but the real magic is in the trails — including a path that crosses a stream and winds through a forest that fills with ferns in the summer. With pavilions, kitchens, and open space, it’s also a popular spot for parties, picnics, and summer programs.
9150 Old French Road , Waterford, PA Read More
Playground Paradise
Located in Greene Township, this park is home to Playground Paradise, a large, community-built playground that draws families from across Erie County. In addition to the playground, there’s plenty of space for kids to stay active with sports fields and courts, plus a paved trail that’s great for walking or biking.
9333 Tate Road , Greene Township, PA Read More
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is Erie’s ultimate outdoor destination for families. With sandy beaches, miles of bike trails, playground areas, and endless space to explore, it’s a place you can visit again and again and have a completely different experience each time. Kids can swim, build sandcastles, ride bikes, explore nature, fish, and play on a playground — all in one trip.
Rodger Young Park
Rodger Young Park offers a mix of playground fun and active play, making it a great option for families with kids of different ages. In addition to the playground, the park features multiple sports fields and courts, plus a pool in the summer — giving families plenty of ways to stay active and spend time outdoors.
Shades Beach Park
Shades Beach Park offers a little bit of everything, making it a great spot for a full day outdoors. Families can explore trails and wooded areas, play on the playground, and head down to the beach along Lake Erie — a popular place to search for beach glass. With creek access, picnic areas, and plenty of space to spread out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy
Harborcreek, PA Read More
Wayne Park
Located on Erie’s east side, Wayne Park is home to an impressive playground, built by Hamot Health Foundation in 2018. It’s a quiet, kid-friendly spot that also serves as a gathering place for the community, hosting events like concerts and local programs.
E. 6th St. and East Ave., Erie, PA Read More
Whitford Park
t’s easy to spend hours at this park thanks to the mix of playground fun, a creek to explore, and a small children’s pool for splashing in the summer. Families also love the concession stand (with very affordable treats), making it easy to stay longer without packing everything ahead of time.
5400 Iroquois Ave., Erie, PA Read More
Looking for things to do with kids in Erie? Macaroni KID Erie is your go-to source for family-friendly events, activities, and ideas — all in one easy place, every week.
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