Washington Park Playground
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
45 min-1.5 hours (standalone); 2-3 hours with a Wash Park walk
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-10
About
Washington Park is one of Denver's great outdoor treasures, and the playground within it benefits from that setting in ways that make it stand out from typical neighborhood playgrounds. A 4.7 rating from 127 reviews reflects consistent family satisfaction — families are not just using it as a quick stop, they are returning.
The playground itself offers well-maintained equipment appropriate for ages 2-10, positioned within the park near the lake and mature trees. The immediate area has less shade than some Denver playgrounds, so bring sunscreen. But the broader park setting more than compensates — Washington Park (universally called 'Wash Park' by locals) has two lakes, paddle boat rentals in summer, a 1.
3-mile perimeter path that is fully paved and stroller-friendly, and vast open lawn spaces ideal for picnics, kite flying, and spontaneous family soccer games.
For families visiting Denver, Wash Park represents the gold standard of urban parks done right. The surrounding Wash Park neighborhood on S Gaylord St has excellent coffee shops and restaurants for a post-park meal. The park is open 7AM to 10PM daily — plenty of time for a morning playground session followed by a full park afternoon.
This is a free, always-open, high-quality family destination in one of Denver's most desirable neighborhoods. It belongs on every Denver family itinerary.
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
Weekday mornings; weekend mornings before the park fills with joggers and cyclists
Wait Times
No wait — free public playground
Nearby Food
Washington Park neighborhood has excellent cafes and restaurants on S Gaylord St and E Mississippi Ave within a 5-10 minute walk. The park itself does not have food vendors.
Why Kids Love It
Washington Park Playground sits within one of Denver's most beloved parks, giving kids the double benefit of quality playground equipment and the vast, beautiful green space of Wash Park surrounding it. The playground is well-maintained and the setting — with lake views, mature trees, and constant activity — makes it feel special in a way that a standalone playground simply cannot.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Washington Park is one of Denver's most-loved large parks — the playground is just the starting point
- The park has two lakes with paddle boat rentals in summer
- The perimeter path is 1.3 miles and very stroller-friendly — great for a post-playground walk
- Wash Park gets busy on weekend afternoons; come early or on a weekday morning
- Plenty of shaded spots around the park for picnics; no shade immediately at the playground
What to Bring
- Picnic blanket and food
- Sunscreen and hats
- Frisbee or kite for the open lawn
- Stroller if needed
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 (free public playground within Washington Park)
Tips to Save
- Completely free.
- Washington Park has one of Denver's best open lawns for picnics and kite flying — bring a blanket and lunch to extend the outing.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 7AM-10PM
- Monday
- 7AM-10PM
- Sunday
- 7AM-10PM
- Tuesday
- 7AM-10PM
- Saturday
- 7AM-10PM
- Thursday
- 7AM-10PM
- Wednesday
- 7AM-10PM