FunKidsActivities

Long Gate Playground

5001 Meadowbrook Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA

Overview

Category:Best Outdoor Playgrounds
Location:Baltimore, MD

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Long Gate Playground offers a recently updated and diverse outdoor experience suitable for a wide range of ages, featuring new playground equipment, unique structures, and extensive recreational facilities beyond just play, including sports courts and walking paths. Its multi-area design helps cater to different developmental stages, ensuring most families can find an engaging activity.

Key Highlights

  • All new playground equipment (as per Review 1).
  • One playground structure is described as very involved and rather unique.
  • Dedicated play areas for different age groups: a 2-5 year old area and a 5-12 year old area.
  • Restrooms are available on-site and are currently open.
  • A large pavilion with tables and a grill provides a gathering/picnic spot.

Standout Features

  • New playground equipment recently installed by the county.
  • Two distinct playground structures, including one that is 'very involved & rather unique'.
  • Extensive recreational facilities: tennis courts, basketball courts, and multiple fields.
  • A nice walking path, including an incline for those seeking a harder workout.
  • A large pavilion with tables and a grill, which can be reserved or used as open seating.
  • Lots of slides available on the playground structures.
  • Parent seating available (though limited outside the pavilion).

Perfect For

Toddlers (2-5 years): Has a dedicated 2-5 year old play area. A 2.5-year-old loved both play areas.
Young Children (5-12 years): Features a dedicated 5-12 year old play area. One review noted a 10-year-old was 'getting old for the playground' but enjoyed other amenities.
Pre-Teens/Teens (10+): While the main playground may be less engaging for older kids, amenities like basketball courts, tennis courts, and walking paths offer alternatives. A 10-year-old specifically loved the basketball.
General: Review 5 states 'There’s something for all ages!'

Ideal For

Families with children of varied ages (e.g., a toddler and a pre-teen) due to age-specific play areas and other amenities.
Families looking for a park with diverse activities beyond just a playground (e.g., sports, walking).
Parents seeking a workout while kids play (walking path with incline).
Gatherings or picnics, utilizing the pavilion with tables and grill.
A casual outing where free play and varied recreation are desired.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • **Bring soap:** Review 4 noted bathrooms lacked soap, so come prepared.
  • **Manage expectations for equipment:** Be aware that some slides and play structures may be out of service due to ongoing updates or damage.
  • **No Swings:** If swings are a favorite for your child, this park does not have them.
  • **Consider alternative activities for older kids:** While the playground is great for younger children, older kids (10+) might find more enjoyment in the basketball or tennis courts, or the walking path.
  • **Utilize the pavilion:** It offers shade, seating, and a grill, making it ideal for picnics or breaks, especially since shade in play areas is limited.
  • **Sun Protection:** Due to limited shade, consider bringing hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses for both children and adults.
  • **Check reservation status for pavilion:** While the pavilion can be reserved, one review mentioned it might not be possible to reserve 'ahead of time', so inquire locally if you plan a specific event.

Things to Consider

  • No swings are available, which may disappoint children who favor them.
  • As of November 2023, 2 slides were out of service, and part of a play structure was blocked off due to damage, with unclear repair timelines.
  • Limited shade in the play areas and not much adult seating outside of the large pavilion.
  • Bathrooms lacked soap at the time of one review, despite being generally good.
  • The playground is not enclosed.

Price & Value

No pricing information was mentioned in the reviews, suggesting it is a free public park.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accessibility accommodations for individuals with special needs were mentioned in the reviews.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • Outside food is implicitly allowed and encouraged due to the presence of a pavilion with tables and a grill (reservable or open seating).

🚗Parking Info

  • Abundant free parking is available, shared with a park and ride area.

👥Crowd Levels

  • No specific crowd levels or busy times were explicitly mentioned, but 'lots of parking' suggests it can accommodate a fair number of visitors.

🛡️Safety Features

  • The playground is set back a good distance from the parking lot, which contributes to safety.
  • Newer equipment may offer improved safety standards.

When to Avoid

  • If your child's favorite activity is swinging, as this playground lacks swings.
  • If you require a fully shaded play area, as shade is limited.
  • If you expect all playground equipment to be fully functional and undamaged, as repairs might be ongoing or delayed.
  • If you prefer an enclosed playground for safety reasons.

Pricing/Package/Events

📅Booking Policy

  • Rental Information: Call 410-313-4626 for details

🚗Parking Information

  • Parking facilities available
  • Plenty of free parking
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Oct 1, 2025

What People Say

What's Great

  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 5 reviews)

Areas for Improvement

  • Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 6 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Marie Hakala

Marie Hakala

10 months ago

The kids loved this park. It has been a while since I was here. The county put in all new playground equipment. There are tennis courts, basketball courts and a nice path to walk. I enjoyed the path. Depending on what way that you go it can make the workout harder to do because of the incline.

Steven Dallwig

Steven Dallwig

in the last week

Great playground!! Only thing lacking are swings. (My grand-daughter’s favorite)

Hanna Adams

Hanna Adams

a year ago

Current status 11.12.23 2 slides out of service. Looks like they are slowly updating/ungrading some slides. Lots of parking and shared with a park and ride area. Has 2 playgrounds with a 2-5 area and 5-12 area. No swings but has basketball and tennis courts and areas for walking. Then there are fields in the way back. There is a pavilion with tables and a grill that you can reserve or just sit in if not reserved. My 10 yr olds are getting old for the playground but love the basketball. My 2.5 yr old loves both play areas. Restrooms on site and aren't closed as of yet!

Meghan McDonald Carlson

Meghan McDonald Carlson

2 years ago

Playground includes 2 structures, one of which is very involved & rather unique. There’s not a ton of shade or adult seating besides a large pavilion (You cannot reserve ahead of time, fyi.) Bathrooms 👍🏼 but no soap 👎 Tennis courts & some trail (didn’t explore) Part of play structure is blocked off due to damage, not clear if repair will happen 🫤 While playground is not enclosed, it is set back from parking lot some, which helps!

Joanne Conary

Joanne Conary

2 weeks ago

Best park! My girls love it! There’s something for all ages! There’s a lot of sides, seats for parents and bathrooms.

Contact Information

5001 Meadowbrook Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA

View on Google Maps

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.7
Total Reviews593
Recent Reviews5