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The Best Hidden Gem Playgrounds in Alberta

We all know that playgrounds are a great way to give children their physical activity. But, going to the same park again and again can get stale after a while. By now, you’ve been to almost every playground your town has to offer. But yet, you’re still craving an experience that feels “new” and “exciting.”

Don’t get us wrong, we absolutely LOVE our big city parks! But, once the word gets out about them, they can sometimes get a bit too crowded. That’s where our hidden gems come into play. These parks allow families to enjoy a quiet play date, away from the hustle and bustle of larger playgrounds.

And, if you’re worried about play value – don’t be. Many of our rural parks feature the same amazing equipment that we use in our big city playgrounds. Of course, you’ll just have to be willing to go “off the beaten path” to see them. So, what do you say? Let’s go on a road trip together!

Close up view of S-Shaped Tube Slide, 3-D Rock Challenge, Ladder Panel, Diamond Climb, Double Wide Slide, Wave Slide, and Challenge Ladder.

Why Should I Visit These Parks?

1. Less Busy Than Popular Parks

One draw of our hidden gem parks is that they aren’t as busy as popular playgrounds. Parents won’t have to wake up super early to go to the park. And, kids won’t have to wait in line at their favourite activity. Especially for children with anxiety, a quieter park also helps to reduce the barriers of outdoor play.

2. Great for Family Road Trips

When going on a road trip, it’s important to take frequent breaks along the way. Kids can get restless after long hours in the car, so it’s a good idea to work some activity into your travel. Playgrounds are a great way to do this. And, they also give parents a much-needed chance to get out and stretch their legs.

3. Supporting Local Communities

Our hidden gem playgrounds are a great reason to visit rural communities. But, they’re not the only thing to do there! While passing through, consider eating at a local restaurant, or purchasing a souvenir from a mom and pop shop. Small acts like these go a long way in supporting the economies of these communities.

Northern Alberta Hidden Gems

Rotary Park (Whitecourt, AB)

Address: Whitecourt, AB T7S 1B7
Age Range:
2 – 12 years
Surfacing: 
Engineered Wood Fiber, Pour in Place Rubber

Hailed as the tallest outdoor play structure in Alberta, Whitecourt’s Rotary Park is not for the faint of heart. Around every corner, there’s a new challenge to overcome. Conquer the circuit of rocks and ropes below, or climb to the peak of our monstrous Mega Tower. Once there, zoom down our 855° Typhoon Slide and start the fun all over again!

With a nearby splash park, river slide, and off-leash area, families can spend hours at Rotary Park. From May to August, there’s also a concession service that serves tasty treats – perfect on a hot summer’s day! Best of all, Rotary Park is completely accessible, with poured rubber paths winding throughout the entire playground.

Landing Trail Intermediate School (Athabasca, AB)

Address: 5502 48 Ave, Athabasca, AB
Age Range:
2 – 12 years
Surfacing: 
Engineered Wood Fiber

Adventure is the name of the game at Landing Trail Intermediate School! This Athabasca playground was tailor-made for adrenaline junkies. Mesmerizing climbers, like our DNA Climber and Gravity Cube, will have kids watching their every step. And there’s no lack of motion play either, with a plethora of swings and spinners to keep kids occupied.

However, no trip to Landing Trail would be complete without mentioning its gigantic Mega Tower. After muscling up all three levels, kids can scurry down one of two Tube Slides. Although, for those that aren’t as daring, there’s also a Mogul Slide on the second level. This slide is also made accessible through an ADA Transfer Station.

Simon Lucas Playground (Fort McMurray, AB)

Address: 591 Athabasca Ave, Fort McMurray, AB
Age Range:
2 – 12 years
Surfacing: 
Engineered Wood Fiber

Looking for a great all ages park? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Simon Lucas Playground in Fort McMurray offers a variety of challenges for all skill levels. Woven throughout the playground is a rustic, natural theme with pops of colour. Leaf roofs, faux-wood climbers, and treehouse-like towers all add to the park’s sense of curiosity.

Simon Lucas also features a handful of inclusive features. For starters, a wheelchair ramp provides access to the main play structure. Children in wheelchairs can play at various activity panels, or race a friend down our Double Wide Slide. Finally, our Revolution Spinner lets children of all abilities experience the thrills of motion play!

