When it comes to playgrounds in Boone, it can be a bit difficult to find options other than Tot Lot. But if you know where to look, there are a few other great options around town!
Tot Lot is by far the largest and most popular, Junaluska City Park and North Street Park are closest to downtown Boone, Boone Jaycee Park pairs perfectly with Farmers’ Market visits, Hardin Park Elementary could be a great option on weekends, and you can’t beat the views at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park.
And if you’re going to be traveling outside of Boone city limits, there are some other playground options for you as well. Valle Crucis Community Park is worth spending a half day at, Blowing Rock City Park is located right in downtown Blowing Rock, Green Valley Community Park is close to river adventures, West Jefferson Municipal Park is walking distance to downtown West Jefferson, and Tate-Evans Park has free summer concerts on Thursdays.
Playgrounds in Boone, NC
Tot Lot
- Location: 231-299 Complex Dr, Boone, NC 28607
- Distance from downtown Boone: 2.3 miles
- Pros: At the Greenway, Big Kid and Little Kid Sections, Fenced In
- Cons: Busy, Portable Toilets, Exposed
The Tot Lot is the most popular playground in Boone - for better or for worse. It shares a parking lot with the Greenway, which is a paved walking and biking path for all to enjoy. But that does mean that there’s ample parking available.
We often start with a bike along the Greenway, a play in the creek, and end with a play at Tot Lot. At the entrance to the Greenway, there are picnic pavilions and some portable toilets available.
As far as amenities go, Tot Lot offers play structures for big kids and little kids, as well as regular, baby, and adaptive swings. There is a pavilion with picnic benches, a gated fence, and a short paved path around the perimeter with some rundown bikes, scooters, and other ride on toys for all kids to use.
There is almost always someone to play with, but in busy times it can get pretty crowded. And the playground tends to be pretty exposed to both sun and wind, so dress accordingly!
Junaluska City Park
- Location: 135 Bear Trail, Boone, NC 28607
- Distance from downtown Boone: 0.5 miles
- Pros: Shaded, Quiet, Close to Town, Seasonal Bathroom
- Cons: Not Toddler Friendly
It’s possible to walk to Junaluska from downtown. Being a mountain town, though, the walk is straight up so little legs may get tired.
The playground at Junaluska is geared more toward older kids, which means there are big slides, “big kid” swings, and tall platforms that aren’t accessible to parents’ arms from the ground.
That being said, it’s a bit of a hidden gem and can provide a bit of respite after being in town. The playground is nicely shaded by trees, and there’s even a short walking trail in the woods behind the playground.
Also available is a large field (that can get quite soggy if it rained recently), a basketball court, a covered picnic pavilion, and seasonally open bathrooms.
Junaluska City Park shares a parking lot with the Watauga American Legion Post #130, so don’t get confused when you drive up - you’re in the right spot.
Boone Jaycee Park
- Location: 728 Horn in the W Dr, Boone, NC 28607
- Distance from downtown Boone: 1.1 miles
- Pros: Big Kid and Little Kid Sections, By the Farmer’s Market, Fenced In, Bathrooms
- Cons: Can be busy on Farmer’s Market days
Boone Jaycee Park is located right by Horn in the West and the summer Saturday Farmer’s Market. So after you’ve stocked up on local produce and baked goods, your kiddos can have a play while you sip on your coffee.
Jaycee Park features a big kids section, a little kids section, regular and baby swings, a sand box, and a covered picnic pavilion. There are dedicated parking spots just for the playground, so even if you aren’t headed to the farmers’ market, you should still be able to find a parking spot.
The playground is fenced in (without a closeable gate, though), and has bathrooms available across the road. It has a large grassy area that could be perfect for kicking a ball around as well.
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park
- Location: 285 Mountain Bike Wy, Boone, NC 28607
- Distance from downtown Boone: 3.3 miles
- Pros: Great views, Quiet, Access to Mountain Bike Trails, Bathrooms
- Cons: Big Kids Only
A mountain bike park may not be your first instinct for finding a playground in Boone, which is probably why Rocky Knob remains a bit of a hidden gem. There isn’t much around it, other than mountain bike trails of course. But it has some pretty great views of the mountains.
The playground is geared more toward big kids, and there aren’t any swings available. But there are bathrooms, a covered picnic shelter, and plenty of parking available.
Hardin Park Elementary School
- Location: 361 Jefferson Rd, Boone, NC 28607
- Distance from downtown Boone: 1.6 miles
- Pros: A lot of play structure options
- Cons: Weekends only, no bathroom
Hardin Park Elementary School has a playground in Boone that is available to the public on weekends. Even during the summer, they have programs that keep the playground from being used by the public on weekdays.
It has a pretty extensive play structure in the front, and some additional play structures if you walk around to the back of the building. The back of the building has monkey bars and other “big kid” structures that the front playground doesn’t offer.
