We are lucky in South Bend, Elkhart and surrounding areas to have so many great playgrounds and parks to explore. From swings to slides, water features, and beautiful scenery, the parks and playgrounds around our area keep my kids active, are a great place to meet old friends (and make new! friends), and they're FREE or cheap to go to!
I often get asked what our favorite playgrounds are, so I thought I'd share here with you my family's picks for our top five playgrounds and parks to visit in South Bend, Elkhart, and surrounding areas.
These parks are not placed in any particular rating order:
Central Park
295 E Mishawaka Ave
Mishawaka, Indiana
What we love about Central Park:
In our eyes, this is the best park in Mishawaka, Indiana. There is a lot to offer for your family, especially one a hot day, the splash pad comes in handy! The playground can be packed at times, but it is worth going to.
Amenities at Central Park:
Newly renovated Central Park has playground equipment, lighted tennis court, lighted basketball court, 5 pavilions, picnic tables/grills, access to Mishawaka Riverwalk, splash pad, fishing access or pier. Discover the fascination of fish making their way upstream on the fish ladder - at the north end of the dam. Handicap-accessible fishing is available along the entire river wall.
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Ox Bow County Park
23033 County Road 45
Goshen
What we love about Ox Bow County Park:
While this park does cost to get in (if you are driving), it has a lot to offer! If you are biking or walking into the park with your family then entry is FREE! Our family loves the scenery of the park. It's beautiful and has several different hiking trails and is a great place to go for a family picnic.
Amenities at Ox Bow County Park:
If you’re looking for a park to explore and play all day, you’ve come to the right place. Ox Bow County Park offers countless ways to make the most out of your visit–from nature programs and woodland hikes to archery and disc golf, you’ll be spoiled for choice on what to do next.
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Island Park
320 N Main Street
Elkhart
What we love about Island Park:
This is a wonderful park near the downtown Elkhart area. Our family loves coming here to walk and look out at the water. There is plenty to do here!
Amenities at Island Park:
Island Park is a beautiful green space. In the summer you are likely to see river turtles sun bathing on the rocks and ducks with a string of ducklings floating behind them. Island Park is a great place to take your friends for a weekend cookout, or bring the entire family for a reunion and utilize its many amenities: a gazebo, a bandstand, a picnic area with charcoal grills, a playground, and a sand volleyball court. It’s always an excellent place to walk, run, or bike, with a paved trail encompassing the island.
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Howard Park
219 S. St. Louis Blvd
South Bend
What we love about Howard Park:
Howard Park is our choice for South Bend. Our family loves this park! They have huge playground and large splash pad for the kids.
Amenities at Howard Park:
One of South Bend’s most active parks, Howard Park has some of the best amenities. First of all, they have a state-of-the-art playground area that is over 13,000 square feet. It's huge, beautiful, and relatively new. The family fountains feature interactive water fountains and jets. One of the best features is you can order food at Howard Park. The Chocolate Café Express is a concession stand that serves the park year round. It’s specialty is hot chocolate during winter.
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