Ultimate guide to the best playgrounds in and around Collin County, TX

If you’re a parent in search of the best playgrounds to enjoy with your littles, you’ve come to the right place. This is the most comprehensive, detailed list of the best playgrounds in Collin County written by a mom for other parents and caregivers of young children.

Within each featured playground listing you’ll find multiple images, as well as everything you need to know to, such as whether or not there are restrooms, the age and abilities each playground is suitable for, key facilities and features, highlights and of course, the address and directions.

Below you’ll find our comprehensive overview of best playgrounds from all of the cities but if you’re only interested in what we consider to be the top 15 best playgrounds in Collin County, click here.

Best Playgrounds in and around Collin County

For ease of navigation, we’ve subdivided the list into different cities, please use the links below to skip to a specific city.

• Best playgrounds in Allen
• Best playgrounds in Plano
• Best playgrounds in Frisco
• Best playgrounds in McKinney
• Best playgrounds in Prosper
• Best playgrounds in Little Elm
• Best playgrounds beyond Collin County (Richardson, Rowlett, Southlake, Coppell, Carrollton, Dallas, Flower Mound and Fort Worth)

Best Playgrounds in Allen TX

It is our opinion that Allen actually has the best collection of playgrounds in all of Collin County. The treehouse playground at Spirit Park easily tops our list of best playground in the area, meanwhile First Responder Playground at Green Park and Rocketship Playground at Waterford Park may be small neighborhood playground but their theming is unrivalled. And, there’s also Celebration Park which has a huge all-abilities playground and a fun splash pad.

For additional information on Allen parks and playgrounds, click here.

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Best Playgrounds in Plano TX

For additional information on Plano parks and playgrounds, click here.

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Best Playgrounds in Frisco TX

For additional information on Frisco parks and playgrounds, click here.

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Best Playgrounds in McKinney TX

For additional information on McKinney parks and playgrounds, click here.

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Best Playgrounds in Prosper TX

For additional information on Prosper parks and playgrounds, click here.

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Best Playgrounds in Little Elm TX

For additional information on Little Elm parks and playgrounds, click here.

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Best Playgrounds beyond Collin County TX

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The 15 Best Playgrounds in and around Collin County TX

The above listings give a comprehensive guide to the best playgrounds in and around Collin County, categorized by city. The below list is our top 15 best playgrounds across all cities (Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney) and beyond (Little Elm, Dallas, Southlake and Rowlett).

These are the best playgrounds we’ve found. Some are in Collin County, some are a little further afield but if they made this list, we can assure you, they’re worth the drive.

1. FRANK KENT’S DREAM PARK AT TRINITY PARK, FORT WORTH TX

This magical place will mesmerize your children with its bright, bold colors, multiple play levels and innovative twists on traditional play staples, such as slides snaking down a hill, a topsy-turvy house and even a play hot air balloon. Plus, the ground is rubber and there are zip-lines.

Of course, you probably won’t want to drive all the way to Fort Worth for a playground, no matter how unique and fun. However, since this playground is very conveniently located near many of Fort Worth’s most popular attractions, you can visit in tandem with something else. Our family likes to combine this playground with a train ride on the Forest Park Miniature Railroad.

2001 University Drive, Fort Worth
Suitable for all abilities and ages; has restrooms.

Click here for photos and more info.

2. SPACE STATION PLAYGROUND AT MCCORD PARK, LITTLE ELM TX

This unique playground isn’t technically space-themed, but something about this towering hexagonal structure led us to nickname it “Space Station playground.”

The base is slightly bouncy and serves as a platform to reach the two pillars on either side. To ascend the pillars, the kids climb up a simple ladder and then once they’re inside, the structure is completely self-contained with two tunnels leading to the long slide back down. It’s simple, but hours of fun.

Space Station playground is located within McCord Park, which is vast with trails, a fishing pond, dog park and even a disc golf course. There’s also another playground at the other end of the park that is much better suited for small children. If you’re wanting to incorporate a power walk during your visit, you can park at the other playground (2050 FM 423, Little Elm) and then go on a “hunt” to find the Space Station, about a 15-minute walk

1001 Witt Road, Little Elm
Not for all abilities and best suited for children 5 and above. Restrooms available at the parking lot next to the splash pad. To find the space station, turn right along the trail and walk about 300 feet.

Click here for photos and more info.

3. TREEHOUSE PLAYGROUND AT SPIRIT PARK, ALLEN TX

What could be more fun than a treehouse-themed playground? Big kids love climbing up and across the bridges and rope bridges between the different houses, then zipping down the five very tall slides.