It’s close to Lowe’s Foods, so if you’re visiting and need to stock up on food for your trip, one of you could let the kids get the crazies out while the other one shops.
North Street Park
- Location: 185 North St, Boone, NC 28607
- Distance from downtown Boone: 0.4 miles
- Pros: Close to downtown, Fenced In
- Cons: Small, No Bathroom, Limited Parking
North Street Park is the least known playground in Boone, and it’s the smallest. It has a few swings and a small play structure. It’s fenced in and offers a few uncovered picnic tables. It’s incredibly close to downtown, and is usually a quiet respite from town.
There aren’t any bathrooms, and parking spots can be limited - but that shouldn’t be an issue if you’re walking from town. So if you’re in town and want to find a quiet place to eat your lunch from Wildwood Community Market, North Street Park could be a fun place to take a break.
For another option, The Children’s Playhouse also has an outdoor play area for little ones. The Children’s Playhouse is a mini children’s museum with activities like art, pretend play, a climbing wall, and outdoor play for kids up to age 7. There is an admission fee and they are usually only open Tuesdays - Saturdays. You can find more information in this article or on their website
Playgrounds Outside of Boone in the High Country
Blowing Rock City Park
- Location: 1040 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
- Distance from downtown Boone: 8.6 miles
- Pros: Proximity to downtown Blowing Rock, Bathrooms
- Cons: Often crowded
If you’re headed to Blowing Rock for a bit of shopping, you can’t really go wrong with Blowing Rock City Park. It’s right in downtown Blowing Rock, parking is free, and the large play structure is good for all ages. Slides, swings, climbing walls, and bridges. There’s something for every kid.
There’s always a friend to play with, but that also means it isn’t exactly a restful place for adults. It’s a buzzing place, especially in the summer. But like I said, it’s the perfect place to visit when the kids tire of shopping or when you’re waiting for your table for lunch.
Valle Crucis Community Park
- Location: 2892 Broadstone Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604
- Distance from downtown Boone: 7.9 miles
- Pros: Range of activities, Bathrooms, Large size, Peaceful setting
- Cons: Distance from town
Valle Crucis Community Park can easily become a full days’ activity. There is a large walking and biking path the goes around the entire park, some hiking trails through a field, a creek to play in, multiple play structures, and huge fields for playing soccer or other sports. Even though it’s popular on the weekend, this park is so huge that it never feels overly crowded.
There are a few covered pavilions, though on the weekends they are often rented out for parties. There are also multiple sets of bathrooms available around the park. And it’s right near the original Mast General Store. Fancy a coffee? Valle Crucis Lavender House is just across the street and serves Hatchet Coffee beans. And if you’re in the mood for a drink and a snack after the park play, Valle Tavern and Barnyard at Mast Farm Inn is about a quarter of a mile down the road.
A quick note that on the weekends they do ask for a donation for entry. The recommended donation is something around $5 per car. So if you come on the weekends, have a little cash on hand!
Green Valley Community Park
- Location: 3896 Big Hill Rd, Todd, NC 28684
- Distance from downtown Boone: 10.3 miles
- Pros: Proximity to River Activities, Bathrooms, Quiet
- Cons: Out of the way, Exposed to sun
Green Valley Community Park is a bit out of the way. But if others in your group are river tubing or kayaking with Wahoo’s Adventures, you may find yourself just down the road.
It is a smaller park, but has a little bit of everything you would want. It has regular swings, baby swings, large and small slides, a covered picnic pavilion, and bathrooms. There are also some walking trails that lead down to a grassy field by the river.
The park is very well maintained, and is almost never busy. Pair that with being surrounded by nature, and it could be the perfect retreat when you just need to breathe a little.
West Jefferson Municipal Park
- Location: 201 S Church, West Jefferson, NC 28694
- Distance from downtown Boone: 24.7 miles
- Pros: Proximity to downtown West Jefferson, Large Park
- Cons: Distance from Boone
West Jefferson Municipal Park doesn’t have the most updated playground equipment, but it’s a large park that has a little something for everyone. It’s certainly a nice place to relax and play if you find yourself in West Jefferson. It’s close to downtown while being removed from any busy-ness of downtown.
Tate-Evans Park
- Location: 210 Park Ave, Banner Elk, NC 28604
- Distance from downtown Boone: 16.3 miles
- Pros: Close to downtown Banner Elk, Large park, Free Thursday Summer Concerts
- Cons: Distance from Boone
At Tate-Evans Park, you feel like you’re in nature while still being close to downtown Banner Elk. The playground equipment is well maintained, there are bathrooms, a walking path, and plenty of grassy areas to play. The main draw to Tate-Evans Park are often the free summer concerts on Thursday evenings. And don’t worry, the playground is just behind the stage! So you can enjoy the live music while pushing your little one on the swing.
If you're in Boone and looking for some other family-friendly activities, you may want to check out these articles as well: