Dandelion Kids Blog

At Dandelion Kids, we’ve heard it all—from the “I-just-need-them-to-burn-some-energy” days to the “where can we go that has shade and bathrooms” kind of mood. So we put together this handy little list of our favorite local playgrounds with all the spots we (and you!) love taking our own kiddos to.

Let’s play!

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In the City

Blue Slide Park (Squirrel Hill)
Yes, that Blue Slide Park (thanks, Mac Miller). This playground is a local icon—and for good reason! It’s super shady, great for all ages, and the famous blue slide is still going strong. There’s also a big grassy hill for rolling, racing, or just laying in the sun.

Wightman Park (Squirrel Hill)
A beautifully redone spot with separate areas for little and big kids, a splash pad in summer, and fenced-in peace of mind. Bonus: it’s stroller-friendly and has a sweet little walking loop.

Mellon Park Playground (Point Breeze/Shadyside border)
Great for imaginative play, this playground is tucked behind the community center with a cool variety of structures. Plus, the lawn and nearby gardens are perfect for picnic lunches or cartwheels.

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South Hills

South Park Playground (South Park)
This one’s a big win—massive wooden structures, tons of open space, and right near trails and bathrooms. It’s perfect for mixed-age groups and full-on weekend adventures. The BMX track is nearby too, if you’re into that sort of thing!

Williamsburg Park (Mt. Lebanon)
A cozy neighborhood favorite. It’s nothing fancy, but the swings are great, and it’s got that laid-back vibe we love on a chill afternoon. There’s a big hill to run on and a paved path, so bring the bikes and scooters!

Country Club Playground (Mt. Lebanon)
Tucked away in Sunset Hills, this is one of my personal go to’s. It’s contained and small, but the kids are able to play here for hours.

Wiltshire Park (Upper St Clair)
A hidden gem! There’s a shallow creek to splash in, sand pit, splashpad and lots of climbing equipment, and trees galore. We love it for slower mornings when the kids just want to explore. Bring a change of clothes and towels!

Bethel Park Community Center Playground (Bethel Park)
Otherwise known as the playground by Reginalds Coffee! It offers a variety of play equipment suitable for children. There is also a nice gravel track nearby for walking and biking. Grab a coffee and a treat and set up for some play time.

Boyce Mayview Park/Casey’s Clubhouse (Upper St. Clair)
Modern, clean, and built to blend with nature. This spot has a unique play area with natural elements (think climbing boulders and logs), plus walking trails and an awesome rec center nearby.

Simmons Park (Bethel Park)
A neighborhood fave! Simmons has something for everyone—multiple play structures (including a big one for older kids and a tot-friendly one), swings galore, a big pavilion, and plenty of grassy space for running wild. Plus, the creek and zipline!

Rolling Hills Park (Peters Township)
If you want a mix of play, nature, and plenty of space to run around, Rolling Hills is worth a visit. Located on the site of a former golf course, the park has a super fun playground for both little ones and bigger kids. There are swings, slides, climbing equipment, and even a cool orange slide on the hill that’s a fan favorite.

Other noteable favorite: Iroquois Park in Mt. Lebanon and Dormont’s playgrounds when they are rebuilt!

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Beyond the South Hills!

Miracle League Playground (Moon Township)
Another inclusive standout! Fenced-in with soft surfaces, musical elements, and adaptive equipment—it’s bright, safe, and welcoming for all kinds of play.

Annie’s Field of Dreams (Fox Chapel)
This playground is so thoughtfully designed. Soft turf, wide ramps, sensory-friendly zones—it’s a space where everyone can play together. Definitely worth the trip.

That’s our current top list (for now!)—but we’re always on the hunt for new places to explore. Got a playground your kids love that’s not on this list? Tell us next time you’re in the shop—we’ll bring the snacks and check it out. Happy adventuring! We wish you many easy bedtimes after these visits.