5 Must-Visit Playgrounds in Greater Parkersburg

From swings and slides to climbing walls and zip lines, parks and playgrounds keep kids active, provide great opportunities to meet old friends and make new ones, and best of all, they're FREE!

I often get asked about our favorite playgrounds, so I wanted to share my family's top five picks for parks, from Belpre to Williamstown. Since every family has different needs, I made sure to check out which places have changing tables, accessible bathrooms, and other features that parents appreciate. You're welcome! Do you have a favorite playground you want featured? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at karinnee@macaronikid.com.

1. Spencer Park

704 28th St, Vienna, WV 26105

Our family's top pick in Greater Parkersburg is Spencer Park Playground in Vienna. With one small play area and plenty of seating, Spencer Park Playground is the perfect place for a toddler, preschool, or kindergarten playdate. There are two large bench swings, a gazebo, three benches, and a picnic table where you can sit and watch the kids play.

Spencer Park Playground is our top pick for parents because the playground equipment is newer, the bathrooms are clean and in great shape, the water fountain works (in the summer), and there is a baby changing table in the accessible bathroom stall of the women's restroom.

Spencer Park also has a bike rack and air pump, making it a great place for older kids to ride their bikes and shoot some hoops.

2. Parkersburg City Park

1920 Park Ave., Parkersburg, WV 26101

Parkersburg City Park, often called City Park, is a super fun playground for families with kids of all ages. The main section features the newest and largest play structure, complete with a climbing wall and four exciting slides. Right next to it, there's a toddler playground with a slide that’s perfect for the little ones. There's also a little play village for preschoolers, and if you get bored, you can always take a stroll around the park lake or play tag or football in front of the bandshell.

One of the highlights of City Park Playground is its wheelchair-accessible play area, including a ramp that leads to a fun rocking boat. There’s also a second area with swings for both toddlers and bigger kids. However, the park does not have a working water fountain (there's a vending machine next to the police substation). Another downside is that the restrooms could definitely use some upgrades—they have a changing table, but it doesn't work. The bathrooms are quite a walk from the playground, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead!

3. Jackson Park

1605 34th St, Vienna, WV 26105

Jackson Park Playground, one of the largest in the MOV area, offers a variety of activities and new equipment for kids of all ages. The playground features swings for older kids, numerous slides, a climbing dome, and a spring surfboard. There is also a full-size outdoor fitness area for adults. Nearby amenities include basketball courts, a paved walking path, a large shelter with picnic benches, and a wheelchair-accessible workout area. If your child enjoys climbing, this playground is perfect for them. The restrooms are conveniently located near the main play area and are wheelchair accessible, although they are not open on holidays and lack changing tables. Keep in mind that the park can be quite busy around Jackson Middle School's start and end times.

4. Tomlinson Park

100 W Seventh St, Williamstown WV 26187

Tomlinson Park Playground is a favorite for families in Williamstown and Marietta. It features six slides, a tornado swing, seated spinner swings, and the only seated merry-go-round on this list, making it our top pick for kids on a sensory diet. As a parent, I love the beautiful, mature trees and the sunset views at this park. As for the facilities, the bathrooms in Tomlinson Park are clean but not accessible to the mobility-impaired. Be aware that the park has an emergency response alarm that sounds whenever there's a local emergency, at noon, and at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. If your child is sensitive to loud noises, consider bringing noise-canceling headphones or plan your visit around the alarm times.

5. Civitan Park

1508 Blennerhassett Ave, Belpre, OH 45714

Civitan Park Playground in Belpre is a large park with three play structures, a working see-saw, and a lovely paved walking path that's great for walking with a stroller. While the playground equipment and facilities are in fair condition, I can't think of a better place to get your steps in while the kids play. The park is large and spread out across multiple areas. It's also the only playground with a river view.

We hope this list of our favorite playgrounds and parks in and around Parkersburg helps you find—or rediscover!—some fun places for your family to explore. Now get those kids out to play!