Hampton Beach Playground

Right on Ocean Boulevard with the beach basically at your back, this gated playground is one of those spots locals actually trust. The enclosed setup makes a real difference when you’ve got little ones — no chasing kids into the parking lot while you’re trying to catch a breath. There’s a solid mix of equipment for the 3-11 crowd: slides, swings, a sandbox, and the star of the show, an old-school metal merry-go-round that kids absolutely lose their minds over. It stays pretty clean considering the foot traffic, though summer weekends can get packed fast, so morning visits are the move if you want elbow room.