Charlotte Bacon’s Playground

Right on the waterfront in West Haven, this playground hits different because of where it sits — you’ve got Long Island Sound views while your kids are digging in the sandbox or working the swings. It’s dedicated to Charlotte Bacon, one of the Sandy Hook victims, and the pink color scheme throughout makes that feel intentional rather than decorative. The sand play setup is genuinely good here — buckets and shovels are usually on hand, and the area stays surprisingly clean for a beach-adjacent spot. Parking is easy, which honestly matters more than people admit when you’re hauling beach gear and kids at the same time.