Inspired by VancouverMom’s list of the Five Favourite Vancouver Playgrounds, which kicks off summer with some great playground options with some of the ‘top’ favourites (4 of which we have also tried!), I wanted to share with you my favourite North Vancouver Playgrounds. These playgrounds are not necessarily the most well known, but I consider them to be the best all-around playgrounds.
The Best North Vancouver Parks & Playgrounds
St. Andrews Park
This is hands-down the best playground in North Vancouver *for younger kids*, age 0-5. The fully-fenced park offers parents a bit more security about kids who like to run away (yes, I have one of those!), while offering a variety of play areas for young children: two sand areas, a younger play structure, a 4-7 play structure, a gravel area, and two swing areas. In the summer, there is a small water feature. The whole park has a perimeter path, perfect for push toys. Many families leave sand toys or push toys for play, though they sometimes end up broken. This is a busy park, popular for picnics in the summer too. Read about St. Andrews Park here.
This is my personal favourite in North Vancouver, though it is hard to find. The toddler section really was perfect for crawling/toddling babies, with lots of options and appropriate heights. The larger play structure offers challenges to older kids, and they truly love to chase each other around the structure. It was well designed. The large grassy area makes the park appealing for picnics. The only major drawback: no bathroom facility of any kind. Read more about Digger Park here.Digger Park
Heywood Park
This park is fairly new, bordering a calm river near Capilano Mall. The main attraction of this park is the zip line, which thankfully was rebuilt this Spring to be lower / safer, perfectly appropriate for age 3+. It’s a popular spot for the older kids too. There are two play structures, large and small, with lots of wooded open-ended structures and a sand pit. Of course, the stream holds its own appeal. Read more about Heywood Park here.
Cates Park
Cates Park is hugely popular in the Summer, with many events going on, so parking can be an issue on weekends. With large grassy areas, a somewhat sandy beach, good washrooms and a concession, it offers more than just a good playground. There are many play structure options, though the largest play structure has been in need of a major repair for a few months. Read more about Cates Park here.
Carisbrooke Park
This playground is also unknown to many, but offers the nostalgic charm of a merry-go-round, something I haven’t seen at any other local park. Paired with this is a huge play structure that connects the younger-structure to the larger one, offering a lot of possibilities for climbing and chasing. The park has a big hill that kids love to run / roll on, some nice shady areas for picnics, and some bushes for fort building, which my eldest just recently discovered. No washroom. Read more about Carisbrooke Park here.
For more North Vancouver Park & Playground reviews, check out my past posts. I make a point of reviewing several new parks every year, so if you think I’ve missed a gem, drop a comment!
Did you know North Vancouver has 5 water parks? Stay tuned for a review of all 5 next week.
