The Jacksonville area is lucky to have so many great parks and playgrounds for kids. My kids have swung, spun, and raced through many of them ... and definitely have their favorites!
Here’s a list of our family’s top three favorite parks and playgrounds in the Jacksonville area and the reasons we love them:
Our # 1 Favorite is..... can I get a drum roll please.......
Park Name: Hammocks Beach State Park
Location: 1572 Hammock Beach Road Swansboro, NC 28584
Features: Full service Visitor Center with restrooms, a small educational exhibit, covered pavilion with picnic tables, launch site for canoes, paddleboards or kayaks (bring your own or rent one), ferry service to Bear Island which is a 3 mile long undeveloped barrier island (park ferry service closed in off season but still accessible via paddleboard, canoe or kayak), campsites on Bear Island, concession stand that is open on Bear Island in the Summer months, beautiful marshland between island and mainland, lots of free events and classes year round
What My Kids Love: My son loves the wildlife both on land and in water. He also loves the classes the Park Rangers teach.
What I Love: It would be very hard for me to narrow this down to 1 or 2 things but I will try..... I really enjoy the ferry service in the Summer to Bear Island it has breathtaking views the whole way and is very well priced! The other thing I love is the free events they offer! They have them quite frequently year-round, they are not only informative they are appropriate for all ages.
There is no playground at this park which could be a downfall for some families but personally, for us all the other great amenities outweigh it not having a playground.
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Click HERE for more information on Hammocks Beach State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park Facebook Page
#2
Park name: Swansboro Recreation Center
Location: 830 State Rd 1447, Swansboro, NC 28584
Features: Covered Picnic Tables, Recreation Center, Restrooms, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, Skateboarding Park, Large Soccer Field, Small Trail Partially Paved, Splash Pad Coming Soon, So Much Playground Equipment, Concession Stand, Dog Park
What my kids love: The new swings, the tall climbing structure that we call the "Spider Web", and alot of the other playground equipment.
What I love: I love that they have alot of free events there and there are some great updates that they have done recently like adding some really cool playground equipment as well as the Splash Pad that hopefully will open this season. I will keep you guys updated on the Splash Pad since it is a great new addition to the community. Also, I won't even try to hide the fact that I personally have tested all the new playground equipment!
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Click HERE to find more information on Swansboro Municipal Park
Swansboro Municipal Park Facebook Page
#3
Park Name: Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex
Location: 100 Recreation Ln, Jacksonville, NC 28546
Features: Gymnasium, Adult Center, Skate Park, Tennis Courts, Soccer Fields, Ball Field, Playground, Amphitheater, Meditation Labyrinth, Nature Trail, Restrooms, Covered Picnic Tables (you can rent them), Garden Of The States. Richard Ray Park is connected with this park as well.
What My Kids Love: The hiking trail
What I Love: I really enjoy the Mediation Labyrinth, it is kept up with and it's something that makes it stand out from other parks in the area.
Click HERE for more information on Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex
Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex Facebook Page
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That’s our family’s top 3 list for favorite parks and playgrounds in the Jacksonville area, but I bet your kids have their own favorites! Let me know what’s on your family’s list for Jacksonville’s best parks and playgrounds by sharing it on our Macaroni Kid Jacksonville Facebook Page or email me anytime at LisaHamilton@macaronikid.com
I’ll be doing more Jacksonville playground and park reviews in the future, so I would love to have your input!
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