Houston Playground

used to go to Huston Playground every day as a kid, and it was such a great spot! I loved the trail that led into the woods but now it feels a bit different especially at night It’s definitely not as welcoming after dark during the day, it’s a nice place to visit if you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia.

I was amazed that during after school hours, the community center had volunteers that brought out equipment for youth boxing. Also, there was springs of water coming up from the ground. There are 2 play areas with swings and a climbing structure, one for toddlers & they other for elementary school-aged kids. The playground had nicely maintained courts: 2 hockey courts, basketball courts and tennis courts. A couple of baseball fields, a football field and perhaps nets for soccer and/or lacrosse. Behind the hockey court, is the start of the trail through Houston Meadow, which is approximately a mile and leads out to the Philadelphia Courtesy Stables. Usually the horses are out of their stalls grazing in the enclosed area. I took a left off the Houston Meadow Trail and it lead me to Forbidden Drive and associated trails. It was a great day.

2 somewhat run down play areas (2-5 y/o, and older kids.) The little kids playground has shade so that's where I took my kids. Too hot to play in the other one, and even the structure that was in the shade, the slide was way too hot to use. There was dog poo in the older kids playground and overall the play areas didn't seem well maintained. It's a shame because the spray pad seems so fun! Big field next to the playground to run around and easy street parking.

TL/DR: Don't go out of your way for a visit. So, I read all the great reviews. Drove 4 kids from West Philly. Disappointment of the summer. This place is BEAT with peeling paint and old, weathered everything. The play equipment was not very stimulating for the 4,6,7,& 8 year old. The 4 year old literally said "This place is a bummer". 😂 However, the fields were awesome if you're on a team. The view is green. The bathrooms function - yay! - but smell terrible (and I do not have very high standards). Saving Grace: Epic, wild nature right behind park! Forget the playground, check out the meadow and woods.

Tennis courts (2 with working but Jerry rigged nets) serve the need of hitting around. No lights and surrounded by tall trees. Bring bug spray.