Applegate Children’s Playground

If you’re spending the day at the Merced Zoo, this playground right nearby makes for a natural add-on — kids can burn off energy before or after the animals. The equipment is newer and you can tell people actually take care of the place, which isn’t something you can say about every park in town. Shade trees and covered picnic tables mean you’re not just baking in the Central Valley sun while the little ones play. Restrooms on-site too, which parents will appreciate more than they’ll admit. Good spot for the 2-12 crowd, and honestly one of the cleaner playgrounds you’ll find in Merced.