Ages 2 to 5,  Ages 5 to 12,  Nature Play Area,  Neighborhood Parks,  Parks,  Travel

4 Hidden Boulder Playgrounds You Should Visit this Fall

When we think about Boulder playgrounds, those that come to mind are the newly improved Scott Carpenter Park, Chautauqua Park, the “rock cave” park (Arapahoe Ridge Park) or the “one with the dinosaur” (East Boulder Community Park). There are days though where we’d all like a new view or a peaceful, quiet stop. Below is a list of four hidden Boulder playgrounds, perfect for a day you want something different.

How many have you been to? Leave us a comment and share your favorite hidden Boulder playground!

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Christensen Park

Address: 3100 Kings Ridge Blvd, Boulder, CO 80301

The playground at Christensen Park is near Valmont and Foothills Parkway, but you might never have known it was there. Hidden within the neighborhood, it has unique play elements and an area of nature play! The large playhouse (shown below) has ropes to climb within as well as a rubber belt climber delivering you to the top of a slide. Rubber surfacing makes it easily accessible for young toddlers and games of “family” are sure to take place with those adorable windows.

The nature play area has a seasonal water pump, log bridge and many rocks and logs to climb around. Visit this fall to enjoy the beautiful changing leaves!


Have you seen our new Slides and Sunshine journal and sketchbook?! ☀️ This is the perfect gift for the kiddos in your lives! There are prompts to write about 50 adventures (new playgrounds, family hike, road trip stops) and space to draw and remember favorite moments ❤️. Get yours here!


Wonderland Lake Park

Address: 601 Poplar Ave, Boulder, CO 80304

If your child loves the PBS character “Arthur”, they will love the playground at Wonderland Lake Park! You will need to park and walk a short distance to reach the play area but once there, the kids will be instantly in the fictional Elwood City.

I recommend this playground for ages 5 and under because the play structure is small and the additional features (large sandbox, tunnel, swings) are all for younger ages as well. For the parents, you will love the peaceful location near the North Boulder foothills and Wonderland Lake.

Crestview Park

Address: 1897 Sumac Ave, Boulder, CO 80304

As you approach Crestview Park, you will likely see the amazing playground at Crestview Elementary first. This is a wonderful bonus if you visit during non-school hours! The actual Crestview Park is located straight west from the school and will take a walk to get there.

Crestview playground has the whimsical treehouse shown below and long rope nets to climb. There is a sandbox with “Kidz Only” playhouse, nature play elements, and a pavilion with two tables. As another bonus, there is a small wildlife sanctuary to walk through between the playground and the school’s blacktop. Unfortunately, there is little shade and no restroom available.



Pineview Park

Address: 3530 Cloverleaf Dr, Boulder, CO 80304

A truly hidden playground can be found at Pineview Park as you can’t see it at all until crossing over the bridge. The playground has a natural theme with a large hollow tree as the main focal point, attached slide and clubhouse feel. There is a large boulder to climb and sandbox with a digger.

Tip: To add some adventure, take along an inner tube for the creek. When the water is at a good height/speed, local neighbors carry their tubes up the stream a couple of blocks and ride down!

Looking for more playgrounds in Boulder? Check out more Boulder playgrounds here!

Thanks for joining us at Slides & Sunshine. Now it’s time to get out there and PLAY!

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Hidden Boulder playgrounds

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