Little one love the playground, but love running away just as much? Don't worry - I've got you covered! I've rounded up the best, free playgrounds around RVA that have a fence. These playgrounds are fun for all ages, but they are especially great with little kids and when solo parenting multiple kiddos.
*Follow @thewestendmom on Instagram for things to do with kids in Richmond and around Virginia!
The Best Public Parks around Richmond, Virginia with a Fence:
1. Huguenot Park: Located in Bon Air, this 53 acre park has an all-inclusive playground, picnic shelters, athletic fields & basketball courts, and stroller friendly trails! Our favorite feature of this park is the large sand play area in the fenced playground. My littles love playing here with the trucks, shovels & other sand toys. This park is very popular, so it’s easy to make friends too!
Why I like it for babies and toddlers: The sand play area is so much fun! Community members donate toys, so they are always rotating. The playground also has a paved path around it, so children can use the ride on & push toys.
Heads up: While this playground is fenced in, it does not have a gate. There is only one way in and one way out though!
*Check here for my full review.
2. Park 365: Located in the City of Richmond, Park 365 is free play area that is open to all ages & all abilities. You can visit this popular park every day from drawn to dusk. This is a great spot to make friends - we always meet the nicest people here. You can also reserve it for birthday parties!
Why I like it for babies and toddlers: I love this park for all ages because it is inclusive and fenced in. For babies and new walkers specifically, there are baby swings, playground equipment specifically for 0-5, and the entire park is stroller friendly. We always meet nice people when we are playing here, so it's a great spot to visit as a new parent.
Hours: It's open Monday from 11am to dusk, and Tuesday to Sunday from dawn to dusk. This free, all-accessible park is maintained by SOAR365.
Heads up: While this playground is completely fenced in with a gate, it is huge! It's 2.4 acres.
*Check here for my full review.
3. Short Pump Park: Located in the heart of Short Pump, this Henrico park is bigger than it seems! It includes multiple playgrounds, a dog park, walking trails, a football field, a baseball field, concessions, and a restored 1902 Schoolhouse. The paved walking trail is .25 mile, going from the park to John Rolfe Parkway.
Why I like it for babies and toddlers: This park has plenty of baby swings and a playground designed for children 5 and younger. The paved walking trail from the playground to John Rolfe Parkway is easy for small legs, scooters & bikes!
Heads up: This playground has a fence on three sides, but the side that faces the picnic shelter and dog park is open.
*Check here for my full review.
4. The Carillon's Tot Lot: Located in the City of Richmond, this playground is located next to the Virginia World War Memorial Carillon. The main play structure has three slides and climbing features. It has two swings, two baby swings and a swing that holds a big kid & a baby! Bigger kids would enjoy the large climbing feature, see saws and other balancing structures.
Why I like it for babies & toddlers: I like it because it’s fenced in (except a gate) and it’s perfect for the 6 and under crowd.While the playground itself has full sun, there are plenty big trees near by that offer a break from the heat. It is less than 5 minutes from Maymont Park, so you can visit both spots in one outing.
*Check here for a full review.
5. Lombardy & Park Ave. Triangle Park: Located in Richmond’s Fan, this neighborhood park is smaller than most Richmond city parks, but it’s still worth a visit! It has picnic tables, a sand play area, swings, and a play structure. The play structure is designed for younger kids - it has a play area under it, there’s a small climbing wall, and two smaller slides. The four swings are completely in the shade.
Why I like it for babies and toddlers: This neighborhood park is completely fenced in, so it’s one of my go-to spots when I am solo with my kids. We love the sand play area that is filled with toys - all donated by the local community (bikes, cozy coops, etc). It is the perfect spot to visit before having dinner at Kuba Kuba, too!
6. Wishing Well Park: Located in the Salisbury neighborhood, this playground is open to the public. It shares a parking lot with The Redeemer Church, so it may look crowded even if its not. It has a large, fenced in play area with a gate! There's plenty of space to run around, and it has a play structure, climbing wall, and sand play area. There are plenty of swings, including baby swings and accessible swings.
Why I like it for babies and toddlers: The sand play area is such a hit! I love that the sand play has a covered play area too - especially on hot days! Little ones can crawl into the climbing tower, so it's like a play house.
*Wishing Well Park is currently raising money to renovate the playground. They have almost reached their goal - visit here to make a donation! With the help of community donations, Wishing Well Park will be ADA accessible!
7. Twin Hickory Park: Located next to Twin Hickory Public Library and close to Deep Run High School, this park has a lot to offer! It has walking trails, open play areas, 4 sand volleyball courts, a splash pad, a picnic shelter with restrooms, and two different play areas. It opened in July of 2014, so it is also relatively new.
Why I like it for babies and toddlers: This playground is fenced in except for the entrance - but there's only one way in and one way out! Parts of the playground has a soft flooring (the splash pad is concrete). There’s a little kid area with a bug theme. It has a place to crawl through and stepping stones, baby swings & a bench with a sun umbrella.