1151 Ridgeview Drive, Allen
The treehouse section is definitely not suitable for smaller children, but there is a tot lot, swings and a merry-go-round. suitable for all ages; has restrooms (at the baseball/softball fields next door)

Click here for photos and more info.

4. ALL-ABILITIES PLAYGROUND(S) AT BONNIE WENK PARK, MCKINNEY

There’s a lot going on at this all-abilities playground. Highlights include zip-lines and a ropes course, slides that slope down a hill among rocks and plants, and a play structure that loops and forms an obstacle course. A bonus is that it’s divided into three areas, which are connected by a nice walking path. It’s also aptly shaded in some parts. Bonnie Wenk is a large city park. Other onsite facilities include a stocked fishing pond, pavilion, fitness area, trails and a dog pad with a doggie splash pad.

2996 Virginia Parkway, McKinney
Suitable for all abilities and ages; has restrooms.

Click here for photos and more info.

5. KIDS KINGDOM AT PECAN GROVE PARK, ROWLETT

You’ll find both dinosaurs and robots at Kids Kingdom in Rowlett. One of the main play areas is a wooden castle with lots of walkways, stairs and climbing obstacles, as well as slides (our favorite was inside a gigantic blue robot).

There’s also a big sand pit featuring a climbable dinosaur skeleton, zip lines and a tot lot with a playhouse and mini-train. Kids Kingdom is part of Pecan Grove Park, which is also home to Wet Zone, Rowlett’s family water park.

5300 Main St., Rowlett
Suitable for all abilities and ages; has restrooms.

Click here for photos and more info.

6. DRAGON PLAYGROUND AT BICENTENNIAL PARK, SOUTHLAKE

Have you ever seen a dragon spout water from its nostrils? No? Then you need to get yourself to Bicentennial playground in Southlake, which is completely enclosed by a securely gated wall with multiple play structures set among beautiful landscaping.

In addition to the dragon (which is a fun water feature for the warmer months and a great photo opportunity), a highlight is a very large sand pit complete with a playhouse. Other favorite features include an impressive climbing wall that closely resembles an actual cliff, zip-lines, splash pad and a series of small caves, fun for hiding or a quiet spot for snacks or a picnic. Another playground highlight is ample seating for parents.

450 W, Southlake Blvd., Southlake
Suitable for all ages; has restrooms.

Click here for photos and more info.

7. LIBERTY PLAYGROUND AT WINDHAVEN MEADOWS PARK, PLANO

Newly opened in 2019, Liberty Playground has two main playground areas, both with padded rubber flooring. While the play equipment itself isn’t particularly unique (no firetrucks, tanks or spaceships here), there’s a lot to do. Liberty Playground is thoughtfully laid out, colorful and has variety for kids of all ages.

There’s also a splash area modeled on a creek, and the park, Windhaven Meadows Park, has 1.9 miles of concrete trail that connects to both the Legacy and Bluebonnet trails, making it very popular for cycling. Also featured are a dog park and several pavilions you can reserve for parties.

5400 Windhaven Parkway, Plano
Suitable for all abilities and ages; has restrooms.

Click here for photos and more info.

8. KID COUNTRY AT ANDREW BROWN JR. COMMUNITY PARK, COPPELL

Kid Country playground is part of the incredible facilities at Andrew Brown Jr. Community Park in Coppell. One of the best aspects of this playground is that it’s circled by trees, which provide a lot of shade and work well with the fence to contain the kiddos.

The main play area features wooden pathways, slides and bridges, and also includes a large climbing structure, swings and teeter totters. Meanwhile, there’s a fantastic (and separate) space for small children, which is similar to the “tot lot” at Fort Wildflower, encouraging imaginative play with a cute wooden play village.

What really makes this a great place to visit is the size, beauty and impressive facilities of Andrew Brown Jr. Community Park. A walk around the park reveals three huge ponds with lovely pavilions, perfect for picnics and parties, as well as areas of wildflowers.

260 Parkway Blvd., Coppell
Suitable for all ages; has restrooms (outside the playground, at the main entrance to the park).

Click here for photos and more info.

9. ALL-ABILITIES PLAYGROUND AT MARY HEADS CARTER PARK, CARROLLTON

If your kids love to climb then they’ll love this playground. In addition to the three-story tower with gigantic slides (brace yourself, Momma!) most of the playground is linked together by off-ground walkways with lots of fun ways to climb up and down.

The less adventurous can walk up and down the ramps and down the smaller slides. In addition, the ground is made of turf and there’s a “Little Library” to exchange books or borrow and read while you’re there.

