9 Best Parks in Fargo for Kids of All Ages

natural playground moorhead
Natural Play Hill at Riverfront Park, Moorhead. Photo Credit: Fargo Mom

 

Looking for the best parks in Fargo? Heading to the park is a great way to for kids to burn off energy all year long!

Here is a roundup of what I consider to be the eight best parks in the Fargo-Moorhead region.

I selected these parks taking note of convenient parking, shelter or bathroom access (available on-site or nearby), and also high energy and low energy spaces for the age groups 2–5 years old and 5-12 years old.

9 Great Parks in the Fargo-Moorhead Area

1. River’s Bend

2548 1st St. E West Fargo, ND 58078

This cute, whimsical park provides the littles with their own play space. It was enough to challenge them, but not too much for them to take on. Being that I took my kids on this a few different times, it was helpful to know I could climb up the structure with my littles. But also could reach them in any direction on the ground if they decided to go into “I can do it” mode. And the shelter right next to the playground is a good spot for potty breaks.

This park does have a fun and separated space for 5–12-year-olds. This was a plus so that their high energy play wasn’t too overwhelming for the littles.

Highlights:
  • Playground for toddlers
  • Spider net great for climbing
  • Nearby pond with paths around
  • Restrooms
  • Shelter with picnic tables
  • Musical features
  • Fun flowers and other bright colors

best parks in fargo

2. Rabanus Park

4243 19th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103

Near the West Acres Mall and needing to get some energy out? This playground has structures for all ages. Again, separate structures for each child’s ability to push themselves.

It has ample parking and a building with air conditioning that is available for a quick break or bathroom. Plus, there are walking paths and a community orchard to check out while there!

Be aware that this is part of the YMCA childcare program so it may be extra busy at some points during the weekdays.

Highlights:
  • Centrally located near West Acres
  • Smaller play area for toddlers
  • Bathrooms nearby
  • Paths around to explore
  • Community orchard to explore
  • Basketball court nearby

best parks in fargo

3. Maplewood Park

1504 17th Ave E West Fargo ND 58078

The newest addition to the area, this park is adorable and a sight to be seen from the street.

It’s the newest inclusive playground available and the second largest in North Dakota. If you’re looking for more information on inclusive aspect of this playground, check out this article for more specifics.

Two nice amenities include a bathroom shelter on-site near the playground and the ninja course for older kids (13+ years old).

I have a date night for a summer evening planned at this park. The plan is to have a picnic with my husband and then see who can go through the ninja course the fastest.

It includes a nice bike/pedestrian path around the playground and park, a large sledding hill, and a basketball court and pickleball combo with dasher boards to keep the balls in one area.

Maplewood has the two parking lots, so ample parking shouldn’t be a worry, but being a new park, I imagine it will be full all summer long.

Highlights:
  • Accessible for all abilities
  • Small structures for little ones
  • Pretend play with the hot air balloon structure
  • Nearby Ninja Course for big kids
  • Restrooms
  • Shelters/picnic tables

best parks in fargo
Photo Credit: Dakota Playground, Landscape Structures Inc., and West Fargo Park District.

4. Shadow Wood

3545 4th St E West Fargo, ND 58078

This one has a nice selection of play features for every age with a fun nature theme. Play search with the hidden creatures, use the fitness equipment along the sidewalk for a workout session, and enjoy the splash pad when it’s up and running.

Again, another great place with a shelter and bathroom available. And it also has a large shelter for doing picnics away from the playground and splash pad if you need some quiet time.

Highlights:
  • Splash pad nearby
  • Toddler structure and structure for bigger kids
  • Pond views
  • Use the underground tunnel to cross the street and explore the exercise equipment
  • Fun log slide, plus climbing feature
  • Shelters and picnic tables near the splash pad

best parks in fargo

5. Meadowlark Park

8880 Lost River Road, Horace, ND 58047

This new playground is a nature-themed in a different perspective with two playground zones for the kids of ages to be able to play in the space. It has a nice amount of parking available on the street and a picnic shelter. If you live out in this area it’s a nice option to go to a large playground.

Highlights:
  • Pickleball courts
  • Basketball court
  • Gazebo
  • Connected paths to explore that run throughout the park

best parks in fargo

best parks in fargo

best parks in fargo

6. Lindenwood Park

1905 Roger Maris Drive Fargo, ND 58103

This park has more than one playground in the park itself. So, if one playground seems too busy for your liking, chances are there should be more within the area.

There are plenty of spots for parking in different areas of the park. And bikes and kayaks are available to rent.

Note that these parks could be busy with the availability of shelters open for rentals either for family reunions, birthdays, or just to have a gathering spot.

Highlights:
  • Great trails nearby to explore, just along the Red River
  • Restrooms
  • Shelters with picnic tables
  • Huge variety of play equipment and lots of swings
  • Trees nearby for shade, great for a picnic lunch

best parks in fargo

7. Dakota Park

5600 9th St W, West Fargo, ND 58078

This is a newer park with climbing features, numerous slides, and a hiking and biking path.  Pickleball is also an open.

Please note, this park is currently named Wilds South Riverside Park on Google Maps.

  • Multiple playground options for kids of all ages
  • Restrooms
  • Shelters with picnic tables
  • Tall climbing wall
  • Lots of opportunities to climb
  • Musical features
  • Pond view

best parks in fargo

8. Gooseberry Mounds Park 

100 22nd Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560

This park is located just across the river in Moorhead. And has a large playground area with unique structures, including a maze for kids to explore!

There’s lots of open space for kids to explore and scenic views of the Red River.

Take the pedestrian bridge across to Lindenwood Park in Fargo, and enjoy the two parks in one trip!

Highlights:
  • Fun maze
  • Bathrooms
  • Shelter with picnic tables
  • Lots of open fields for free play
  • Nature play area with slide
  • Different playgrounds for big and little kids
  • Lots of shade for hot days
  • Trails nearby for exploring

best parks in fargo

9. Natural Play Hill in Moorhead

Riverfront Park, 600 1st Ave N, Moorhead, MN 56560

This park is located along Riverfront Park in Moorhead, nestled between the Hjemkomst Center and Riverhaven Events Center. And has a large playground area with unique structures, including a maze for kids to explore!

There are tons of natural climbing structures, a zip line, and even a bike park!

Highlights:
  • Multiple slides
  • Natural features for climbing and play
  • Riverfront views
  • Bike park
  • Trails nearby for exploring

natural playground moorhead

natural playground moorhead

natural playground moorhead

These only highlights a few of the best parks in Fargo and Moorhead. What’s your favorite park in the area? Let us know in the comments below!

And looking for more inexpensive fun for kids? Check out 30 Free Things to Do in Fargo this Summer!

Looking for more family-friendly activities to do this summer? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer!

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Danielle MacGregor
Danielle is a born-and-raised native to Aurora, CO who recently moved from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Fargo for work and family. Extreme hot to an extremely cold climate makes for fun experiences. She has her bachelor's degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality and will always be there to support her Alma Mater, the University of Northern Colorado (Go Bears!), but also tries not to blend into the sea of Bison fans as a UND fan. She is married to her husband, who works in the medical field, and juggles a life of being a wife, momma to two girls and two terriers, and a full-time sales manager. Her house is never quiet, or clean with games, toys and crafting materials everywhere, but she wouldn't change it. Her goal in writing is to help keep your day light-hearted with humor about how things never go as they seem when outnumbered by children, while also sharing topics, tips, and tricks for odd and funky things.

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