*Check here for a full review.
8. Dunncroft Castle Point's Splash Park: This is the only free, public splash park in the Richmond metro area that is completely fenced in! This is my children's favorite splash park because it has so many unique water features. There's a frog structure to run through, a spinning water spout and lots of lower pressure spouts (perfect for our smallest friends).
The playground is great for children 0-5 *but it is not fenced in.* It has ADA flooring, swings, ramps, and slides that are perfect for little ones!
9. Eastern Henrico Rec Center: Located in the East End, the layout of this play space is really great with little kids because the bathrooms, playground and splash park are next to each other. A fence surrounds most of the play space, protecting children from the road and parking lot (no gate though). The picnic shelter has full shade and a full view of the playground. The playground has a large sun shade that prevents the equipment from getting too hot on summer days. It also has soft flooring - huge plus with new walkers and little kids!
Heads Up: If you visit this playground while the splash park is on, your kids will probably run straight for the water. There are no barriers between the splash park and the playground.
10. Abner Clay Park: Located in the City of Richmond, Abner Clay Park is an urban green space with a brand new playground. This playground has equipment for big kids and little kids. It is the only playground in the area with a fire pole that moves up & down – my children love playing on the pretend fire truck and saving people using the fire pole. Richmond Fire Station 5 is also across the street, so you may see the real ones too.
Why I like it for babies and toddlers: The ADA flooring makes it accessible for all children, plus it’s a soft surface for babies to crawl & new walkers. The playground is completely fenced in with a gate!
11. Westhampton Green Park: Also known as Libbie Playground, this City of Richmond park is located between Granite Ave & Libbie Ave (519 Libbie Ave). While it’s nestled in a neighborhood, it has its own parking lot & street parking. We love this park because it’s fenced in. It was one of the places I could handle alone with a newborn & 2 year old! It is also in a great location.
Why I like it for babies and new walkers: While this playground is completely fenced in with a gate, it has plenty of green space for kids to run. It's got a little kid playground and baby swings. I also love the location - it's walking distance to Cameo Cakery (yummy treats & hot drinks) and The Bunny Hive (social club for littles & their grownups!).
*Check here for my full review.
12. Osborne Landing Park: Located in Eastern Henrico, Osborne Landing Park is on James River! At the first parking lot, you'll find a fenced in playground, two picnic shelters & a paved trail from the playground to the river. My littles love the water themed playground - the "boat" has slides & climbing areas. The playground flooring is a mix of mulch, ADA surface and sand. If you keep driving towards the river, you'll find the boat slip, canoe launch, fishing pier & swings with views of the river!
Heads up: This playground has full sun, and the equipment can get hot on summer days!
*Check here for a full review.
13. Grayland Tot Lot: Located in Carytown, this park has a *COMPLETELY RENOVATED* playground! The play space now has a turf surface with push toys including a cozy coop. It even has a playground for babies - think crawler to ~2 years old. There are plenty of thrills for preschoolers & big kids too! The 2 story play structure is designed for 5-12 years old & there’s one created for 2-5 year olds. The space net is close to the ground & provides low course challenges. And, the playground has *COMPLETE* shade and a *FENCE*!
Why I like it for babies and new walkers: This playground has complete shade, so you can visit anytime during the day or the year to play. I also love the turf surface - it's easy for babies to crawl and for new walkers to explore. It also has a playground just for babies. It's one of the few playgrounds that has something for a wide range of ages too.
*Check here for my review.
14. Thomas Jefferson Tot Lot: Located near Willow Lawn in the City of Richmond, this playground is COMPLETELY FENCED IN! The play space has 2 picnic tables and 2 benches, one set will have shade in the spring and summer. It has 4 baby swings, lots of push toys and toddler toys, and a playground. The playground has a slide, climbing features, and a space to play underneath -- it really reminds me of the Lombardy Triangle Park playground.
This playground has views of Thomas Jefferson High School, and there is a parking lot in front of it with street parking next to it.
Why I like it for babies and new walkers: This playground is completely fenced in with two gates - your kiddo cannot run away! I love that the community donates toys to this play space too - you will find a lot of ride on toys, push toys, and smaller Fischer Price plastic toys like an ice cream booth. Since this playground is tucked into a neighborhood, you could also add on a walk. The entire neighborhood has sidewalks, so it is stroller friendly.
I also really like church playgrounds and elementary school playgrounds. Almost all of these playgrounds are fenced in, and they have play structures geared towards little kids (children 6 and under). Most church playgrounds, however, do not have swings.
The biggest thing to keep in mind about visiting these private playgrounds is that they are usually closed during school hours or while the church uses them.
The Best Church Playgrounds around RVA with a Fenced Playgrounds:
*Most churches allow guests to use their bathrooms if they are open.
1. Third Church: Located in the West End, the arc playground is one of our favorites! It has a giant, wooden ship & wooden train plus a playground. It is completely fenced in, and it has a special area for toddlers. Third Church is walking distance from the Ridge Shopping Center - perfect for snacks after playing!
