City Park Playground

If you’re local, you already know this spot gets busy on hot days for good reason — the water feature is a genuine hit with the under-12 crowd, and there’s enough shade and bench space that you can actually sit comfortably while they run it out. The climbing structure keeps older kids occupied while the little ones splash around, which is a combination that’s harder to find than you’d think. Parking is there when you need it, restrooms too, and the walking and bike paths mean you can stretch the outing past just the playground. Being that close to the water gives it a different feel than your average city park — worth the trip even if you’re coming from across town.