2320 Heads Lane, Carrollton
Suitable for all abilities and ages; has restrooms.

Click here for photos and more info.

10. LAKEFRONT PLAYGROUND AT LITTLE ELM PARK, LITTLE ELM

Zip-lines and numerous fun and unique climbing structures abound at Little Elm Park. The big attraction for this playground is its proximity to Little Elm Beach, which makes it a day trip destination.

When your kids have enough of the playground, you can extend the fun by walking to the beach to dig in the sand and, if it’s warm enough, play in the water. In addition, almost immediately behind the playground, you can connect to the beautiful Johnny Broyles Nature Trail, a concrete hike and bike path that loops around the lakeshore and is mostly shaded.

701 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm
Suitable for all ages; has restrooms (close to the beach).

11. HOPE PARK AT FRISCO COMMONS PARK, FRISCO

Hope Park has three distinct areas to play, all enclosed with a wooden fence. In fact, this playground is more like a play city, with endless walkways, turrets, bridges and slides, as well as all the usual suspects such as swings, merry-go-round and teeter totter.

Other highlights include the tot lot, which is much bigger than most with a lot of age-appropriate things to do, including a train and playtown structures with a farm theme. Be warned: This playground is so big that it can be a challenge to keep track of roaming kids. Beyond the playground, explore Frisco Commons Park’s beautiful pond, trail and splash pad, as well as the Frisco Veterans Memorial.

8000 McKinney Road, Frisco
Suitable for all abilities and ages; has restrooms.

Click here for photos and more info.

12. FIRST-RESPONDER PLAYGROUND AT GREEN PARK, ALLEN

Locals call Green Park “first-responder playground” or the “fire station playground” for good reason: The playground is modeled after a fire station and police station, plus it’s even next door to a real fire station.

1305 Comanche Drive, Allen
Best for ages 10 and under; no restrooms

Click here for photos and more info.

13. WINDMILL PLAYGROUND AT FRONTIER PARK, PROSPER

Also sometimes called Windmill Playground, Frontier Park is a big wooden play town with nice murals and some unusual climbing and balancing features.

What really makes Frontier Park stand out is that it is well-suited for small kids. since most of the structures are not too high off the ground and the slides are not very tall. There is also a small spray pad.

1551 Frontier Parkway, Prosper
Suitable for all abilities, best for kids 10 and under; has restrooms.

Click here for photos and more info.

14. FORT WILDFLOWER AT HERITAGE PARK, FLOWER MOUND

The tot lot of this historic Western-themed playground is adorable. If you have a baby or toddler, this is a must, even if it’s just for cute photos with all the play buildings (especially the teepee). The big kids area is great for climbers, with climbing walls and obstacles on almost every service. Fort Wildflower playground is part of Heritage Park, which includes a wonderful shaded splash pad. Deck chairs flank the ground — for weary parents — as well as a “Wildlife Encounter” trail with life-size bronze sculptures of bobcats, deer and coyotes. Walk around the pond, accented by a wooden boardwalk and pavilion.

600 Spinks Road., Flower Mound
Suitable for all abilities and ages; has restrooms.

Click here for photos and more info.

15. ROCKETSHIP PLAYGROUND AT WATERFORD PARK, ALLEN

Waterford playground is rather small in comparison to most of the others on the list, but the theme is so well-executed that it deserves to be included. Plus, there is a lot to do for little kids, such as ride the small rocking space shuttles. What’s more, the playground is located on Exchange Trail, a suburban greenbelt trail that follows Watters Creek (an actual creek, not the shopping area).

1225 Hueco Drive, Allen
Suitable for all ages; no restrooms.

Click here for photos and more info.

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Best Playgrounds – How We Did It

How did we come to have the most comprehensive list of the best playgrounds in and around Collin County? Here’s how:

Once upon a time, I was one of those moms who planned exciting adventures to keep my kids occupied on the weekends. From Peppa Pig World in Grapevine to Kidzania in Frisco and Crayola Experience in Plano, we were always doing something. Then, along came COVID, and everywhere closed. Suddenly, we had to find a different way to wear the little ones out … and keep our sanity. 

Soon enough, every Saturday and Sunday, our son, Theo (5), would ask, “Can we go to a new playground, mommy?” And so we did. Almost every weekend for the last 18 months, we’ve ventured near and far to a multitude of different playgrounds across the metroplex.

Note: Just like COVID is yet to end, our hunt for the best playgrounds near us continues. We’ll continue to update this page, so please check back and if you know of a great playground that we missed – please reach out to Rebecca at rebecca@localprofile.com.