Heads up: This playground is off limits during church hours: Sunday 8-1, Tuesdays 9-noon & Wednesday 4-8.
*THIS PLAYGROUND IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING RENOVATIONS (from 8/15/23 - to current)*
*Check here for my full review.
2. All Saints Episcopal Church: This completely fenced-in playground is designed for walkers through 5 year olds. It also has some more thrilling areas for older kids. It was a lifesaver with two little ones 22 months a part because of the shade, the fence & the sand. Plus it’s an easy spot to visit after afternoon naps!
Bonus: This is where Miss Anne hosts her popular music and movement class for children 5 and younger. The fenced in playground is open regularly during the week, if the preschool isn't using it. Typically, families can use it between the 10am-11am music classes.
*Check here for a full review.
3. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church: This playground is completely fenced in, and it was made just for little kids. It has almost complete shade - great for summer days. It has a large sand play area with an outdoor kitchen. There are a couple playhouses and a mini-climbing wall. I also love that it is within walking distance to Gelati Celesti, Jack Brown's and Stella's.
Heads up: During the school calendar, this playground is closed to the public. It's open after 4pm on weekdays, all day Saturday, and after morning church on Sundays.
*Check here for a full review.
4. Mount Vernon Baptist Church: Located in Glen Allen, this is a fantastic play area for all ages! The playground is large with three different fenced in areas: one for babies & walkers, one for preschoolers and one for elementary schoolers. There’s also a large grassy space to play.
Heads up: The playground is closed to the public from 8-2pm on weekdays during the school year (September-May).
*Check here for a full review.
5. Derbyshire Baptist Church: It’s off Derbyshire Road, between Gaskins and Paraham. Since Derbyshire has a preschool, this play area is designed for walkers through 5 year olds that is completely fenced in with a gate. There are also 2 adjustable basketball hoops in the parking lot - my 5 year old loves to play here. A second playground with a large, climbing web and swings is next to the community garden, too. This playground is really nice for play dates (you’ll be the only ones there)!
Heads up: This playground is closed to the public during school hours (8am-3pm).
*Check here for my full review, and more pictures of this playground are in my "Fenced Playground" highlights.
6. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church: Located off Forest Ave., this amazing playground has complete shade and it is completely fenced in! It is a great spot for the 7 and under crowd, too. It has two sand play areas, a steep slide, a playground, two playhouses, a climbing structure and a bunch of regular swings. St. Matthew's playground is only closed to the public during preschool & church hours.
Heads up: This playground is closed to the public during school hours (8am-3pm).
7. Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church : This church is on the corner of West Franklin & Stafford Place. The playground is completely fenced in! The playground has shade in the afternoon, so save this one for after naps. It’s small, but perfect for the 6 & under crowd. It’s great for play dates or if you want to have a playground for just your group. Church playgrounds like this made life easier for me when I had 2 under 2! It’s also less than 3 minutes from Ukrop's & Christian's Pizza.
Heads up: This playground is closed to the public during school hours (8am-3pm).
*Check here for my full review.
8. Westover Hills Tot Lot: Located in Forest Hill, Westover Hills Methodist Church opens its playground to the community every day after 1. This tot lot is completely fenced in, making it very easy to parent solo with multiple kids. It's designed for children 2-10, but even babies would love the sand pit! The large playground, climbing tunnel, and spider web will keep big kids moving, even on hot days. It also has two big kid swings.
*The tot lot shares a parking lot with Tablespoon Bakery. Grab some treats after you play!
The Best School Playgrounds in Richmond with a Fenced Play Area:
Almost all elementary school playgrounds have a fence around them, but they do not have bathrooms available to the public. Check out the nearest school playground to you & let me know what you think!
1. Old Hundred Elementary School: This Chesterfield County elementary school has one of the best playgrounds we've seen, and it's completely fenced in! It has multiple play structures, including a large climbing web and a play area for little kids.
Heads up: this playground is full sun, so it gets hot on summer days!
2. Mary Munford Elementary School: Located in the City of Richmond, this is one of our favorite playgrounds because there are so many play spaces. It has two playgrounds, a climbing playset & lots of swings. There’s a giant picnic shelter, tennis courts, basketball courts, a large athletic field + exercise equipment. It's the perfect spot to visit on weekends and on school holidays - a great place to make friends!
Heads up: This park is closed to the public on school days until 4pm. Also, the fence does not completely enclose the play area. It only surrounds 3 of the 4 sides, mainly separating the play space from the street.
*Check here for a full review.
Looking for more playgrounds that are perfect for new walkers? Check here for my guide on playgrounds with thoughtful flooring.
Looking for a round up of the best and worst Richmond area parks with shade? Check out this post on The Best Shaded Parks in Richmond, Virginia
*For even more things to do with kids in Richmond, follow our family on @thewestendmom on Instagram!
Did your favorite fenced in playground make my list? If not, send me an email with all the details on it at megan@thewestendmom.com !