Albert “Ray” Massey Park Playground

This park is a solid go-to for Gainesville families, especially once the heat cranks up — the shade trees and covered seating actually make it usable in summer, which not every park around here can claim. The play equipment is split up by age group, so little ones aren’t getting bulldozed by bigger kids on the slides and swings. There’s a fence around the play area, which parents tend to appreciate. When the kids need a break from the playground, there’s a basketball court, open grass field, and a walking path to keep everyone moving. Pack a lunch — the picnic tables and restrooms make it easy to spend a good chunk of the afternoon here.