Nature Playground at 39th Ave Greenway
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
45 min-1.5 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-10
About
The Nature Playground at 39th Ave Greenway is a gem of a discovery for North Denver families — a purposefully designed nature play installation alongside Denver's greenway trail network that prioritizes open-ended, exploration-based play over prescribed equipment.
The play space features natural materials: boulders to scramble, log elements to balance on, and terrain that invites children to make up their own games rather than follow a fixed play path. This type of nature-play design has become increasingly common in Denver's park system and is backed by solid developmental research about how unstructured outdoor play benefits children.
Its location along the 39th Ave Greenway makes it a natural waypoint for families biking the trail system. Pack bikes, ride the greenway, stop at the nature playground for 45 minutes, then continue the ride. For non-cycling families, the playground is worth a standalone visit for the unique play environment.
The site has a 4.7 rating with a small but consistently positive review base. There are no restrooms or water fountains immediately on-site, so plan accordingly. The North Denver and Clayton neighborhoods nearby have coffee and dining options for a post-play stop.
Completely free, always open, and one of the more distinct outdoor play experiences in Denver's parks system.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning before the sun gets intense; accessible anytime
Wait Times
No wait — free public playground
Nearby Food
The North Denver and Clayton neighborhoods nearby have coffee shops and casual dining. No food vendors directly at the playground.
Why Kids Love It
The Nature Playground at 39th Ave Greenway is a thoughtfully designed outdoor play space along Denver's greenway trail corridor with natural play elements — boulders, logs, and nature-inspired structures — that encourage exploration-based play. Its location along the greenway trail makes it a natural stop on a family bike ride or trail walk through North Denver.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Located along the 39th Ave Greenway trail — bring bikes and make it part of a trail ride
- Natural play elements reward creative, open-ended exploration rather than structured play
- Small and relatively quiet — a good option for families seeking a less-crowded alternative to busier Denver playgrounds
- No restrooms or water fountains immediately on-site — plan accordingly
- Best combined with a neighborhood walk through the Bennett/Clayton neighborhood
What to Bring
- Water and snacks
- Bikes if using the greenway trail
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable play clothes
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 (free public nature playground)
Tips to Save
- Completely free.
- The 39th Ave Greenway trail connects to other Denver parks — use it for a longer biking or walking outing.
