At four years old, my son has graduated from a toddler to a preschooler (oh, my heart!). It’s an age that has proven difficult for finding outdoor play spaces for my four-but-thinks-he-is-fourteen spirited child. His needs and wants for play and entertainment are different than a year ago, and we now find ourselves seeking out new options for an updated list of favorite parks and playgrounds.
The following are our most recent favorites for preschooler-friendly parks because of their amenities, safety features, and dynamic play equipment.
Favorite Parks for Preschoolers in Fargo-Moorhead
Southside Regional Park (2000 40th Ave S, Moorhead)
Amenities
- ADA-compliant
- restrooms
- fenced
- Rubber base
As the only fully fenced park on our list, this is a great location for runners and overzealous explorers. The entire playground sits atop a rubber base, making it accessible by wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons. In fact, the accessibility offered at this ADA-compliant playground cannot be matched. Key accessible features include endless ramps and a We-Go-Swing, a We Sway, and a harnessed bucket swing. The playground offers various opportunities for children to climb, run, sway, and slide.
Lindenwood East Park (1905 Roger Maris Dr, Fargo)
Amenities
- picnic shelter
- restrooms
- charcoal grills
- rental equipment
Skip past the equally cool, but often busier, Fargo Rotary playground and drive east into the campground. In the center of the playground is the main picnic shelter and a newer playground in various shades of green.
We first tried this playground when our child was two years old, and it was too advanced for him to safely play. Now four, he can venture through both play structures, access the swings, and climb the rope features without much worry.
Tip: The playground itself does not offer much shade, but the area around the playground is heavily shaded. Apply sunscreen to those playing on the playground and set up a blanket or chair in the shade for spectators.
River’s Bend Park (2548 1st St E, West Fargo)
Amenities
- all-ages friendly
- picnic shelters
- water fountains
- dog fountains
- restrooms
Always a favorite in our family, River’s Bend Park is an expansive park tucked away in West Fargo’s The Preserve neighborhood, west of the Rustad Recreation Center. There are many play structures in this park, with a section most appropriate for young toddlers on the north side and a larger section most appropriate for school-aged children on the south side. Between the two play spaces are benches and a water fountain.
At four years old, my son is just now able to independently play on the more advanced equipment. The pieces included in this portion of the playground are not necessarily typical for our local parks and are more reflective of a ninja park: a climbing wall, balancing ropes, unique horizontal and vertical climbers, and rope nets.
At every visit, we’ve witnessed children ages 0 – 12+ having fun at this park.
Tip: Pack a picnic lunch, blanket, sunscreen, a book, and beverages and set up the family for an afternoon of play and relaxation. Use one of the two picnic shelters for lunch at a table and then lay out a blanket on the grass to enjoy your book while the kiddos play.
Parks for Preschoolers Outside of Fargo (for a day trip!)
Glyndon City Park (202 Eglon Ave S, Glyndon, MN)
Amenities
- shaded playground
- old and new playground equipment
- ample seating
Nostalgic Millennials and Gen Xers will appreciate the older portion of the park, which includes sand diggers and a small metal slide (caution: it gets hot!). On the park’s north side is a playground with ample slides, monkey bars, climbing structures, and swings. While updated, this playground isn’t as flashy as those found throughout the metro, but offers an equally enjoyable, yet different, experience for toddlers.
Tip: Before stopping at the park, visit the UC Hope thrift store at 218 Eglon Ave S in Glyndon, just across the street from the park. The store’s proceeds support families in need in the Dilworth, Glyndon, and Felton communities. Use the park as a reward for kiddos who are polite and patient shopping companions. Another fun nearby adventure is Blooming Acre Flower Farm, a u-pick flower farm! And make a stop at Green Leaf Nursery & Produce for some fresh flowers or veggies (depending on the season)!
Dr. Allen Magnuson Park (520 S Cascade St, Fergus Falls, MN)
Amenities
- ADA-compliant (partially)
- restrooms
- all-ages friendly
A new favorite for our family, we often stop here on our journey back from a weekend at the lake. It’s centrally located near downtown Fergus Falls, which is home to various cafés, bakeries, and shops.
The size of this playground cannot be overstated – it is HUGE. There are three large primary play structures, but an abundance of swing sets, gliders, and musical instruments are scattered throughout the space, making this much more than a typical playground.
With half of the park set in a rubber base, it can be easily accessed by those with wheelchairs, strollers, or wagons. On a hot day, a set of misters provide relief from the sunny playground. There is little to no shade on the actual playground, and very limited shaded seating, so our visits always include sunscreen, full water bottles, and hats.
Tip: Fergus Falls is a worthy destination for a daytrip. Make the one-hour drive to check out this playground, visit Otter Cove Museum, grab lunch at the Viking Café or Töast, cool off at the splash pad, and more!
Lake Brophy County Park (2175 Brophy Landing NW, Alexandria, MN)
Amenities
- all-ages friendly
- restrooms
- picnic shelter
- public beach
Always a favorite, Lake Brophy County Park is a must-stop during weekends at the lake. As I highlighted in a previous article, this massive playground has three structures of slides, swings, climbing walls, gliders, rocking footpaths, nets, and spinners.
Make sure to pack a swimsuit if you want to enjoy the nearby lake, and hit up Country Blossom Farm during your visit!
For more fun parks around Fargo, check out our list of Favorite Parks for All Ages!
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