Playground @ HMT Recreation Center

If you’re looking for a spot where you can actually sit in the shade while the kids play, this one delivers. The HMT Recreation Center playground in Beaverton has separate areas for the little ones and the bigger kids, which makes a real difference when you’ve got a toddler and a seven-year-old who want nothing to do with each other’s idea of fun. Wood chip surfacing keeps things soft underfoot, and the musical equipment tends to be a hit with the younger crowd. Picnic tables, benches, and shaded seating mean you’re not standing around squinting into the sun the whole time — genuinely one of the more comfortable setups for parents in the area.