Below is a list of shaded playgrounds for those unbearably hot days when the kids need to run off energy.
Grandview Drive Park is our summer favorite. The play structure, swings, sandbox, & picnic area are completely shaded under towering trees. Plus, there are restrooms nearby. The park is located near the intersection of Grandview Dr & Reservoir in Peoria Heights.
Glen Oak Park Playground behind the park office building is great for kindergarteners & younger. The playground, picnic area, sandbox, & swings are shaded well.
Detweiller Park near the Dogwood shelter has the playground & picnic area shaded. There are also restrooms.
Grandview Drive Park #2 is on Grandview Drive & Rt 29 at the bottom of the hill. There are swings & a picnic area that are shaded well. I didn’t realize this playground existed, until a friend was at this park, and I was at the other Grandview Park.
The Giant Sliding Board Playground at Wildlife Prairie State Park is well shaded. Besides the 58 foot sliding board, there are swings & a climbing structure. This playground is walking distance to their train depot and train playroom. While you’re at the park, the shaded nature walk & center are a nice way to stay cool. Park admission fees apply.
My other mommy friends suggest these additional shaded playgrounds: Laura Bradley Park, Mineral Springs Park in Pekin, Shore Acres Park in Chillicothe, & Robinson Park in Mossville/Peoria.
Besides the shaded playgrounds to keep cool, refer to the Water Fun in the Tri-counties Blog for more ideas.