Best Playgrounds in Greenwood | Parks with the Best Play Areas for Kids

If you haven’t checked out Greenwood’s parks in awhile, now is the time to take another look. Over the years, the city has added several parks and made amazing renovations to existing ones. There are currently over 400 acres dedicated to 18 parks located in Greenwood. With trails, playgrounds (including two renovated in 2020), basketball courts, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and picnic areas, your family will find something for everyone to do.

Parks & Playgrounds in Greenwood

Freedom Park

850 West Stop 18 Road, Greenwood

Adjacent to Freedom Springs Aquatic Center, Freedom Park features two playgrounds—one for older kids and one for toddlers. There is also a disc golf course and 1.5 mile trail, along with football and soccer fields, and tennis and basketball courts. During the winter, crowds flock to the park’s specially made sledding hill. On a nice summer day, pack a lunch and eat in a designated picnic area. You can even bring your bait and tackle and fish in the Freedom Park Pond.

Old City Park

304 South Meridian Street, Greenwood

Old City Park was completely reimagined in 2020 and is now a favorite among locals. Its centerpiece is a 20-foot cube tower that all ages, even adults, can climb. You’ll also find grassy rock climbing walls, a pipe slide, interactive panels, climbing nets, foosball tables, and cornhole boards. The urban porch swings and tables with umbrellas offer respite for those needing a break. Water fountains are also available. Two bocce ball courts, a shelter, and a fitness area with air walkers and stretching equipment are located on the south end of the park.

City Center Park

415 Lincoln Street, Greenwood

City Center Park is also known as the “Splash Park” in Greenwood. Its central feature is a splash pad with sprayers to run through, fountains to step on, and even filling buckets that spill on you if you’re lucky. Don’t forget to bring water toys such as cups, squirters, and watering cans to keep your kids busy for hours. A handicap accessible playground with areas for both younger and older kids is steps away from the splash pad and nicely shaded with colorful shade structures. The park also includes a large swing set with two expression swings, walking trail, basketball court, restrooms, and a large picnic shelter.

Northwest Park

1300 West Fry Road, Greenwood

A playground with tunnels, slides, and climbing structures is a fun feature of Northwest Park. There are also basketball courts and a gazebo and large picnic shelter to provide shade on hot days. The trademark of this park, though, is the trail system. Your kids will love crossing the bridge and exploring the several short trails meandering around Pleasant Run Creek. Let them run under the mature trees and through the greenspace.

University Park

200 Legacy Boulevard, Greenwood

As a life-long resident of Greenwood, I just recently discovered this beautiful park. It covers 40 acres and includes wooded walking trails. The less than half-mile trails (Benjamin Trail, Mayapple Trail, and Hackberry Trail) are perfect for kids. There is also a forest-themed playground for all ages, basketball court, and plenty of greenspace to fly a kite or start a game of soccer or football. Take a moment to relax in the shelter house or on one of the park benches overlooking the Reflections Plaza Pavilion.

Westside Park

820 West Main Street, Greenwood

A softball diamond and tennis courts are the first things you’ll notice when arriving at Westside Park. Drive further back, and there is also a large picnic shelter and playgrounds with plenty of slides, tunnels, ladders, and rock climbing walls. Your infant can swing in the baby swings as the older kids play. Be sure to take a stroll on the wooded walking path alongside Pleasant Creek before you leave.

Craig Park

10 East Smith Valley Road, Greenwood

The largest park in Old Town Greenwood, Craig Park is a hub of activity. You’ll find tennis courts, a volleyball court, and several pickleball courts. There is also a playground that has equipment for toddlers to older kids. My toddler’s favorite part of the park is what he calls the “Bug Playground.” It’s a small Bees, Trees, and Butterfly pocket playground which includes tall trees with steps to climb, a caterpillar tunnel to crawl through, and even a beehive to climb in. Two large shelters, a gazebo, and several large trees provide plenty of perfect picnic spots.

Surina Square Park

100 Surina Way, Greenwood

This park encompasses the area around the Greenwood Community Center and the Greenwood Amphitheater. There is plenty of greenspace to run around and bridges and a walking trail along Pleasant Creek to explore. In December, Duke Energy sponsors a lit trail through the park. Surina Square also houses a hidden gem, the Greenwood Fire Station 91 pocket playground. Firefighter fans are sure to enjoy the playground designed to look like a firehouse. There is a car and firetruck to drive as well as a lookout to spy a fire far away and a twirly slide. You just may want to accompany your little ones to the top of the firehouse as there is a firepole that may be difficult for them to navigate.

Independence Park

2100 South Morgantown Road, Greenwood

Recently renovated and reopened in July of 2020, Independence Park is a favorite in the Center Grove area. Featuring all-accessible equipment, kids of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to play. Your kids will find climbing nets, a climbing dome, slides, stepping stones, learning panels, and a drop zone tower (warning: adults go down a lot faster than the kids). There are also several different types of swings and a Sona Play Arch that provides fun games for all ages. The park has a full court basketball court, a smaller basketball half court, and three picnic shelters. Be sure to take a walk along the trail to find the Johnson County Story Walk and read the featured story while doing fun activities together.

Kid City at the Greenwood Community Center

100 Surina Way, Greenwood

This two-story, STEAM-centered, indoor playground is the perfect place to bring your kids no matter the weather. There is a small admission fee for Kid City, but it is worth it for the length of time your kids will stay busy. Downstairs, the Luckey Climber is the central feature and allows your child to climb to the second story and back in an enclosed space. There is also a small wooden playground for smaller kids and stacking blocks and noodles to configure any way you wish. Upstairs, your kids can get creative in the art center, shop and cook in the grocery store and kitchen, or interact with the giant light brite and legos. Outside they can explore the musical garden. Restrooms and a nursing room are available and there are tables scattered around for you to take a quick break.