Red River Zoo Nature Playground

If you’re heading to Red River Zoo anyway, don’t blow past this spot on your way to the animals. The nature playground has a solid wooden fort-style climbing structure that kids actually want to stay on, plus logs and natural elements that make it feel more like exploring than just playing. There’s open grass nearby for running around, and the tree cover gives it a genuine outdoorsy feel — not that fake nature aesthetic you see at a lot of newer playgrounds. Picnic tables make it easy to pack a lunch and turn the whole thing into a proper half-day outing. Good for a wide age range, which helps when you’ve got a mixed crew of kids in tow.