Rainbow Lake Playground

One of the more interesting playgrounds in Memphis, this spot near Rainbow Lake has a solid mix of equipment that actually keeps kids busy — merry-go-round, sandbox, musical elements, climbing structure, and swings all in one fenced area. The lake backdrop gives it a different feel than your typical city park, and the shaded seating means parents aren’t baking in the sun while the kids run around. Restrooms and picnic tables are on-site, which makes a longer visit genuinely doable. Fair warning though — maintenance has been hit or miss, so don’t be surprised if something’s out of order on a given day. Still, for kids between 2 and 12, there’s enough variety here that it’s worth the trip.