With North Texas weather just about perfect right now, it’s the best time to round up the kids, slather on some sunscreen and head outside before the A/C bill gives you a heart attack. A trip to the playground is a win-win: the little ones get to run wild, and you get to sit down for five minutes of peace. Best of all? It’s totally free.
Here are some of the top playgrounds in Plano where you can let the chaos unfold (safely):
​Liberty Park
Where: 1200 Mill Valley Drive, Plano
What To Know: Suitable for all ages; No restrooms available
Liberty Park might look like your average neighborhood playground — until you spot the M41-A3 Walker Bulldog tank casually parked in the middle of it. Yep, a real tank. Outfitted with a ladder and kid-friendly modifications, it’s part history lesson, part jungle gym and 100% playground legend.
​Windhaven Meadows Park
Where: 5400 Windhaven Parkway, Plano
What To Know: Suitable for all abilities and ages; Restrooms available
Liberty Playground isn’t just colorful — it’s a full-on kid magnet, thoughtfully designed for children of all ages and abilities. According to the city of Plano, it doesn’t just check the ADA compliance box — it raises the bar. The park features inclusive play structures and wheelchair-accessible seesaws, making sure everyone gets in on the fun. Bonus: there’s a massive 1,800-square-foot splash area that looks like a natural creek and offers a perfect way to cool off. It usually runs from early April through mid-October, so plan accordingly (and bring a towel).
Haggard Park
Where: 901 E. 15th Street, Plano
What To Know: Suitable for all ages; Restrooms available
Haggard Park serves up a little slice of charm right in the heart of downtown Plano. With its historic buildings and tree-lined paths, it’s basically begging you to take a leisurely stroll — or at least pretend you’re in a Hallmark movie. While you're soaking in the scenery, the kids can burn off some serious energy at the playground, giving you a moment of peace (or at least fewer requests for snacks).
Big Lake Park
Where: 3800 Rainier Road, Plano
What To Know: Suitable for all abilities and ages; No restrooms available
Big Lake Park is a neighborhood gem that’s got a little bit of everything — playground, picnic tables, grills and a hike-and-bike trail for burning off those post-burger calories. The playground is built for kids of all ages, but older kids in particular will find plenty to brag about. We’re talking five slides (yes, five!), including a triple racing slide that practically dares you to settle sibling rivalries. There’s also a telescope for tiny explorers, a built-in music station for impromptu jam sessions, climbing walls for the fearless and four swings — one of which offers therapeutic support, because playtime should be awesome for everyone.
Buckhorn Park
Where: 3601 Mission Ridge Road, Plano
What To Know: Suitable for all ages; No restrooms available
The playground at Buckhorn Park in Plano is a hidden gem, undoubtedly ranking among the finest in the area. Boasting three nearly new play structures and ample shaded areas, it offers a great play experience for children of all ages. One of the structures stands three stories tall, featuring expansive slides and abundant climbing opportunities. There's also a set of swings nestled under a shade pavilion for added comfort. The third play structure, designed for younger children aged 2 to 5, includes interactive elements like drums, climbing features, a cozy "kids-only" playhouse and slides.
Jack Carter Park
Where: 2800 Maumelle Drive, Plano
What To Know: Suitable for all abilities and ages; Restrooms available
The playground at Jack Carter Park is all about inclusive fun—designed to support play, learning, and growth for kids of all abilities. It’s packed with sensory-rich features that make it more than just a place to burn energy — it’s a space built for development and connection. Opened in 2017, this all-abilities playground became a reality thanks in part to a generous $50,000 donation from the Plano Rotary Club, proving that when the community comes together, awesome things happen.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Where: 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano
What To Know: Suitable for all ages; Restrooms available
Arbor Hills is the ultimate afternoon escape — where scenic walking trails, native greenery and fresh air do most of the parenting for you. Tucked among all that natural beauty is a solid playground setup with slides, climbing equipment and more, complete with shaded areas to survive the Texas heat and plenty of room for the kids to run wild while you pretend this counts as cardio.
Bob Woodruff Park
Where: 2601 San Gabriel Drive, Plano
What To Know: Suitable for all ages; Restrooms available
The playground at Bob Woodruff Park is a kid paradise with room to spare. Its wide-open layout means there’s no shortage of space — or fun — for little adventurers to explore. And the cherry on top? A gorgeous lake view that makes it the perfect setting for a spring or summer picnic, whether you packed sandwiches or just a really solid snack stash.
Preston Meadow Park
Where: 4243 Lorimar Drive, Plano
What To Know: Suitable for all abilities and ages; Restrooms available
The playground at Preston Meadow Park packs in plenty of perks. It’s partially shaded (a North Texas blessing), comes with a roomy pavilion perfect for snack breaks or party setups, and has restrooms close by — because when a kid’s gotta go, they’ve gotta go. Even better, both main play structures are wheelchair accessible, making it a great spot for inclusive play.
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Don’t forget to check out more of Collin County’s great parks! Visit Local Profile’s guide to playgrounds in Allen and Frisco. Plus, there are plenty of great sensory-friendly playgrounds in Plano, Frisco and Beyond.
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