Sylvan Heights Play Area

Tucked into one of Exeter’s greener corners, this spot has a proper outdoorsy feel that a lot of newer parks just don’t manage to pull off. The mature trees do a lot of heavy lifting here — decent shade on hot days, and they give the whole place a shady, woodland-edge atmosphere the kids seem to genuinely respond to. There’s a tire swing and a solid climbing structure that’ll keep older ones busy, while the layout naturally separates things out so toddlers aren’t constantly getting bowled over. Parents can actually sit at the picnic tables and see everything without having to hover, which makes a difference. The open grass field means there’s room to just run about if the equipment gets crowded.