Central Alberta Hidden Gems

Polymanth Playground (Westlock, AB)

Address: 10719 108a Ave, Westlock, AB
Age Range:
5 – 12 years
Surfacing: 
Engineered Wood Fiber

New to Westlock in 2022, Polymanth Playground is home to many components from our NU-Edge collection. Featuring a unique mix of natural and modern equipment, this park is truly a one-of-a-kind attraction. Kids can learn about their environment with our Animal Sounds Panel, or admire the realistic look of our Log Slice Climber.

Elsewhere in the park are more modern components, like our Hover Net. This eye-catching rope climber encourages kids to work together and overcome their challenges. But, the main draw of Polymanth Playground is definitely its colossal tower. With a series of tangling ropes and a 14ft. tunnel slide, kids will be racing to go down it again!

Memorial Park (Gibbons, AB)

Address: 51 St & Lunnon Dr, Gibbons, AB
Age Range:
2 – 12 years
Surfacing: 
Engineered Wood Fiber, Pour in Place Rubber

From the very start, Memorial Park in Gibbons was designed with accessibility in mind. Starting at the ground level, pour-in-place rubber provides access to thrilling motion play events, like our Surface Spinner. Additionally, wheelchair ramps make the main play structure accessible, where kids can enjoy a mix of slides and activity panels.

Memorial Park also features a rugged, natural theme that can’t go without saying. For one, our Lumberjack Climber and Log Slice Climber are made using our realistic Naturtek material. Furthermore, our Four Wheeler jeep and Village Playhouse set the stage for pretend play. Imagine you’re on a jungle safari, or living in a log cabin!

Yellowhead County Park (Marlboro, AB)

Address: 11 St & 21 Ave, Marlboro, AB
Age Range:
2 – 12 years
Surfacing: 
Engineered Wood Fiber

On your way to Jasper? Don’t forget to check out Yellowhead County Park in Marlboro! Located on Highway 16 (between Edson and Hinton), this playground provides the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air. From conquering our mighty Mega Tower, to whirling down a pair of Tube Slides, there’s no limits to what you can do!

But, if there’s one reason to add Yellowhead County Park to your bucket list, it’s our Gravity Rail. Watch as kids’ faces light up as they glide around this roller coaster-like ride. The Gravity Rail is also the perfect getaway in a game of hide and go seek. Kids can quickly escape from the person who’s “it” and start the chase all over again!

Southern Alberta Hidden Gems

Lake Louise Sport & Recreation Centre (Lake Louise, AB)

Address: 103 Village Rd, Lake Louise, AB
Age Range:
2 – 12 years
Surfacing:
Pour in Place Rubber

Heading to Banff? Make sure you stop by our playground at the Lake Louise Sport & Recreation Centre! With a three-story tower and 14ft. tunnel slide, it’s one of the most thrilling playgrounds we’ve built. Not to mention, its natural theme is quite fitting given its mountainside location. Kids will love the lifelike climbers and colourful surfacing.

But, our playground is just one of many high-energy activities. With an ice rink, gym, and skate park to boot – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Centre also features a fully-equipped dog park, which is great for families with pets. However, keep in mind that outdoor activities are only offered during the summer months.

Curtis Field Park (Redwood Meadows, AB)

Address: Manyhorses Dr, Redwood Meadows, AB
Age Range:
2 – 12 years
Surfacing:
Pea Gravel, Rubber Tiles

Located 30 minutes west of Calgary, Curtis Field Park provides a quiet place for families to unwind. It’s the perfect playground to stop at while you’re traveling to the Rocky Mountains. At the heart of the park is our Infinity Web. This thrilling rope climber fuses physical play and fantasy into one unforgettable play experience!

Despite its remote location, Curtis Field Park has a variety of activities for all age groups. Older kids will love the challenging circuit of overhead climbers, like our Ring Trek and Trapeze Challenge Ladder. Toddlers, on the other hand, will get a kick out of the spring riders and activity panels scattered throughout the playground.

Deer Run School (Calgary, AB)

Address: 2127 146 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Age Range:
2 – 12 years
Surfacing:
Pea Gravel

Perfect for the ninja warrior in your family, Deer Run School in Calgary features a challenging obstacle course. Kids can practice their parkour skills as they leap from deck to deck and conquer a myriad of overhead climbers. And, if they need a place to cool off, there’s still our ZoomTwist and Dynamo Saucer Swings to enjoy!

What’s most striking about this playground is its vivid colours. Bright yellows, deep blues, and warm oranges all make for a visually stimulating experience. This is all thanks to our NRG Builders line, whose Web Wall Steppers act as the park’s centerpiece. But, this isn’t to downplay other standout components, like our Wishbone Climber.