Bonnabel Playground

Right on the lakefront in Metairie, this spot gets a lot of things right that other local playgrounds don’t. The enclosed play area means you’re not constantly chasing kids toward the water, which parents around here genuinely appreciate. It stays well-lit after dark, so evening visits are actually a real option — handy when summers are too brutal for afternoon outings. Bring the dog, bring the grandparents, it works for everyone. The lake views don’t hurt either.