James MartinLooking for the perfect spot to let kids burn off some energy?
Ever since I stepped into my role as the cool aunty, I’ve uncovered a handful of playgrounds around Halifax along with my nieces, where they can run, swing, and slide to their heart’s content.
From sprawling parks with inclusive designs to small neighborhood gems with splash pads, we’ve seen it all. So you won’t have to drive in circles, in search of a great play area, we made a list of our family’s favorites.
Kid-friendly and parent-approved, here are the best playgrounds in Halifax that offer little adventurers endless opportunities for fun and excitement.
Halifax Commons
Media credit: ftrafton
Location: 5816 Cogswell Street
Phone: +1 800 835 6428
Opening hours: Daily 8 am to 11 pm
Playground features: Splash pad, swimming pool, skating rink, skate park, tennis courts, cricket ground, baseball field, soccer pitch
The Halifax Commons, known to the locals as the Commons, is the oldest urban park in Canada with tennis courts, a baseball field, a swimming pool, and even a soccer pitch. No matter how old your kids get, you can still enjoy this spot with the entire family.
Right next to the skate park, you’ll find a small playground with monkey bars, slides, swings, and climbing structures, perfect for toddlers and slightly older kids to explore.
Since this playground is located downtown, it’s easily accessible through public transit. It also has ample parking space.
| Pro Tip: Bring a blanket so you can have a picnic under the shade of a tree. |
Lower Base Shearwater Playground
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Location: 2 Harvard Drive
Phone: +1 902 722 4000
Opening hours: 24/7
Playground features: Swings, slides, merry-go-rounds, monkey bars and other climbing features
One of Halifax’s hidden gems is the Lower Base Shearwater Playground. It’s not as popular as other options on this list because it’s relatively new, which is perfect if you want to avoid the crowds.
The playground’s swings, merry-go-rounds, and slides still have vibrant colors, and they all function well. What we like the most is the rubber floor that provides excellent fall protection for rambunctious children.
| Pro Tip: There are benches and picnic tables around, but not a lot of shaded areas. Put on some sunscreen before coming here. |
DeWolf Park Playground
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Location: 150 Waterfront Drive, Bedford
Phone: +1 902 490 4000
Opening hours: Daily 5 am to 10 pm
Playground features: Swings, slide, and jungle gym
Located near the waterfront, the DeWolf playground has stunning views of the Bedford Basin. Around the area, there are several benches where you can sit comfortably while watching over the children.
The playground’s highlight is a jungle gym, inspired by an old ship. Made with sails, a lookout point, and a canon, kids can pretend to be sailors or pirates—whichever they think is cooler.
It also has slides, spring riders, and spinning carousels. Since they’re quite small, they’re ideal for younger children.
| Pro Tip: It’s a dog-friendly park, so you can take your furry companions with you as long as you keep them on a leash. |
Westmount Inclusive Playground
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Location: 6700 Edward Arab Avenue
Opening hours: Daily 5 am to 11 pm
Play Features: Splash pad, wheelchair-accessible structures, sensory play elements, slides, swings
Westmount Inclusive Playground is a thoughtfully designed play space that welcomes children of all abilities to play, learn, and grow together. Thanks to its vibrant, accessible layout, every child should feel included when playing here.
The playground has wheelchair-accessible structures, sensory elements, and other engaging features that encourage imaginative play. Everything is well-maintained, so you can have peace of mind when the little ones play.
| Pro Tip: Drop by during summer so the kids can play on the splash pad, which is also designed with inclusivity in mind. |
Dingle Playground
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Location: 260 Dingle Road
Opening hours: Daily 6 am to 11 pm
Play Features: Slides, swings, climbing frames, and musical instruments
Dingle Playground is a beloved destination for families, where kids can enjoy nature-based, open-ended play.
It’s split into two different zones: a senior and a junior area. While older children have a log tower and a large log jam to conquer, younger kids have log climbers and steppers that help hone their motor skills.
