Playgrounds saved my sanity when my kids were little, so at this point I’d consider myself an expert on Main Line parks. We packed up a picnic lunch or dinner, threw a blanket in the back, and headed off to explore somewhere new to play. It was also a great way for my kids to meet and play with other children, and to be able to hang out with other adults in the really isolating time that is early parenthood. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Main Line parks for kids and I hope you’ll get a chance to explore them!
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Bacton Hill Park in Malvern, PA
14 N Bacton Hill Rd, Malvern, PA 19355
Bacton Hill is a new addition to the lineup of Main Line parks; opened in 2023, it’s an all abilities playground with an assortment of play areas for all different ages, along with adult exercise area. There are a bunch of unique playground equipment pieces (my kids love the spinning merry go round) and there’s a train for pretend play. There isn’t much shade so be prepared if it’s a hot day. Friends of Bacton Hill often organizes events like Touch a Truck and story time.
Freedom Playground in Haverford, PA
9000 Parkview Dr, Haverford, PA 19041
Freedom Playground is a GEM. There’s something really magical about wooden playgrounds; those were always my favorite as a kid, and it’s no surprise that my kids love them, too. There’s a great sand pit area, some water sprayers (I wouldn’t call it a splash pad but you can get misted by them), along with tons of slides and climbing equipment. There’s also a shaded pavilion right next to the park that’s perfect for packing a lunch, and bathrooms as well. Out of the Main Line parks shared here, this was my kids favorite when they were in the older toddler age.
East Goshen Park in West Chester, PA
1661 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380
Zipline? Check. Path for biking or scootering? Check. Sand pit? Check. East Goshen has it all! The park has a bigger climbing space for older kids, and a space designated for the toddler crowd, along with swings, a large rope climbing structure, and rubber surface to avoid scuffed knees. There’s also large blue foam blocks that kids can use for building forts.
There is a pavilion with picnic tables right in the middle of the playground, with a large pavilion off to the side. There are bathrooms, but give yourself some time to get to them as they’re located a bit away from the playground. If you’re looking for Main Line parks with tennis and basketball courts, East Goshen has them too!
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Ashbridge Park in Bryn Mawr, PA
1301 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Ashbridge Park is a great option if you find yourself on the eastern part of the Main Line (our home base is on the other end). There are tons of options for a wide range of ages, including a large spider-web play structure. The playground is fenced which can be really helpful with the toddler crowd who can tend to wander away. Benches line the outside edge of the playground and there are some trees that provide shade for a picnic.
Wilson Farm Park in Chesterbrook, PA
500 Lee Rd, Wayne, PA 19087
Wilson Farm Park is a great addition to any trip to the Trader Joe’s in Wayne; tucked away in the back of the large park, you’ll find swings, lots of equipment to climb on, and of all things – a large dinosaur to crawl on. The park also has a large paved loop to walk on, if you’re trying to get steps in while the baby naps. There is a pavilion with tables, as well as bathrooms, right next to the playground.
Time to play! The 5 best Main Line parks for kids
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