Just along the beach, you can take your kids to a safe sandy area where they can play with water and create their own little world. With its scenic charm and engaging play structures, Dingle Playground is a wonderful outdoor experience for kids of all ages.
| Pro Tip: There are several picnic benches in the park, so pack some snacks and enjoy your refreshments amid lush scenery and stunning waterfront views. |
Submarine Playground
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Location: 1655 Lower Water Street
Opening hours: 24/7
Play Features: Submarine play gym, swings, spring riders and slides
Designed to resemble a submarine, this playground can encourage young minds to engage in imaginative play. The entire structure is interactive, complete with steering wheels, a periscope, and portholes so kids can embark on nautical adventures.
We like that the first level of the submarine is wheelchair-accessible, allowing children of all abilities to play together in a safe and engaging space.
Since the playground is situated right along Halifax’s waterfront, it’s easily accessible on foot or by public transit. However, its convenient location also draws in a lot of families, especially on the weekends.
| Pro Tip: Submarine Playground is located near restaurants, cafes, and other free attractions, which you can visit after playtime. |
Fort Needham Memorial Park
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Location: 5515 Stairs Pl
Phone: +1 902 490 4633
Opening hours: Daily 8 am to 11 pm
Play Features: Slides, wooden cannon, tire swings and climbing structures
Just a few minutes from downtown Halifax, you’ll find a large wooden playground within the perfectly manicured grounds of Fort Needham Memorial Park. It has climbing structures, slides, swings, and a wooden canon that kids of all ages will enjoy.
This expansive park is an ideal spot for a family outing because you can picnic, play sports, and hike around groomed trails. It even has an off-leash dog area where your furry buddies can run wild and free.
| Pro Tip: There aren’t a lot of shaded areas near the playground, so pack your sunscreen if you’re spending the day here, especially in the summer. |
Sackville Kinsmen Playground and Splash Pad
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Website: http://www.sackvillekinsmen.ca/
Location: 71 First Lake Drive, Lower Sackville
Phone: +1 902 865 6042
Play Features: Jungle gym, slides, swings, climbing structures, and splash pad
Home to a small playground, a splash pad, and a beach, the Kinsmen Park at Sackville is an affordable yet memorable way to spend the summer. The playground has slides, swings, and climbing structures that cater to younger children.
The splash pad, however, is for everyone. Throughout June to September, they open the splash pad to the public, so everyone (yes, including you) can cool off on a hot, sunny day.
Its layout is designed to be wheelchair-accessible and inclusive, making it a safe and welcoming space for people of all abilities.
| Pro Tip: Always look up the local swim advisory before jumping into the water. If it isn’t safe for swimming, stick to the splash pads. |
Upper Musquodoboit Wooden Playground
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Location: 8765 NS-224, Upper Musquodoboit
Opening hours: 24/7
Play Features: Wooden tower, slides, swing sets, and themed play areas
Upper Musquodoboit has the largest wooden playground in Halifax. It has a castle-like structure with many nooks and crannies that kids can explore, as well as themed areas for playing make-believe.
We know you will be impressed with this wooden playground—well, we certainly were! If it wasn’t an hour away from downtown, we would probably drop by here more often along with our pets.
| Pro Tip: Except for a church and some houses, there aren’t any shops or restaurants nearby. If you’re planning on stopping by, don’t forget to pack some snacks. |
Acadia Park
Media credit: playgroundcrawlshfx
Website: http://www.acadiahall.ca/index.html
Location: Sackville Drive
Phone: +1 902 865 7751
Opening hours:
Mon, Sat 7:30 am to 11 pm
Tue, Thu-Fri, Sun 8 am to 11 pm
Wed 7 am to 11 pm
Play Features: Swings, slides, seesaws, steppers, and climbing structures
Acadia Park in Lower Sackville has a well-maintained playground with a variety of fun features that are accessible to kids of all ages, sizes, and abilities. It has everything from slides and swings to steppers and climbing structures.
The park’s perfectly manicured lawns and groomed paths are excellent for family picnics, sports, and leisurely strolls. With its peaceful surroundings and natural beauty, it provides a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sometimes, you’ll find food trucks and farmers’ markets, where you can get freshly baked treats, fruits, and refreshments.
| Pro Tip: If it’s still too hot to play outside, head to the public library next door. They have puppet shows, lego building, and reading activities for kids. |
